Making a Difference... providing a foundation to last a lifetime.

The Episcopal Day School is a Christian church school and religion is an integral part of its life. Each school day begins with a Chapel service in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.  The Chapel service is usually led by the Director and/or the school Chaplain, who is an Episcopal clergyman.  Instruction is based on the messages in the Holy Bible and not on the doctrine of the Episcopal Church.  Parents are responsible for the religious journey of their own children, so the goal of the daily Chapel services is to learn respect for each other regardless of individual differences. Consequently, children are expected to behave in a reverent manner.  Attendance and participation at daily Chapel service is required of all students and faculty without exception. Parents, relatives, and friends are invited to worship at any of the services.  Any questions about religion, the Episcopal Church, and other related matters that directly impact the School need to be directed to the Rector at the Church of the Advent, Episcopal located at 104 W. Elizabeth Street.

History

The Episcopal Day School, an educational outreach of the Church of the Advent – Episcopal, has been serving the community of Brownsville since 1948. What began as a dream to provide a superior educational environment has become an institution of learning that is grounded in a tradition of academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Mission

The mission of the Episcopal Day School is to nurture each child so that he/she may learn to seek knowledge, love truth, and respect his/her Creator and all that He has created. 

The students of the Episcopal Day School know they will always be a part of a school family where relationships remain strong and supportive. Alumni move into their futures with the knowledge and the friendships that will shape their history.  They are anchored in an education that has given them inquiring and discerning hearts with courage to venture forth as competent, capable, and caring members of our ever-changing society.  The alumni of the school value the learning they have received. In turn, the Day School values each and every student who has been a member of the EDS family. …… Helen Taylor – Past Staff Member

Philosophy

At the Episcopal Day School we believe in implementing a strong academic program with particular emphasis on the basic academic skills.  Our students are guided in their physical, mental, emotional, social, aesthetic, and spiritual growth within a disciplined, stimulating, and creative environment.  We believe in fostering a love for learning and instilling in each child a respect for himself/herself and others.  This is accomplished within the context of a diverse, multicultural community where each person – student, teacher, staff member, administrator – is seen and valued as a child of God. 

The Reverend Maurice Lane Friedman

Before coming to Holy Spirit, he served as Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockport.  He also served as Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, both Active Duty and the Reserves, retiring in November 2009 after 20 years of service.  His last tour of duty was at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas where he served since 1995.  His active duty time included nine years in Germany, Colorado and Texas.  Father Friedman has successfully led his congregations by increasing participation and quality of worship, music, Christian Education, stewardship, and ministries.  He conducted re-visioning workshops, improved the appearance of the physical properties, and created and implemented five and ten-year master plans. 

Father Friedman celebrated the twenty-ninth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on June 15, 2009.  He graduated in 1974 from Penn State University, and in 1979, earned his Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Within the diocese, he has been involved with the Disaster Relief Task Force, Liturgy and Music Commission, Good Samaritan Camp, and Spiritual Life Commission. He is married to Mary Louise, and they have five children and four grandchildren.

The Holy Spirit has truly been at work at Advent.  I wish to especially thank Father Doug for his tireless energy, inspiration, encouragement, humor, and care of all of Advent’s parishioners and ministries.  Never have we had an interim priest do so much for us.  On behalf of the Vestry and the Transition Team, who, themselves, have worked so diligently, thank you!

*For more information and photograph of Father Friedman, go to www.holyspirit-episcopal.com