Faith Formation
The teachings and life model of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines, is instilled in every aspect of daily life at St. Ursula Academy. In our classrooms and our community, through academics and extracurriculars, our students see St. Angela’s values in action—and they become part of the way our girls see the world around them.
- The entire SUA community begins each day together in morning prayer, and we pause mid-afternoon for our “Angela Moment,” when we reflect on our day.
- Every student takes four years of Theology to learn more about our Catholic faith, other religions, and moral and ethical decision-making.
- We celebrate all-school liturgies regularly, including Holy Days and special SUA traditions.
- Through Campus Ministry and many informal occasions, our students pray often and open their hearts to service opportunities.
SUA’s loving and supportive atmosphere reflects the Ursuline values so carefully articulated by St. Angela Merici more than 400 years ago. Her motto, "Soli Deo Gloria," a Latin phrase meaning “For the Glory of God Alone,” inspires all of us to live the Gospel values daily and in everything we do.
Read Sr. Donna Frey's monthly reflection on the life of St. Angela Merici.
ANGELA REFLECTION
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry at St. Ursula Academy offers many opportunities for our students to grow in their Catholic faith, as well as a multitude of different avenues for spiritual expression, regardless of religious affiliation. Students can participate in faith-based activities such as liturgies, Corporal Works of Mercy, mission trips, and community outreach programs.
Retreats
Every student at St. Ursula Academy participates in at least one retreat per year. While faithful to Catholic teaching and tradition, these retreats include all students. Every class retreat at SUA is focused on a specific theme based on the example and writings of St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline order.
All retreats are held off campus.
Service
St. Ursula Academy's Serviam Program is designed to help students live out the Ursuline charism of contemplative love of God and an openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others. St. Angela Merici dedicated her life to serving women, children, and families suffering from injustice. This program encourages SUA students to imitate her dedication to serving those most in need through intentional service and prayer. A minimum of 60 hours must be completed at two or more nonprofits/organizations throughout the students’ four years of high school.
» Click here for a list of approved service agencies
The Toledo Labre Program
Every Monday night—rain or shine, holiday or school day, summer or winter—students from St. Ursula Academy and St. John’s Jesuit High School come together in a simple act of faith: offering food and friendship to the hungry and homeless of inner-city Toledo. Labre is an approved service agency for SUA's Serviam Program.
Students meet each Monday afternoon at one of the two schools, where they make and package food for the hungry and homeless in Toledo. After the food is ready, they hold a brief prayer service.
Coordinators ask students to be “truly present” for the experience. The group members ride together to three locations, where they distribute food and interact with community members, who often simply want to have a conversation.
Afterward, the students head back to the school to reflect on the people they met, pray for each of them, and note any special needs for the next visit.
» Click here to participate in Labre
“St. Benedict Joseph Labre, poor in the eyes of men and women, but rich in the eyes of God, pray for us. Amen.”