We consider the faith of our pupils to be inseparable from their lives and we see Religious Education as much more than a subject on the Curriculum. It is a lifelong journey which does not end with the passing of examinations or entry into an occupation. In St. Mary's, our students are encouraged and challenged to become responsible adults who will play a full and meaningful role in the life of the Church.

Whole School and Year Group Assemblies emphasize a religious or moral dimension. Our class groups are named after our great Irish saints - Patrick, Brigid and Colmcille.

The sense of being a community of faith, hope and love is active in St. Mary's. We have a strong commitment to the development of our Catholic faith which goes well beyond what is taught in Religious Education classes. This includes charity work and fundraising, community work and our commitment to the environment.

Relationships between and across pupils, parents and staff are built on respect, forgiveness and inclusion. They are also built on hope as we encourage and support one another in teaching and in learning and in the Pastoral dimension. We try to accompany one another at every level in our school life. Crucially this includes our relationship with parents.

Our respect for members of other communities is nourished in our long developed relationship with Cullybackey High School as our EMU partner as well as our annual visit to Romanian orphanages.

As a community we greatly value the support and involvement of the Chaplains and parishes which our pupils come from. The Chaplains are involved in the preparation of Masses including our Year 8 Induction Mass, Year 12 and 14 Leaving Masses. Every month, one year group takes the lead in preparing a Mass for the First Friday of the month -this involves music, choosing readers, soloists and Lay Ministers from among our senior pupils. Reflection Days and class liturgies are organised too at key times of the year.

Students follow a programme in Relationships and Sexuality which is appropriate to their age and development. This programme runs in conjunction with other subject departments. Retreats are organised for the Sixth Form Year Groups on relevant themes. Students in the Sixth Form take part in the Pope John Paul II Award which includes community work as well as work in their parishes.