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Reflection of the Week

What is distinctive about Catholic Education?

This week is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the life changing work of Catholic Education. Every day each of us contributes to this incredible hope filled work that is taking place in every school in our Diocese and beyond. For this we are extremely proud and give thanks. What is it though that is distinctively Catholic about the education taking place in these schools? In reality, all education systems and schools should be transformational, providing hope or making a difference in their communities. What is so particular about Catholic Education & schools?  The National Catholic Education Commission enters into dialogue with this essential question in the following way.

Catholic schools are Christ-centred communities committed to educational excellence.

Every Catholic school exists to propose to their students the religious and moral beliefs underlying a life-giving Catholic vision about what it means to be human and have a loving relationship with the living God and the world in which they live.

Catholic schools form individuals to flourish – to live good lives in this world and contribute to building a just and healthy society, and in eternal life with God.

Catholic schools are “called upon to offer an educational service appropriate to the present times”.5 

They are communities of welcome, forgiveness, equality, inclusion and encouragement to experience, live and proclaim the joy of the Gospel. They are nourished by prayer, liturgy, witness, social justice, service and pastoral care.

The mission of Catholic schools is centred around the integration of faith, learning, life and culture. This does not just happen in the classroom, but through the witness offered by teaching and non-teaching staff, and through the experience of the student being part of a community which models this integration in a life-giving way.

Catholic schools work in partnership with parents and parishes, as they accompany students on a journey of personal and spiritual growth: to think well, to feel well and to do good.

From p.5 Life to the full - The mission and purpose of Catholic schools in Australia