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.  This 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. 

SCHOOL MASSES
-All school Masses are held on the first Friday of every month at 9:00AM.
-Lower School students will celebrate Mass every Wednesday at 9:00AM.
-Students have the opportunity to attend daily Mass at 7:30AM in the Boys’ Chapel.
-The Mass schedule is posted on the school calendar.

SCHOOL RETREATS
One of the essential aspects of formation at Gateway Academy is the school retreat. These retreats give our students an extended period of time in which they can bond together and when our spiritual formation can truly sink in.  They have proven to be a wonderful way for the students to deepen their friendship with Christ and with each other.

These retreats are a fundamental part of our formation program, but they are not unique to Gateway Academy.  The Church has encouraged them for centuries, part of her bi-millennial experience that teaches how to attain lofty spiritual goals.  Their mandatory nature and the fact that we are using school days and a portion of the activity fee to have them serve to remind us all that integral formation is at the essence of Gateway Academy’s mission.

Every Middle School and High School student is required to participate in the school-sponsored retreat during the year.  The dates of the retreats are listed on the master calendar.  Specific details on the retreat will be sent home in advance and permission slips need to be signed by the parent.

SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Spiritual guidance is a means to help souls make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and progress in their Christian life.  Spiritual direction is offered to students in 4th grade and above by Legionary chaplains, or formation instructors who may be Legionary brothers or consecrated members of Regnum Christi.  As formators of souls, the spiritual guide works together with the Holy Spirit to help each individual discern and fulfill God’s will in each of the stages of his life.  “Spiritual direction is very important, as it touches the depths of a person’s soul and helps open it to God’s grace.  (Guide for Catechists #28, Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, 1993)

The Legionaries of Christ and the consecrated members of Regnum Christi are also available for any parents, faculty or staff members who would like to receive spiritual guidance.



CHAPEL
The Blessed Sacrament is reserved on campus in the Boys’ & Girls’ chapel. When entered into earnestly, adoration of 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.  Parents are free to visit the chapel during the course of the school day.



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 Gateway Academy.  Celebration of the Eucharist is offered daily at 7:30 am in the Boys’ Chapel. All parents and students are invited and encouraged to attend. Masses are held on Wednesdays, First Fridays, and other special occasions. Periodically throughout the year, students will be invited to participate during school hours as a class in the Celebration of the Eucharist. During these celebrations, students will be encouraged to participate in various aspects of the Mass such as lecturing or serving. This active participation helps young people live out this sacred mystery and grow in their faith life.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Students receive sacramental preparation at Gateway, but First sacraments are received through local parishes.  In appropriate sacramental years, students at Gateway Academy are given supplemental encouragement, support and information to enhance their parish experience.

DAILY COMMUNION SERVICE
While a communion service does not replace the celebration of the Eucharist, it is an opportunity for students to come together in prayer, listen to the Word of God, and share communion. For parents and students who are unable to attend Mass, the chaplain offers Daily Communion Service before lunch. These services are open to anyone who has made their First Communion.