CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the church. I will let everyone who wins the victory eat from the life-giving tree in God’s wonderful garden. Revelation 2:7 (CEV)

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from September 6 to 12.

Catholic Education Week is a time for the Catholic school communities across the Ballarat Diocese to celebrate Catholic education, its many achievements and substantial contribution to the broader community.

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2020 is Listen to what the Spirit is saying.  This theme focuses on listening and discernment which is borne from rich dialogue.  Pope Francis defines discernment as more than intelligence or common sense: ‘It is a gift which we must implore.  If we ask with confidence that the Holy Spirit grant us this gift, and then seek to develop it through prayer, reflection, reading and good counsel, then surely we will grow in this spiritual endowment.’ Gaudete et Exsultate 166

During this week I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contributions and service of our college staff to the St Joseph’s College community, with their exemplary leadership, teaching and classroom support in living out the Gospel values and college core values.  Our staff are enthusiastic, dedicated and caring individuals always putting the needs of their students first. 

As Director of Catholic Identity at the college, I am exceptionally proud of our staff, students, parents and parish staff, who together to make up the school community.  These communities enable us to share the privileged responsibility of educating, nurturing and caring for our young people.

Catholic Education Week Prayers

Gracious God, nurture in us a discerning heart, to hear the Holy Spirit in the voices of others, to challenge our own will, desires, fears and prejudices and to be open to your will. Amen

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.  Bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way.  Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road.  Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth.  Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying.  Lead us into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel.  Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (adapted from the Plenary Council Prayer)

Miss Paula Cox

Director of Catholic Identity