Our Faith

FAITH & RELIGION AT ECS

Edgewood Campus School is a Catholic School in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison. As a Catholic School, we teach and promote our Catholic faith. Catholic Doctrine in the tradition of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa is taught and integrated into academic subjects. Handing down the gift of our Dominican Sisters’ Catholic faith is a key part of our mission.

DOMINICAN CHARISM

The Dominican Order (the Order of Preachers) was founded by St. Dominic in the 13th century to proclaim the truth of the Gospel through study, prayer, community, and service. Dominican schools, like Edgewood, strive to live out this same mission through four core pillars:

The Four Dominican Pillars:

• Prayer — Everything flows from a deep relationship with God. Dominican schools nurture spiritual life through liturgy, the sacraments, and daily prayer.

• Study — Seeking the truth (Veritas) is central. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and see learning as a path to God.

• Community – Education happens best in a spirit of belonging and mutual respect. Dominican schools value teamwork, inclusion, and shared faith.

• Service – Faith is lived through action. Students are called to serve others with compassion and justice, especially those in need.
   

SINSINAWA DOMINICAN TRADITION

The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa have been connected to Edgewood Campus School for over 140 years, beginning with the founding of St. Regina Academy in 1881. Over time, the Sisters guided the school’s growth into what is now Edgewood Campus School. Inspired by the Dominican charism, we live out the values of the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition:

• Truth – Seeking God's truth in all things.

• Justice – Working for a just world.

• Community – Building relationships of respect and care.

• Compassion – Showing mercy and empathy.

• Partnership – Collaborating with others for the common good.

Through these values, students are encouraged to connect faith, learning, and service, forming them to bring the light of Christ into the world.

RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS, LITURGIES & SERVICES

While enrolled at Edgewood Campus School, students will regularly participate in religious gatherings and services (responses, singing, etc.) held at St. Joseph's Chapel located at Edgewood University, the Wilke gym located at Edgewood High School, and the Edgedome. Non-Catholic students do not receive communion during Mass, but are encouraged to come forward for a special blessing.

RELIGIOUS CURRICULUM

The curriculum at Edgewood Campus School provides instruction based upon Catholic, Christian theology. All students, regardless of religious orientation, participate in daily prayers, classroom instruction, and the liturgical life of the school.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

The preparation to receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation takes place in the second grade classroom; however, the first reception of these sacraments should take place in your parish. Each May, Edgewood Campus School hosts a celebratory liturgy for students who have received the sacrament(s) in their parishes.

FAITH THROUGH SERVICE

As part of our commitment to the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition of showing faith through action, all students at Edgewood Campus School participate in acts of Christian service. Service projects are organized by school staff, and parents may be asked to assist with projects. As students mature in their faith, they learn to take a more proactive and independent approach to service, and are free to choose from an array of service opportunities. Middle School students are required to give community service each year (6th grade- 5 hours of service; 7th- 10 hours of service; 8th- 15 hours of service).