Blending Catholic Values and Montessori Philosophy to Transform Education and Society

Since the founding of St. Catherine’s Montessori, Dominican charism has been a guiding light for the school’s work with students and families. The Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching are present in harmonious collaboration with our Montessori pedagogy at every level. Though these two aspects of our school are often mentioned alongside each other, the connection goes beyond a parallel coexistence.

From their start, the Dominican Sisters of Houston have maintained a ministry in education, founding many Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. St. Catherine’s foundresses, Sr. Edna Ann Hebert and Sr. Shirley Owens opened a Catholic Montessori school because they recognized the shared values of Catholic theology and Montessori philosophy. Maria Montessori often writes about the child using unmistakably Catholic language - speaking with reverence about the child’s dignity and each child's innate spiritual capacity and fluency. Our Dominican and Montessori identity is integrated, not separate.

Prayer - Children, adolescents, and adults of all faiths and backgrounds at St. Catherine’s practice self-reflection and meditation. We plan and work in a spirit of hope and reverence for the self-constructive work of children that transforms the global society. Prayer is a daily fixture at every level of the school. Infant and Primary students may choose independent, personal prayer at a prayer table that conveys the color of the liturgical season. Starting in Elementary, students lead daily communal prayer, sharing scripture readings and reflections, and offering of petitions. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd emphasizes the importance of listening in our hearts and in quiet for the voice of the Good Shepherd as he calls us by name.

Study - In an obvious way, children study an array of disciplines at school. As families and educators, we are called and inspired to study our children, to understand their developmental needs and characteristics, and respond in kind to our knowledge of their evolving developmental needs. In early childhood environments, children study the world concretely by manipulating materials, which help refine their movement and senses and form their intellect. Elementary students gain the faculty of a reasoning mind to self-direct their limitless search for information and answers about the cosmos. Adolescents study with a mind for understanding and solving problems found within society.

Community - There is no other way to be human than in community! There is a human tendency to live and work in community. Each individual has a vital role to play in society, and children are invited to contribute to peaceful community life at every stage of development. As adults in service to children, educators and families collaborate in support of children’s physical, academic, emotional, and spiritual development. Community life in each environment at St. Catherine’s is based on Montessori’s awareness of the total interconnectedness of human society. Through social engagement, each child’s unique gifts are realized and actualized as they find their roles within their classroom and school community. Sharing of oneself in the community supports students in developing a sense of purpose at school and beyond the classroom as they mature into adulthood and go out into the world. 

Preaching - Beyond a homily from a pulpit, this pillar enlists each person to share their gifts and talents as a vital member of society. In unity with the other pillars, this is the way we share our light beyond our homes and school community. Much like a Montessori lesson, this is more active and hands-on than verbal! This puts our awareness of our gifts and responsibilities into action. As children and adolescents approach the end of each level within the school, they become the leaders who convey the collective knowledge of their respective communities to their younger classmates.

As a unified expression of educational potential, St. Catherine’s Dominican charism and Montessori pedagogy awaken a call to action in our students and families - to bring wisdom to light within ourselves and the world.

The Dominican Blessing