At Newark Catholic, we're committed to making our school a place where everyone belongs. That's why we're excited to implement a house system designed to build and foster community, and camaraderie among students, while infusing a little friendly competition; all while embracing our mission of service as we build God's kingdom together. Inspired by Catholic schools around the world, our new houses of service will help students feel what it means to be a part of something more something bigger.
Students are placed into four different houses, each containing a mix of grade levels. Together, they'll help one another see beyond themselves and explore what it means to be a servant of God, rooted in service.
Each house will select a community organization to support and help, guided by the question: "What is God calling us to do?" Houses will gather on a monthly basis to reflect, discuss and take action to serve their chosen cause.
Something truly special about our houses of service is that they're powered by the energy and ideas of the student body. House mentors will guide and support as needed, but ultimately students will work together in teams to build up others--both those in our community and one another.
Named after the seas and rivers in scripture, Newark Catholic's four houses are:
House Red
"My strength and my might is the LORD" Exodus 15:2
Pathfinders: inspired by the Israelite's Exodus through the desert
Patron Saint: St. Rose Phillipine Duschene
Color: Butter Yellow
House Jordan
"Prepare the way of the Lord" Mark 1:3
Messengers: mission to spread the Gospel and message of the Lord all around
Patron Saint: St. Kateri
Color: Purple
House Galilee
"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men"
Fishermen: inspired by Andrew, James, John, Simon Peter
Patron Saint: Blessed Stanley Rother
Color: Sea Green and Burnt Orange
House Mediterranean
" To the ends of the Earth" Acts 1:8
Voyagers: spread faith through acts of service
Patron Saint: St. Paul
Color: Ocean Blue and Green
Each House includes
- 2 student captains
- House mentors from NC's faculty/staff
- A student leadership team (historian, spirit manager, and 2 class representatives)
- A patron saint, motto and prayer that represents their house
- A crest and house colors
House Point System
To encourage students to get involved in school life and support one another, the houses of service have adopted a points system. Houses can earn points by having strong attendance, showing school spirit at games and events, and participating in activities like theater, robotics, battles of the books, and sports.
At the end of the year, the house with the most points takes home the win and earns the house trophy!
We're truly excited about the addition of our houses of service and can't wait to see students working together to develop important life skills like service, leadership and teamwork, all while exploring what God is calling them to do.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on our house events.
