Saint Andrew Catholic School utilizes the Virtues in Practice program created by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia from Nashville, TN for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The purpose of the program is to grow closer to Jesus by imitating His life and virtues.  

This 3-year program focuses on the Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity). Children not only study and grow in virtues, but experience virtues as a part of their everyday lives. The program covers 27 virtues over a three-year cycle with 81 saints held up as models of the virtues. 

The years of the cycle emphasize, and are named for, the three theological virtues:

• The year of FAITH focuses on Catholic devotions and the idea that “faith works” (Gal 5:6), by a school-wide emphasis on service projects. 
• The year of HOPE emphasizes study skills, because in order to fulfill His plan for our lives we need to develop the talents God has given us. 
• The year of CHARITY emphasizes community, particularly how students interact with one another, because “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20).

Saint Andrew has participated in the Virtues in Practice program since 2020. The 2024-2025 school year will be the year of HOPE.

 Monthly virtues for the YEAR OF HOPE are:

• September: Hope- Trusting in God's loving plan
• October: Studiousness - Seeking knowledge to grow closer to the Truth
• November: Humility - Accepting your limitations and God-given talents
• December: Patience - Waiting and enduring without complaint
• January: Fidelity - Being faithful to promises and commitments
• February: Cheerfulness - Looking on the bright side
• March: Temperance - Enjoying things in a proper, balanced way
• April: Obedience - Saying "yes" to the loving will of God and those He has set over us
• May: Diligence - Doing your best and working hard until you're finished

More information on the program can be found at https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice