WHAT DOES IT MEAN to live a virtuous life?
Students at the five schools in the newly formed Pax Christi Academies will now receive firsthand instruction on virtue through the recently adopted “Disciple of Christ: Education in Virtue” curriculum.
PAX CHRISTI RECENTLY HOSTED SR. JOHN DOMINIC FROM ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, FOR A SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF FROM ALL FIVE PAX CHRISTI SCHOOLS. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES
Developed by renowned Catholic school educator Sr. John Dominic, OP, of Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, the program fosters a
classroom environment where students can flourish both spiritually and academically, cultivating a culture of respect, kindness, and personal responsibility.
“This curriculum not only reinforces the values we strive to instill in our students but also provides a clear and practical framework to help them apply these virtues in their daily lives,” said Claudia Garcia, the head of Pax Christi’s Curriculum and Instructional Leadership.
To mark this milestone, Pax Christi recently hosted Sr. John Dominic from Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a special professional development session for faculty and staff from all five Pax Christi schools: La Purísima in Orange, St. Anne, St. Joseph and St. Barbara in Santa Ana and St. Justin Martyr School in Anaheim.
During the professional development session, Sr. John Dominic emphasized the transformative power of virtue in education, encouraging educators to
model these principles in their own lives. “Living a virtuous life permits one to live in friendship with Christ – our fulfilment and hope. The habitus of virtues enable good acts to flow easily and the overflow of these provide one with a delight in doing good for others.” said Sr. John Dominic, who founded the order in 1997 with three other Sisters and has spent 30 years as an educator.
For students, the program is designed to naturally incorporate the language of virtue within students’ daily lives and grow as disciples of Christ, cultivating habits of doing good and becoming the best version of themselves. The program also has a key family resource, which nurtures the holistic development of students and their parents.
Sr. John Dominic toured three of the five Pax Christi schools and expressed her confidence and encouragement for the innovative educational model Pax Christi is establishing in Orange County.
During her visit to La Purísima school, a group of preschoolers gathered around Sister, captivated by the Rosary on her habit, highlighting the joy and
openness of introducing young children to the beauty of faith in the company of the religious and faithful.
“The foundation of Pax Christi Academies is built on the harmonious integration of faith and intellect,” said Dr. Christina Arellano, president of Pax
Christi Academies. “By adopting the Education in Virtue curriculum, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to grow into leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society and live out their faith in all aspects of life.”
Pax Christi Academies foundational pillars of faith, intellect, character and citizenship is reimaging Catholic education in Orange County. For more information about Pax Christi Academies, visit www.paxchristiacademies.org or email Dr. Arellano at [email protected].