Campus Ministry
At Notre Dame Academy, our Campus Ministry Program is at the heart of our mission to inspire young women to live lives of faith, service, and leadership. Rooted in the tradition of the Congregation of Notre Dame, this program offers our students the opportunity to grow spiritually, engage with their communities, and develop leadership skills that will remain with them for life.
The year begins with a special Opening Liturgy at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, where our school community gathers to ask for God’s blessing on the year ahead. Throughout the year, we hold liturgies and prayer services, planned by students on the Campus Ministry Team in collaboration with the Music Department. These moments of prayer and reflection provide an inclusive environment for our girls and staff to grow in faith and leadership.
In grades 6-8, students prepare prayer services and activities as part of their Religion classes. At the high school level, our juniors take part in an elective Campus Ministry class, where they lead morning prayers and plan retreats, including the ninth-grade retreat held on campus every November. They also facilitate special classes for girls in grades 5-8, mentoring them to build confidence and positive relationships.
We are also proud to be part of Scholas, an international organization created by Pope Francis that promotes the Culture of Encounter among young people. Through Scholas, we encourage our students to foster unity, respect, and solidarity with others, both locally and globally.
Social justice and service are core elements of our program, as we learn and live the teachings of Jesus Christ. Students engage in service projects in Staten Island and beyond, supporting causes such as the Bread of Life food collections, gifts for those in need at Christmas, and fundraising for worthy causes. Each grade school class is assigned specific organizations to support with donations, handmade cards, and other contributions.
The Campus Ministry Team organizes and leads service projects such as visits to Silver Lake Nursing Home, Hospitality House, and our NDA Elementary Big Sister Day. Students in the Campus Ministry Team lead each event, developing their leadership skills while inviting the entire student body to join in these meaningful service activities. Additionally, our high school students participate in environmental clean-ups, walks, and other community events organized by civic and religious organizations.
Through all of these experiences, we aim to cultivate Christian leaders who embody the values of service, compassion, and faith. At Notre Dame Academy, our Campus Ministry Program is not just about prayer—it’s about action, growth, and making a difference in the world.