Sacraments and opportunities for prayer are readily available:
Chapel
The Blessed Sacrament is reserved on campus in the school chapel. Time spent with the Blessed Sacrament will help the student to build a prayerful and ever-deepening relationship with Christ. For this reason, and because the Church strongly recommends her members to make these visits, every student is encouraged to visit and spend time with the Blessed Sacrament before and after school, or during breaks. In addition, periodic class visits to the chapel are scheduled into the calendar during the school year.
Celebration of the Eucharist
As the source and summit of the Christian life, the Celebration of the Eucharist is a central part of school life at Canyon Heights Academy. Students attend Mass weekly by age grouping. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the class Masses. Masses are also held on feast days and other special occasions. Students will be encouraged to participate in various aspects of the Mass such as reading or serving. This active participation helps young people live out this sacred mystery and grow in their faith life.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from the guilt and burden of our sins and offers sanctifying grace, thus deepening our relationship with Christ. The sacrament is highly encouraged and is formally available to students who have received their First Reconciliation during scheduled adoration visits, other announced times, and by appointment during non-school hours.
The Liturgical Year
Canyon Heights Academy pays special
attention to the various liturgical seasons within the
Church such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and
Easter. The special events at the school aim to
continually nurture the school community's love for the
Christ and His Church.
The school celebrates liturgical feast days such as All Saint's Day (November 1), Feast of Christ the King (November), the anniversary of the Pope's election, and the major Marian feast days. Specific details on feast day celebrations are sent home in advance. Parents and students are encouraged to take an active part in living the liturgical year with the Church through the activities and celebrations organized by the school.
Sacramental Preparation
Students receive sacramental preparation at Canyon Heights, but first sacraments are received through local parishes. In appropriate sacramental years, students at Canyon Heights Academy are given supplemental encouragement, support and information to enhance their parish experience. Parents are also asked to coordinate with their particular parish with regard to any other preparation required by the parish for students who are enrolled in Catholic schools.