Three Pillars of GRACE
The three pillars of the GRACE program stand from a foundation of service. These pillars are Spiritual Development (Spirituality), Community, and Professional Development. All three pillars, grounded in service, support the GRACE program and all who share of the fruit that develops within. Each pillar depends on aspects of the others, making each necessary for the strength of the program.
Spiritual Development (Spirituality)
 The members of the GRACE program are called to grow in their spirituality and help their cohorts to do the same. GRACErs do this by having weekly meetings for spiritual development, daily community prayer, forming small prayer groups within the larger group, participating in Mass together, participating in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, going on retreats, having guest speakers, and focusing on Christ, the teacher, in our daily activities.
Community
 The GRACE community comes together for fellowship: to pray, play, work, and feast! GRACE Cohort members have planned social outings every month, have dinner together most nights of the week, exercise together, have movie nights, and exchange ideas for work. GRACErs all cook for one another and some do the shopping for the community. Each cohort member has responsibilities to fulfill for the community to stay strong, organized, and happy. The GRACE family members console one another when there are difficulties and celebrate the many blessings they are bestowed!
Professional Development
 As students at the University of St. Thomas, members of the GRACE program learn what it is to be a highly effective, professional Catholic school educator and leader of faith and character. In addition to graduate coursework, GRACE students are blessed with a group of GRACE alumni and graduates of similar programs who come together to discuss the work they are called to do and how to do it in the most optimal way. GRACErs also have the support of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, including close connections with the administration. And of course, GRACE members have one another to help with the everyday occurrences in their professional lives. To learn more about the graduate coursework GRACE students partake in, click on Academic Program.
University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE)
 The University of St. Thomas' GRACE program is a member of the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE). The UCCE supports Catholic Colleges as they design and implement graduate level teaching service programs in support of PK-12 Catholic education in the United States.
In addition to GRACE, and within the UCCE, there are over a dozen universities across the country with similar programs, unique in their own way, but sharing in the basic pillars of professional development, spirituality, and community. If the University of St. Thomas GRACE program does not meet your specific needs then please take the time to browse the UCCE website for other opportunities. |
