Spiritual Formation

 History of Saint Rita of Cascia:

Saint Rita of Cascia is the patron Saint for St. Rita Catholic School. Rita was born in 1381 at Roccaporena near Cascia, Italy. When quite young she felt the call to enter religious life, but at the age of fourteen she was promised in marriage by her parents to a young man of good will but rather restless by nature.

Through her own goodness Rita was able to smooth over the rougher side of her husband's character and they lived in harmony for about eighteen years. He was then murdered. Rita not only forgave his killers, but prayed to God that she would prefer the death of her sons rather than see them revenge the crime. 

As it happened, both died shortly after their father. Now totally alone, but filled with love, Rita thought of fulfilling her longings of her youth by seeking admission into religious life. Having overcome formidable difficulties, she was received by the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia. Here she lived for her remaining forty years of life. Throughout the final fifteen years she bore the mark of a thorn of Christ's passion. Rita died on May 22, 1456 which is observed as her feast day. She was noteworthy in that she experienced all the possible states of life, and overcame the difficulties of each with a generous love and a profound spirit of penance, while always being a peacemaker and a helper of divisions. Her incorrupt body is preserved in Cascia in the shrine which now bears her name.

 
Daily Prayer for Saint Rita of Cascia: 

Father of us all, you hold the world in one hand and bless it with the other.  You gave Rita the strength to bear her cross after the example of Christ. She found peace in doing your will and was thus enabled to forgive others and bring peace to many. 

Give me the strength to accept my sufferings; let me not whimper nor forget the examples of strength that you give me in the lives of your saints.  Bring peace to my heart, so that I too may be a peacemaker, For all your gifts let me thank you each day.  Amen. 
 

 

Mass:

Spiritual formation is an integral part of St. Rita Catholic School. As a Catholic school all students and faculty are required to participate in weekly mass services and/or devotions.  We encourage parents, the primary educators of their children, to attend school masses. Children will wear the dress uniform for school masses or other specified days. All students plan, organize, and present weekly liturgies.

 

Community Service:

At St. Rita Catholic School all grades PreK-3 - 8th participate in community Service projects. Students enjoy visiting the elderly at retirement centers, building "the great wall of food" for Fort Worth agencies, collecting socks and school supplies for needy children, and beautifying the campus by planting blooming flowers and picking up debris.