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Liturgies:
All students at IHM attend Mass in the parish church an average of 3 times per month. Most Masses are held on Thursdays at 8:30 am, alongside the parishioners at IHM. Parents and others are always welcome. Masses are also held on Holy Days and for special events such as graduation. Middle School students serve as Ministers of Hospitality, Lectors and Kindergarten Helpers. Students in grades 4-8 are Altar Servers. Students in grades 3-8 participate in the choir and students from any grade may be gift bearers.
Sacramental Preparation: Students in second grade receive instruction and are prepared to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist during Religion class. However, according to the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Atlanta the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) should take place in the parish in which the family of the child is registered. Please contact the Director of Religious Education or Director of Faith Formation at your parish for more information.
Retreats and Days of Reflection:
The Faculty and Staff Retreat offers the employees of IHM a chance to be refreshed and renewed in the vocation of teaching and assisting students.
The overnight Friendship Retreat for all 6th and 7th grade students provides spiritual and physical activities in a beautiful setting that allow the students to grow closer to God, their classmates and their teachers.
The 8th Grade Unity Retreat is held for 3 days. This retreat brings the graduating class together as one strong unified group instead of separate groups of friends.
The 8th Grade Day of Reflection and Celebration provides a final opportunity for the graduates to explore the importance of their time at IHM.
The 2nd Grade Day of Reflection brings all second grade students together to focus on the importance of the Eucharist.
Other grades may have Days of Reflecton as part of the normal school day.Special Events, Speakers and Field Trips:
- Archdiocesan Vocations Day for 5th grade
- Rosary for Peace
- Advent Program
- Liturgy for all 8th grade students in Archdiocese
- Living Stations of the Cross presented by 7th grade students
- Passing of the Light Ceremony for 7th and 8th grade students
- Moving Up Ceremony for 5th grade (transition to Middle School)
- Marian Devotion Week
- Catholic Schools Week
Service Projects:
IHM students participate in many service projects throughout the year. Below is a sample of some of the projects.
- Margaret Harris Comprehensive School - 7th graders help at this neighboring school that serves students with severe and profound intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Mustard Seed Ministry - School staff travels with parishioners to help this ministry in Jamaica.
- Catholic Relief Services - The school sponsors several Fair Trade Sales and participates in the CRS Rice Bowl during Lent to support the CRS.
- Central Night Shelter - Students prepare sandwiches and collect men's gloves. Students and adults from the IHM school community serve food.
- Briarcliff Oaks Retirement Home - Middle school students play Bingo with residents.
- Recycling - The school recycles paper, plastic and aluminum.
- Collection of soda pop tabs - Students collect these tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Middle school students play games with the residents of this facility.
- Toy Drive - The school collects toys to benefit Catholics Charities of Atlanta.
- AIDS Walk - The school community participates with IHM Church in an AIDS Walk.