Spiritual Life
Nurturing the Spiritual Life
Catholicism is central to our mission. For this reason, every school day begins with Mass. We are blessed to attend daily mass at the parish of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, where confession is offered before and after every mass. Our Latin class is taught by a priest of the Canons Regular. We teach theology out of the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and papal documents. Other important ways we live the faith include twice yearly retreats, practice of Catholic devotions, celebrations of liturgical Feast Days, opportunities to pray in church during lyceum, modest and wholesome extracurricular activities, and having sacred art and crucifixes adorn the halls and classrooms.
Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi
This March 2024, our juniors and seniors had the opportunity to travel to Rome and Assisi with Fr. Nathan Caswell SJC. This trip is a capstone event that crowns our curriculum, and makes manifest so much of what we are trying to teach. As such, it is an experience that we are hope to offer every two years to rising juniors and seniors, so that eventually every student will have the chance to go.
House System
Chesterton Academy’s House system is drawn from the 1,000 year-old tradition of Christian education exemplified in the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge. The Houses provide real, tangible community within the larger school, giving students the opportunity to take ownership, fulfill the call to leadership, and to cultivate the ideal conditions for virtue.
The White Horse Cup
The Houses of Chesterton Academy are engaged in continual competition for the White Horse Cup, which is awarded each year to the House with the most points at the end of the year.
House Names
Houses are named for the four saints (two from the West, two from the East) who support the Chair of Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
About the House Saints
Augustine | House colors: blue and gold
St. Augustine (November 13, 354-August 28, 430), the bishop of Hippo, was both a philosopher and theologian, as well as an influential church leader in north Africa. He framed the concept of original sin and related teachings on divine grace, free will, and predestination, as well as the theory of the just war. His works remain among the most influential in Christian history.
Ambrose | House colors: grey and gold
St. Ambrose (c. 338-April 4, 397) was the bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the fourth century. He promoted the rights of the church in relation to the imperial state and is counted as one of the four original Doctors of the Church. He was also the teacher of Saint Augustine.
Athanasius | House colors: blue and white
St. Athanasius (c. 293-May 2, 373), also known as St. Athanasius the Great, was a theologian who later became the patriarch (“pope”) of Alexandria, a leader of immense significance in the theological battles of the fourth century. He is best remembered for his role in the conflict with Arianism, although his influence covers a vast array of theological topics.
Chrysostom | House colors: gold and red
St. John Chrysostom: John Chrysostom (c. 347-c. 407), archbishop of Constantinople, is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of the abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, his ascetic sensibilities, and his violent opposition to paganism. He is particularly honored in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Athletics
Chesterton Academy of the Immaculate Heart relies upon parent volunteers and coordinates with other local private school teams as part of our sports program. Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit we encourage sports at every level and seek to build upon our initial offerings so that we may provide a strong athletic program. Below are the programs being offered for 2024-25:
Fall Sports
Women’s Volleyball
Men’’s Soccer
Co-ed Fencing Club
Winter Sports
Men’s Basketball
Ladies Basketball
Co-ed Fencing Club
Spring Sports
Co-ed Fencing Club
Clubs & Activities
We encourage our students to start clubs and activities with a selected staff moderator.
Clubs & Activities
Yearbook Club
Sewing Club
Fencing Club
Music
Advent Lessons and Carols
Spring Concert
Faith & Service
Rosary
Culture of Life
Retreats & Local Pilgrimages
