Upper School students in the Oak Knoll prayer garden

Campus Ministry

Be yourself, but make that self all that God wants you to be.”– Cornelia Connelly, Founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus

Campus ministry is integral to Oak Knoll life. It is the experiential aspect of the religion/theology program — practicing Catholicism considering Holy Child traditions in the areas of liturgy, prayer experiences, retreat/reflection days, community service, and outreach.

The goal is for the Campus Ministry programming (both worship and service/outreach) to be student-initiated, student-planned, and student-led. Students are invited to apply to plan and lead Masses, prayer services, reflection days, and retreats, and can run to be on the Campus Ministry Council — a part of student government that helps to plan service opportunities.

Liturgical Ministries

Upper School students participate in liturgical ministries at all-school prayer services and liturgies. Preparation and training is ongoing throughout the year. Each prayer service and liturgy is coordinated and led by a different grade under the direction of members of the Campus Ministry team.

  • Leaders of prayer: serving as leaders in prayer services.
  • Music ministry: being a leader of song, cantor, member of the liturgical choir (Bel Canto) and playing a variety of instruments to enhance the liturgical music.
  • Hospitality ministry: welcoming people into the sacred space, distributing programs and directing people to their seats.
  • Processions: participating in both entrance processions and procession of gifts at Mass and symbolic processions at prayer services.
  • Art ministry: Designing program covers (featuring art, design and calligraphy) and creating other sacred images for prayer.
  • Lectors: proclaiming scriptures and other readings.
  • Writing: composing prayers, intercessions, and other reflections for Mass and prayer services.

Grace Hall Chapel

stained glass window at Oak Knoll School
The stained glass window in Grace Hall Chapel was designed by Oak Knoll Alumna Christina Nguyen '18.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

The program for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is an opportunity for members of the senior class to serve the community of Oak Knoll in a special way. Toward the end of junior year, candidates participate in a preparation program that includes the history of the ministry, the theology of Eucharist and the practical dimensions of this ministry. Students are commissioned at the Upper School liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.