The sun sets over Mount Claret during the Kairos 19 retreat in January. Kairos is one of the many faith-based activities that Xavier offers and is the culmination of years of preparation, reflection, and experience for seniors at Xavier. The crucifix that stands in the courtyard of Mount Claret is a symbol of God’s love and sacrifice, a reminder for retreatants of the meaning of the retreat. (Photo courtesy of Isabella Cucchetti ‘24)

Taking the next step to Catholic high school may be a similar experience for some who previously attended Catholic middle school, or an entirely new experience for others who have never experienced faith in a school setting.

Regardless of background, attending Xavier College Preparatory is not all that different from any other high school, but there are also special religious experiences that the school offers which cannot be obtained anywhere else. 

Geoffrey Stricklin, theology teacher, says, “You don’t have to be Catholic” to attend and fully experience Xavier. “Every person has to be given the ability to explore life’s big questions, and our theology classes are places where everyone is welcome.”

Xavier students are required to take four years of theology courses.

Freshman, sophomore and junior year prayer days, monthly Mass, reconciliation before Advent and Lent, sacraments prep for those who desire to become Catholic, and the Kairos retreat for seniors are all other faith experiences that are offered in addition to theology classes.

Beginning in the fall of the 2024 school year, lunch Bible study and a sophomore year “mini-Kairos” retreat will also be available.

These activities and theology classes address topics such as burnout, perfectionism, self-worth and other important high school experiences in addition to philosophy and God.

Girls who desire to get more involved have opportunities to join faith-based clubs such as Xavier Young Vincentians who volunteer at organizations such as Saint Vincent de Paul and Maggie’s Place to make an impact on the community with their peers by “putting their faith into action,” says Stricklin.

Kaiti-Lynn Beazley, a Xavier graduate and current theology teacher, says, “Xavier’s goal is to give girls the space to accept what they would like and challenge them to discover what they believe in and what they don’t.”

“Christianity is a program of invitation, not one of indoctrination,” Stricklin adds. 

Attending Xavier, a student can expect not only a great education, but also a unique faith experience.