Faith Formation at Pius XI
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:37-40
Rooted in our Franciscan and Pallottine charisms, Pius XI Catholic High School embodies faithfulness to Catholic teachings and traditions in an environment steeped in Gospel-based values, dynamic spiritual formation, and rich service opportunities for students, all shaped by the vibrant prayer life of the school community.
At Pius XI Catholic High School, we take the duty of Catholic education seriously. It is a part of everything we do as a community, both in and outside our classrooms – and we’re proud of that. But more importantly, we’re proud of our students – mindful, spiritual individuals with a true desire for service and a strong moral character.
Students have countless opportunities to fuel their relationship with God and explore their faith in and outside of our classrooms. From regular Mass and prayer times as a school to a focus on community service, students are engaged in their faith. It’s an experience like none other. Students have the opportunity to take what they’re learning and what they hear at Mass, and then apply it immediately in their own lives. We encourage our students to become active participants and leaders in their faith – and offer numerous opportunities for them to do so.
There is something for everyone in the faith community at Pius XI Catholic High School. We encourage you to explore, and when you have any questions please reach out to Tom Holschuh, our Campus Minister.
FORMING THE WHOLE PERSON
Informed by our Catholic faith and the gifts of our founders, the Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis, Pius XI is rooted in and driven by the belief that each member of our student community has an immeasurable dignity and value. Every aspect of school life, both inside and outside the classroom, is shaped by our core Gospel values.
Through robust service experiences, participation in individual and communal prayer, retreat offerings that provide time set apart for spiritual growth, spiritual formation, and the pursuit of academic excellence, Pius XI helps students become men and women of outstanding character who are motivated by a desire to put their gifts at the service of their neighbor.
Services Opportunities
Providing service to those in need in our community is an important component of the student experience at Pius XI.
Pius XI Service and Volunteer Opportunities
The Campus Minister will be regularly sending out notifications about service events that are open to students via email and Schoology. If students are looking for places to volunteer individually, here are some organizations to consider:
Kinship Community Food Center & Urban Farm
https://www.kinshipmke.org/
Fr. Gene's Help Center
https://www.fathergeneshelp.org/
Hunger Task Force & The Hunger Task Force Farm
https://www.hungertaskforce.org/
The Ability Center
https://tacwi.org/get-involved/
Milwaukee Riverkeepers
milwaukeeriverkeeper.org/connect/events/
Retreats
For many students, retreats are a highlight of their time at Pius XI Catholic High School. All students have the opportunity to participate in a series of annual retreats, which provide an opportunity to have a time set apart for spiritual growth, building friendships, and deepening their relationship with the Lord. Our retreats are faithful to our Catholic beliefs, and we are also very cognizant of our diverse student body; we design all of our retreats to ensure that they are accessible, free of judgment, and fruitful for our students from any and all faith backgrounds.
Freshman: The Pius XI Freshman Retreat is a one-day experience held at Pius XI, planned and facilitated by Pius XI seniors who are invested in introducing the newest students to the ways of a community that models the values of Jesus Christ. It is a day that builds memories, broadens social circles, and introduces many students to the fulfilling experience of providing service to others.
The day starts with small-group service experiences. Those experiences are reflected upon and processed with a series of engaging activities and discussions led by the Seniors. Mass is celebrated for the freshmen during the day.
Sophomore: Sophomores can attend an optional two-day retreat held at the Pallottine Retreat Center on weekdays during the school term. Sophomore retreats are formed around the parable of the Prodigal Son and provide an opportunity for community building and reflection that is difficult to achieve amidst the hustle and bustle of a regular school day. Students attend morning classes and leave midday via Pius XI provided bus transportation. Students stay overnight at the Retreat Center and return on the next day with bus transportation back to Pius before the end of the school day.
Faculty and Kairos Retreat alumni take students through a mix of small and large group experiences focused on intentional living centered around the wisdom of the Gospel. It’s meant to help students ground their choices in Christ. Mass is celebrated on the first evening of each retreat session.
Juniors: Juniors can attend this optional, two-day retreat held at St. Vincent Pallotti Retreat Center in Elkhorn, WI on weekdays during the school term. Students attend morning classes and leave midday via Pius XI provided bus transportation. Students stay overnight at the Retreat Center and return on the next day with bus transportation back to Pius before the end of the school day.
The theme for the Junior retreat will be developed by a team of Seniors, Faculty, and Alumni. Juniors can sign up for the retreat during the end of the fall semester.
Kairos: In an effort to strengthen the spiritual formation of students, Pius XI introduced the Kairos model of retreats to the school in February of 2011 – and it has been met with phenomenal success. Open to seniors, this voluntary retreat typically attracts more than half of the Senior class!
Kairos is based upon the Cursillo Movement from Spain and is largely a student-led retreat. With carefully prepared witness talks and the creation of an emotionally safe space, students build community through sharing their deepest hopes and worries. Kairos is based upon present moment experiences. To honor this intention, the retreat team gives various talks on important themes. Each talk is then followed by an opportunity to reflect on the material in a small group setting, or in an “open podium” forum. Each day begins and ends in common prayer. Retreatants are also encouraged to spend significant time in private prayer and reflection.
The goal is for retreatants to…
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Experience the compassion of Christ
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Come to embrace Christ’s posture towards the world
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Leave inspired to share the hope of Christ wherever they are.