Faith, community and culture
“Education is not just about the teaching of a ‘what’,
it’s about the growing of a ‘who.’” - Professor Brother David Hall
"We are intentionally designed by God with minds and hearts
built for connection, gratitude, and growth." -Anne Kertz-Kernion
Recently, educators gathered at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Religious Education Symposium under the inspiring theme, Inspired by Faith: Journeying to Excellence. Joined by a bustling gathering of over 1,000 delegates from across the nation, St John's was proud to send a team of five staff members to participate in this landmark event.
It was a milestone gathering that offered a profound reminder of what lies at the heart of Catholic education; not simply teaching subject matter but nurturing the whole person.
Two resonant threads emerged throughout the gathering: the timeless message of Franciscan spirituality and the rich insights of international speaker Anne Kertz Kernion.
Keynote speaker Anne Kertz Kernion, an award-winning author and presenter, who weaves together neuroscience, spiritual practices and wellbeing, offered a fascinating look into how God fashioned our minds and bodies.
Anne demonstrated how daily spiritual practices, such as contemplative prayer, moments of quiet reflection, gratitude and authentic social connection physically alter our brain pathways and strengthen our resilience. God created our nervous systems to thrive in loving communion with others. When we cultivate habits of gratitude and stillness, we align our biology with our spiritual purpose, helping us become more compassionate and patient members of our community.
Hearing from the Franciscan tradition, keynote speakers like Franciscan Friar Br William J. Short OFM, invited everyone present to pause and listen deeply.
Franciscan spirituality calls us to look at the world through a lens of humility, relationship and awe. It challenges us to see the divine reflection in all of creation and in every human being we meet.
Key insights from the Franciscan message include; that faith is lived out in community. True connection requires us to slow down and truly listen to one another. Approaching others with open hearts and warmth, recognising every individual as a brother or sister in Christ. Knowing, understanding and joining our schools and parishes as sacred places where we steward the world and care for one another with gentleness.
Perhaps the most empowering takeaway from the symposium was the reminder that God creates no duplicates. Every student, teacher, parent and parishioner possesses a unique mix of gifts, perspectives, and personalities crafted by God.
When we bring these individual, God-given gifts together within a Christian community:
As we bring the spirit of the MACS RE Symposium back to St John's, let us all remain intentional about listening; to God, to creation, and to one another. Let us celebrate the unique ways God has created each of us, confident that when we share our gifts together, we build a community where everyone can flourish.
We warmly invite St John's students to join our parish community as an altar server. This is a wonderful opportunity to move beyond the pews and become an active participant in our church life. This sacred role helps build valuable experience in leadership, responsibility and teamwork while gaining an understanding of the Mass. By saying 'yes' to this special invitation, you will have an opportunity to grow closer to God and develop a strong sense of personal confidence that will serve you well in the future.
If your child wishes to become an altar server please send me an email mpatton@sjfrankstoneast.catholic.edu.au
