An independent, college preparatory, co-ed, Episcopal Day School serves a community of students in grades 6-12.
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22 W W W. PA L M E R T R I N I T Y. O R G At the heart of every Episcopal school is a mission to enable students and faculty to develop healthy relationships with God, self, and neighbors. Community worship brings people together to identify the sacred in a learning community. All members of the community are encouraged to participate by sharing music and the arts, sports, academics, world cultures, and social activism. rough chapel, the School recognizes the incarnational journey of life. Chapel provides a sense of joy and accomplishment, yet it also reveals the darker moments in society with prayers that speak to injustice and lack of compassion. Moreover, chapel is an essential way for students to discern their voice through presentations. Having to speak in front of peers and articulate ideas concisely are necessary skills that help to move students into self-actualization. During the annual Honor Convocation, members of the community speak on "honor" and what it means in their lives. Students at Episcopal schools come from diverse backgrounds and experience religion and spirituality from very different perspectives. Adult members of the community endeavor to understand the different ways to approach and support students in their spiritual and religious lives. Hopefully, members positively live out the question posed in the Book of Common Prayer: "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?" Annually, following e People of Color Conference, students present how living a unique life in the midst of diversity impacts their view of the world. Living in a pluralistic community of respect and love is a validation of the mission of Episcopal schools. Desmond Tutu wrote, "Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another." According to Tutu, when the community acts out of love rather than fear of others, people are able to be themselves authentically. With a deeper understanding of a diverse world that encompasses various religious traditions, students can communicate more effectively while also respecting each other. Chapel provides support in a safe place, allowing students to process emotions of grief, anger, or confusion, whether it be over the death of a beloved member of the school community or in response to a local, national, or international crisis. Recognizing the fragile nature of life together in these moments makes the response meaningful for all. During chapel, time is devoted to reflecting upon the Holy Scriptures WH Y CH A PEL? BY T HE RE V E RE ND M A RY E L L E N CAS SINI, D. MIN.