The Aquinas Middle School Program at the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a unique, national award-winning “House” program.  AMBS was recognized with the Innovations in Catholic Education Award from Today's Catholic Teacher.

The "House" program consists of 4 small Christian learning communities: Seton House, Joseph House, Xavier House and Neumann House. These small Christian communities of 6th, 7th and 8th graders nurture & develop their Catholic faith while actively engaging one another in exploring social justice issues relevant to life in the 21st century. 

At the program’s inception (2002-2003), each House, named after a Saint, developed a philosophy based upon Christian values. They chose a motto, House color, and symbols to create a House shield. A House leader, an 8th grader, is inducted each school year that exemplifies strong leadership skills and Christian values.

House Moderator:  Ms. Denise Wetzel
Head of House:  Zane Wojokh
Motto:  "We strive for excellence" 
House Color:  Blue, symbolizing strength and loyalty 
Shield Symbols:  The Crest is segmented by a Chevron, a house's roof, indicating protection and faithful service. In addition to The Aquinas School's Jerusalem Cross and a book icon, the Crest features: hands and heart, signifying friendship and love, and a dove, symbolizing peace.  

Seton House honors St. Elizabeth Seton, an adult convert and the first native-born North American to be canonized. She founded the U.S. Order of the Sisters of Charity and greatly advanced Catholic Education in America. 

Social Justice Issue:  Right to Education/Literacy

Christian Action:  Peer Tutoring, collection books for schools in need (local/global)

Philosophy:
Love is defined as an expression of one's affection.
It is the foundation of a virtuous life.
Christian Values will guide us on our journey to Heaven.
Living by courage will give us the strength and endurance to be faithful.
By practicing generosity and hospitality, we can learn to give of ourselves for the good of others.
Telling the truth that may shed a tear is better than telling a lie that draws a temporary smile.
The goods of the earth are gifts from God and we must be stewards to protect them.
Human life is sacred, we have a responsibility to cherish and nurture this precious gift.
Show unconditional love and acceptance of others.
The dignity of the human person is the starting point for a moral vision of society.
Forgive your enemies because no one is perfect.
Only with love, compassion and forgiveness, can we establish inner peace.

House Moderator:  Mr. Mark Ruebenacker
Head of House:  Joshua Tham
Motto:  "We are One, united in God"  
House Color:  Purple, symbolizing justice, sovereignty and royalty
Shield Symbols:  The Crest is segmented by the Cross carried in the Crusades. Along with The Aquinas School's Jerusalem Cross and a book icon, the Crest features: an apple, indicating freedom and peace; wolf, symbolizing perseverance and effort; arrow, signifying devotion to honor and service; estoile, the 6-pointed star, highlighting God's goodness and superiority.

Xavier House is named for St. Francis Xavier, one of the first members of the Society of Jesus, who converted thousands wherever he went and is honored as the Patron Saint of all Catholic Missions

Social Justice Issue:  Protecting Children

Christian Action:  Audrey Hepburn House for Abused Children, Support of Military Troops    

Philosophy:
As Catholic students, we are obliged to be missionaries of our faith. 
We are called to utilize our Christian values in our daily life. 
As a Catholic family, we are called by God to help others. 
No matter where we are in life, God is guiding us with a moral compass. 
Live your life in accordance with the ultimate reward, heaven. 
We may not be able to stop world hunger, but even helping one person is just as rewarding. 
A Catholic person's one goal should be to climb the moral ladder. 
Each step is a value, and every stage allows us to become closer to heaven. 
Catholics help construct the foundation of life, and God gave us the blueprints. 
Now all we have to do is build the house. 

Motto:  "Make a difference" 
House Color:  Yellow, symbolizing generosity 
Shield Symbols:  The Crest is segmented by a Saltire, St. Andrew's Cross, which signifies resolution and resolve. In addition to The Aquinas School's Jerusalem Cross and a book icon, the Crest features a manger representing Jesus and St. Joseph's family, a lily, a traditional symbol of St. Joseph and a monstrance, a signifying devotion to God.  

Joseph House is named for Jesus' earthly father, St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of Families. It also honors the long-standing bond between MBS Parish and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Social Justice Issue:  Respect Life

Christian Action:  Several Sources Foundation (Pro-Life Shelter)

Philosophy:
We of the Joseph House will strive to live virtuous lives by following Christian values.
We will love by showing affection to all because we are all children of God. 
By being loyal to our ideals, to our friends and family, we will show our faithfulness. 
Generosity is realized by giving of our time, talents and resources. 
We will show care and compassion for others through the Works of Mercy. 
We should forgive others and ask for forgiveness. 
We will try to create safe and harmonious relationships thereby fostering peace. 
Being true to our word and standing up for what we believe will show honesty and courage. 
Jesus' Law of Love "to love your neighbor as you love yourself" demands respect for human dignity. We will help others with humility. 
Justice is done when we share equally and fairly. 
We are meant to enjoy yet care for the environment because we are Stewards of God's earth.

Motto:  "Children today, Leaders tomorrow" 
House Color:  Orange, symbolizing worthwhile ambition 
Shield symbols:  The Crest is segmented by a Pile design which represents the wood used in building and construction. In addition to The Aquinas School's Jerusalem Cross and a book icon, the Crest features: a dolphin, symbolizing charity, and a school, signifying the first diocesan Catholic school system.  

Neumann House is named for a Founding Father of Catholic Education in America, St. John Neumann, who, as Archbishop of Philadelphia, organized the first diocesan Catholic School system in America.

Social Justice Issue:  Strengthen Families, Family Values

Christian Action:  Migrant Workers, St. Jude’s Children Hospital

Philosophy:
We will follow Jesus' example by opening our hearts to other people in a generous manner.
Doing this, we will make smart and honest decisions and remember to try and always forgive.
We will show love by going out of our way to care for people. 
We will be honest to ourselves and God, serve justice throughout our lifetimes and spread the Good News of God to promote peace. 
We will stand up for ourselves and others, but most of all, have faith in God.