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Nowl78
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Campus life

How can my student get involved in campus ministry? Who is the main contact, and what are the primary commitments?

Students at Mater Dei High School can get involved in campus ministry through a variety of programs and activities designed to foster service, leadership, and spiritual growth.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Monarch Ministry Club: This is the primary campus ministry club open to all students year-round.
  • Retreats: Each grade has specific retreats, including the mandatory Freshman Retreat, the Junior Retreat in Wrightwood, and the three-day Walk in Faith (Kairos) retreat.
  • Christian Service: Participation in the school's service program is required, involving volunteering with charitable organizations.
  • Outreach Events: Seasonal outreach opportunities occur during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Lent.
Main Contacts

The Campus Ministry Office is led by:

  • Ms. Helen Steves, Executive Director of Campus Ministry, (714) 850-9555, hsteves@materdei.org
  • Mr. Anthony Bravo, Director of Catholic Identity, Formation, and Retreats, (714) 850-9557, abravo@materdei.org
  • Mrs. Maurissa Talarico, Director of Christian Service and Outreach, (714) 850-9558, mtalarico@materdei.org.
Primary Commitments

  • Service Hours: Students must complete 80 hours of Christian Service over four years, with at least 40 hours being direct service.
  • Mandatory Retreats: Freshmen are required to attend the one-day retreat.
  • Club Dues: A $5 fee is required to join the Monarch Ministry Club.

Recent questions at Mater Dei High School

maranorst
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

When will we receive notification if our student was awarded one of the merit-based scholarships

Families can expect to receive notifications regarding merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen at Mater Dei High School in February 2026. This applies to students who have been officially accepted to the school.

Scholarship Notification Dates

The following scholarships will have their notifications released in February 2026:

  • Principal's Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship
  • Heart of Santa Ana Scholarship
  • Alumni Heritage Fund Grant
Important Note

Families who submitted their Tuition Assistance applications by the December 8, 2025 deadline will receive notifications about general admissions and need-based grants in January 2026, prior to the merit scholarship notifications. For more details on eligibility and application processes, you can visit the Mater Dei High School Scholarships page.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

When using the Shadow A Monarch program, can I request a host specifically from a niche extracurricular

The Shadow A Monarch program at Mater Dei High School allows prospective students to request hosts based on their specific interests, including niche extracurricular activities.

Requesting a Specific Host

You have two options to be paired with a host:

  • Direct Request: If you know a current Mater Dei student in good standing, you can request to shadow them directly.
  • Interest-Based Pairing: If you do not have a specific student in mind, you can fill out the official shadow form indicating your interests in particular activities, subjects, or sports. The school will then pair you with a host involved in those areas.
Additional Information

For more details, you can visit the official Shadow A Monarch page or contact the Admissions Office directly at shadowprogram@materdei.org or by calling (714) 754-1175 for specific inquiries regarding niche extracurriculars.

couchCaution
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

Since 50% of students receive financial aid, what are the options for 12-month tuition payment plans to manage the $20k+ annual commitment? Thxx

To assist families with the financial commitment of tuition, Mater Dei High School provides several payment options, including a 12-month plan that allows for equal monthly payments throughout the year.

Tuition Payment Plans

The available plans include:

  • 12-Month Plan: Equal monthly payments spread over the year.
  • 10-Month Plan: Payments from July through April, ideal for families of seniors.
  • Semi-Annual Plan: Two payments due in June and December.
  • Annual Plan: A single payment due by the end of June.
Enrollment Process

Families can manage their payment plans through an online portal. Enrollment typically begins in early June or during the registration window starting in January. Additionally, for those needing further financial flexibility, Mater Dei partners with Your Tuition Solution to offer fixed-rate student tuition loans without pre-payment penalties.

For more detailed information, visit the Mater Dei Tuition and Fees page.

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