As the Only Catholic School in the Brainerd Lakes Area, We Live our Faith Boldly - All Day. Every Day.
Mass Attendance
3rd-8th Grade students attend daily Mass 3 times per week, with K-2nd Grade joining them once per week on Wednesdays. Preschool & PreK also joins these classes once per month for our “Star Student” masses, where we recognize students who clearly displayed that month’s virtue.
When school is in session, school Masses are held on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church. Community members are welcome to attend, and what makes these celebrations special for us is that our students are able to be highly involved, serving as:
Cantors (Singers)
Lectors (Readers)
Altar Servers
Participants in Student-Oriented Homilies
And Contributors to Special Processions & Celebrations
Faith Integration
Staff and students alike engage in boldly Catholic activities every day. This can look like praying daily, participating in living rosary assemblies, volunteering at Fish Frys, and so much more. Our staff also develop comprehensive lessons that incorporate faith into everyday concepts, and a dedicated religion class is included in the middle school rotation.
87% of our student body is Catholic. Families do not need to be Catholic to attend St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, but we do expect that all enrolled students participate in our practices and traditions such as attending mass and engaging in religious lessons.
Our School Chapel
The first week of every school year includes a procession of the Eucharist from St. Francis Catholic church into the school chapel, where Jesus then remains with us for the entirety of the academic year.
Throughout the year, students use this space in a number of ways, including receiving the sacrament of reconciliation. Community members also participate in all-day Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday.
As seen in these photos, our chapel received major updates in the Summer of 2024, leading to a beautiful space that is intentionally set apart from the rest of the school.
And as a School…
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School is accredited through MNSAA, the Minnesota Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association, and contributors to this include:
Our Dedicated Staff
A Commitment to Academic Excellence
Our Heart for Community
The Mission, Philosophy, and Future of St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Mission
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School, in cooperation with and in support of the family, is committed to challenging students to grow spiritually, academically and socially within a Catholic environment.
Philosophy
The faculty, school administrators, and school advisory board of St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School believe(s):
· All students have the right to a safe and respectful school environment.
· That each individual student is a child of God.
· That each individual child should have the opportunity to grow and reach their potential, both spiritually and academically, through a sound academic and disciplined curriculum.
· In a school atmosphere that encourages student participation while recognizing different learning styles and the uniqueness of each child.
· Incorporating God-centered approach to social issues.
· In developing, within the students, independent, value-based thinking, enabling the student to become an effective decision-maker through his/her life.
· In providing opportunities to grow and learn in a prayerful environment, which brings alive the message of our Catholic faith-that Christ lived, died, rose again, and now lives and dwells within each of us. We believe that experiencing this message allows students at St. Francis Catholic School to develop and maintain their individual spiritualty preparing them for a life of services to their communities.
School Strategic Plan (SSP)
Learn more about where St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School is heading in our 2025 SSP