We value kindness and empathy in our relationships and actions, and our house system is one way we put that into practice.
Stemming from a concept created by schools in England, every student is sorted into a House where they will remain for all of their Lourdes years. Houses generally meet three times a month for activities centered on relationship building, service, and teamwork.
The benefits of a house system are the enhanced opportunities to build relationships with students and teachers, a sense of community in being part of a smaller family within one large school, and for every student to have an adult advocate to provide guidance when needed.
Each elementary student is paired with an older prayer buddy, which ends up being the sweetest relationship in our entire school, who sits with them at Mass, visits their classroom for reading, and in general serves as a good mentor. Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in planning for meetings and events as part of the House Council.
Each of our houses is derived from the Latin word for our discipleship traits – Courage (Fortitudo), Hope (Ancora), Respect (Dignatio), Integrity (Probitas), Service (Ministerium), and Thankfulness (Gratia), which together spell out CHRIST.
THE LOURDES HOUSE SYSTEM
House Fortitudo
House Fortitudo (for-ti-tude-o) – courage, moral valor, bravery
Patron Saint
St. Joan of Arc – Feast day is May 30th
Bible Verse
“Do not be afraid;
just have faith.”
— Mark 5: 36
Learning Target
I can take risks to do what is right in God’s kingdom.
House Ancora
House Ancora (an-core-a) – hope, support, refuge
Patron Saint
St. Maximilian Kolbe – Feast day is August 14th
Bible Verse
“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
— Isaiah 40: 31
Learning Target
I can have faith in myself, others, and God.
House Dignatio
House Dignatio (dig-na-ti-o) – respect, dignity, esteem
Patron Saint
St. Francis of Assisi – Feast day is October 4th
Bible Verse
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.”
— Matthew 7: 12
Learning Target
I can recognize, honor, protect, and value how all are created in God’s image.
House Probitas
House Probitas (pro-bi-tas) – integrity, honesty, virtue
Patron Saint
St. Charles Borromeo – Feast day is November 4th
Bible Verse
“Let us love not in word and speech, but in deed and truth.”
— 1 John 3: 18
Learning Target
I can be faithful and true to others and God in all situations.
House Ministerium
House Ministerium (min-is-ter-ium) – ministry, service, duty
Patron Saint
St. Mother Teresa – Feast day is September 5th
Bible Verse
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
— Matthew 23: 11
Learning Target
I can pursue the needs of others before my own.
House Gratia
House Gratia (gra-si-a) – gratitude, thank, favor
Patron Saint
St Josephine Bakhita
Feast day is February 8th
Bible Verse
“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy endures forever.”
— Psalm 107: 1
Learning Target
I can express gratitude in all situations.
TEstimonials for our school:
Sally Rose Ribeiro, Former Teacher
I taught 7th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes from January to June 1970. I also taught both a 4th and 6th grade English class, as well. Sister Juliana was the principal then. Mrs. DelPapa was the eighth grade teacher who taught next door to me and greatly helped me. I was brand new to teaching and learned much in that six months. I especially remember Sister Benedictine, who taught one of the lower grades but who was so very skilled in working with all ages of children.
I left Lourdes to go to work for the next school year for Richmond Public Schools at the Adult Career Development Center and remained there for 34 years until retiring as the Center’s principal.
But, I must say that in all my years of education, that first six months was one of the best experiences of my career. I often referred Lourdes to peers, parents, and other RPS audiences as a place with love and dedication of Lourdes teachers and the full commitment of Lourdes parents. Your school was and is superb. You showed me first hand that homes and schools can be united and all benefit.
