From Student to Teacher: St. Patrick 8th Graders Teach Younger Peers Through Prayer

April 1, 2025

PERRY, IA – At St. Patrick Catholic School in Perry, eighth graders aren't just learning about their faith. They're teaching it.

Twice a year, these students take on the role of teachers, leading prayer retreats for their younger peers, a unique program that fosters both faith and leadership.

Ashley Taylor, eighth grade religion teacher and fifth-to-eighth grade math teacher at St. Patrick, explains that a crucial part of the eighth grade curriculum is preparing students to share their faith as they transition to public high school.

“A big piece of eighth grade religion is really teaching my students about, ‘How do I actively share my faith in ninth grade,’ ” Taylor said. “Ninth grade is their opportunity to experience what it’s like to share their faith in different ways with community members as well.”

These prayer retreats, held around All Saints Day and during Catholic Schools Week, have become a cornerstone of the school’s service activities. Each retreat features a different theme, allowing students to delve into various aspects of their faith.

The most recent retreat, held during Catholic Schools Week, saw the seven eighth grade students each choose impactful character traits of saints to teach to younger students. Stations were set up throughout the school, where eighth graders led activities tailored to different age groups. Kindergarteners counted Hail Marys, seventh graders explored holy friendships and crafted friendship bracelets, and other students participated in guided meditations and lessons on virtues.

Taylor explained, highlighting the depth of preparation involved. “One of my students taught about Marian devotion and really spent time about why it’s important to be devoted to Mary,” Taylor said. “They had to have good reasons about why they chose those traits.”

The retreats are not just about teaching, but also about learning how to teach. The eighth graders quickly learn to adapt their lessons and teaching styles to engage different age groups, adjusting to four different groups throughout the two-hour teaching time.

They also learn that being a teacher isn’t as easy as it looks.

“The first time, they were so hungry because they didn’t understand how hard it was to be a teacher for two hours,” Taylor said.

The process involves creating formal lesson plans, crafting activities, and collaborating with other teachers for support and feedback. This mentorship has proven invaluable, with some students discovering a passion for teaching.

“I’ve had a couple students who are convinced that they will be great teachers and have decided that they would like to teach in a Catholic school … which is a great way to be able to support our Catholic schools for those future years,” Taylor said.

The impact on the 8th graders is profound. They gain confidence in their faith, develop leadership skills, and learn to articulate their beliefs to others. For the younger students, the retreats provide a unique opportunity to learn from their peers, fostering a sense of community and shared faith.

The entire school participates in the day of prayer, culminating in a whole-school rosary in the gym, forming a “human rosary.” The teachers, including those not directly involved in religion classes, provide unwavering support, reinforcing the school’s commitment to faith-based education.

“Our students really care about their faith and they care about this school,” Taylor said. “It’s really neat to see everybody come together and see the importance of being a lifelong learner as a Catholic and what that really means, not just in the context of math or ELA but in the context of our faith and our growth as disciples.”

Even students from other faith backgrounds have thrived in this environment. Taylor said one student guided students through a variety of Bible readings, following the practices of her Protestant Christian background.

“Being at this school doesn’t mean you are a Catholic. Being at this school means that you love Jesus and you’re learning about him,” Taylor said.

Prayer retreats at St. Patrick Catholic School are more than just a day of student-led activities. They are a testament to the power of faith, leadership, and community, where students learn to own their faith and share it with others.