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:
Brianna, Class of 2013
I graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in the 8th Grade Class of 2013, and while at OLL, I had the opportunity to take several high school level courses. I entered high school with credits in Social Studies, Math, Science, and Spanish which put me ahead and allowed me to take interesting elective courses like Fine Arts and Mass Communications in high school. With the head start that Lourdes gave me, I was also able to study abroad in Chile for my Junior year of high school, and I still graduated on time in Spring 2017. With my strong foundation in Spanish language classes, I was well-prepared to participate in that immersive program and I still use my language skills to this day! Because I was ahead entering high school, I was also able to enter college with four classes worth of college credits. This allowed me to graduate a semester early from college, and I was able to have wonderful internships and study abroad for a semester in Madrid, Spain despite my early graduation. My time at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School gave me a foundation of knowledge and instilled in me a love of learning which has inspired me throughout my academic career and personal life. Now, I work for an immigration law firm in Northern Virginia where I serve Spanish-speaking immigrants and engage in my second language daily. My academic and personal development at OLL put me on the path to success and I feel immense gratitude for the unique experiences I enjoyed there. Thank you all! Go Lions!
