Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
St. Paul Catholic High School: St Paul Catholic High School, Bristol CT
Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic high school

St. Paul Catholic High School

  • LocationBristol, CT
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 388 students
Official website

St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Connecticut, holds a school-wide Mass each month and offers a Mass and Eucharistic adoration each Wednesday in its chapel. Every student attends a yearly retreat with their grade, takes four years of religion courses, and completes at least 60 hours of community service, including an annual March for Life trip.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Wednesday7:15 AMSchool chapel · Weekly, as stated on the spiritual life page.

Adoration 1

  • Wednesday7:15 AMSchool chapel · Weekly, as stated on the spiritual life page.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are available once a week in our chapel (Every Wednesday at 7:15am).”
    Mass and eucharistic adoration are offered weekly in the school chapel on Wednesdays at 7:15 AM.
    “Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are available once a week in our chapel (Every Wednesday at 7:15am).”
    Mass and eucharistic adoration are offered weekly in the school chapel on Wednesdays at 7:15 AM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Paul Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church: 2.0 mi2Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church: 2.1 mi3Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church: 2.3 mi4Saint Anns Roman Catholic Church: 2.8 mi5Church of Saint Anthony of Padua: 2.8 mi6St. Paul Catholic High School Campus Ministry: 0.2 miSt. Paul Catholic High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church — 0.1 mi · 235 Maltby Street, Bristol
  2. Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 120 Church Avenue, Bristol
  3. Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church — 2.1 mi
  4. Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church — 2.3 mi
  5. Saint Anns Roman Catholic Church — 2.8 mi · 215 West Street, Bristol
  6. Church of Saint Anthony of Padua — 2.8 mi · 87 School Street, Bristol

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (The spiritual life page says the whole school community celebrates the Eucharist every month. Weekly Masses assigned to individual teams, clubs and advisories are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every month our entire school community comes together to celebrate the Eucharist and join in praying for one another.”
      The whole school gathers for a Mass once a month.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Eucharistic adoration is offered once a week, Wednesdays at 7:15 AM, in the school chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are available once a week in our chapel (Every Wednesday at 7:15am).”
      Mass and eucharistic adoration are offered weekly in the school chapel on Wednesdays at 7:15 AM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Rev. Daniel Hackenjos is listed as Dean of Religious Life, which heads the school's religious life office.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/about-us/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Prefix:Rev. First Name:Daniel Last Name:Hackenjos Title:Dean of Religious Life”
      Rev. Daniel Hackenjos is the Dean of Religious Life, a priest on staff.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The curriculum guide requires 4 credits of religion for graduation, one credit in each of the four years (two half-credit courses per year).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4 credits Religion”
      Religion is a 4-credit graduation requirement.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Christian Morality and Conscience Formation is a required senior course covering the foundations of Christian morality.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The course will teach the foundations of Christian morality using the Beatitudes and the Decalogue as the key guides in making moral decisions.”
      Christian Morality and Conscience Formation teaches the foundations of Christian morality.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student is required to attend a yearly retreat with other members of their grade.”
      Every grade has a required yearly retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two named staff: the religion department chair and campus minister, and the Dean of Religious Life (a priest).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff Directory | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/about-us/faculty-staff-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Last Name:Duffany Title:Religion Department Chair & Campus Minister Email:lduffany@spchs.com”
      Lawrence Duffany is the religion department chair and campus minister.
      “Prefix:Rev. First Name:Daniel Last Name:Hackenjos Title:Dean of Religious Life”
      Rev. Daniel Hackenjos is the Dean of Religious Life, a priest on staff.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (The clubs list includes Assistant Campus Ministry and Mission Club.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Activities & Clubs | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/community/activities-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Assistant Campus Ministry | Mr. Duffany |”
      Assistant Campus Ministry is a listed student club.
      “Mission Club | Mrs. Zillich |”
      Mission Club is a listed student club.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (At least 15 hours of community service each year, 60 hours over the four years, are required for graduation.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Service | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/community/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A minimum of 15 hours of community service each year is required for graduation from high school.”
      Community service of at least 15 hours a year is required for graduation.
    2. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “60 hours -Minimum 15 hours/year Community Service”
      The graduation requirements list 60 hours of community service, with a minimum of 15 hours a year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The required Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society course covers the dignity of every person as a basis of Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “They also build on the key tenet that the most fundamental of all of our social doctrine is that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore is deserving of profound respect.”
      The Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society course teaches the dignity of the human person as basic social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “an annual trip to Washington DC for the March for Life”
      Students take an annual trip to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Students complete Faith in Action service in the spirit of social justice, and the Mission Club runs a monthly meal program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/community/community-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Paul Mission Club cooks and serves a meal at Zion Lutheran's Meals For Neighbors program on the second Monday of each month”
      The Mission Club serves a meal monthly at a Bristol church program.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Every student attends a yearly retreat with their grade.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each student is required to attend a yearly retreat with other members of their grade.”
      Every grade has a required yearly retreat.
  • Four years of religion courses are required, and each year's religion courses are listed in the curriculum guide.
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “4 credits Religion”
      Religion is a 4-credit graduation requirement.
  • At least 60 hours of community service are required over four years, and the school sponsors an annual March for Life trip.
    Sources (2)
    1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027 | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/uploads/application/files/curriculum-guide-2026-2027_mlrevfinal.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “60 hours -Minimum 15 hours/year Community Service”
      The graduation requirements list 60 hours of community service, with a minimum of 15 hours a year.
    2. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “an annual trip to Washington DC for the March for Life”
      Students take an annual trip to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life.

Concerns

  • Not confirmed: whether daily Mass is offered on campus. The published Mass is weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are available once a week in our chapel (Every Wednesday at 7:15am).”
      Mass and eucharistic adoration are offered weekly in the school chapel on Wednesdays at 7:15 AM.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

St. Paul Catholic High School Campus Ministry

  • Address: 1001 Stafford Ave., Bristol, CT 06010
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, Campus Ministry lounge

View on map ↗

Source: spchs.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, spchs.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 6 location not published

Service 3

  • Mission ClubOff campus
    Second Monday of each month (school year)
    Cooks and serves a meal at the Meals for Neighbors program at Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol.
    spchs.com, spchs.com
  • March for Life tripOff campus
    Annual
    An annual trip to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life.
    spchs.com
  • Christian Service Formation Program (Faith in Action, Falcon Hours, St. Paul Outreach)
    Required service of at least 15 hours a year, with 5 hours to the school community and 5 to the wider community.
    spchs.com, spchs.com

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Weekly after-school MassOn campus
    Weekly, after school
    A different team, club or advisory is assigned each week to a Mass in the Rev. O'Brien Chapel.
    spchs.com
  • Living RosaryOn campus
    Yearly
    Students lead a rosary in the school auditorium in several languages.
    spchs.com
  • Monthly school-wide Mass
    Monthly
    The entire school community celebrates the Eucharist each month, in St. Gregory the Great Church or the school auditorium.
    spchs.com

Faith formation 2

  • Divine Mercy Chaplet
    Fridays, 7:30 AM before school
    The whole school is invited to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet before school.
    spchs.com
  • Sacraments of initiation program
    For students in grades 10 to 12 who have not completed their sacraments of initiation.
    spchs.com

Clubs and groups 1

  • Assistant Campus Ministry
    Student leaders who help the campus minister with school liturgies, visitors and service promotion.
    spchs.com, spchs.com

Retreats 1

  • Yearly class retreats
    Yearly, by grade
    Each student attends a yearly retreat with their grade, with a Mass and talks on faith, service and discipleship.
    spchs.com

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Spiritual Life | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolspchs.com/faith/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Every month our entire school community comes together to celebrate the Eucharist and join in praying for one another.”
    The whole school gathers for a Mass once a month.
    “During free periods and after school, students may meet in the Campus Ministry lounge for various activities”
    Campus Ministry has a lounge where students meet during free periods and after school.
    “Every month our entire school community comes together to celebrate the Eucharist and join in praying for one another.”
    The whole school gathers for a Mass once a month.
    “During free periods and after school, students may meet in the Campus Ministry lounge for various activities”
    Campus Ministry has a lounge where students meet during free periods and after school.

Reach out

Contact details for Lawrence Duffany (Religion Department Chair & Campus Minister) and 4 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
65 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.88%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.14.2 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseArchdiocese of Hartford, CT
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)388
Students in grades 9–12388
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio14.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges88%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Hartford

The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, Archbishop of Hartford

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: archdioceseofhartford.org, archdioceseofhartford.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Paul Catholic High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Paul Catholic High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
What is St. Paul Catholic High School’s Compass Score?
87 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at St. Paul Catholic High School?
Mass is listed at School chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is St. Paul Catholic High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. St. Paul Catholic High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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