St James Religious Dimension

St James Mini Vinnies

As part of our Social Justice initiatives at St James, we continue to challenge our students to SEE!, THINK!, DO! and REFLECT! on the change they can make in our world.

Please keep an eye out for all the amazing ways the students at St James are fundraising and bringing awareness to issues within our school, community and beyond!

UPDATE OF INFORMATION

If your child has been Baptised since their enrolment can you please provide a copy of the certificate to the office so our records can be updated.

SECONDARY ENROLMENTS

If there are any parents that require dates or a letter confirming sacraments, please email eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au and I will be able to provide that information for you. 

Important Dates

TERM 4

Monday 14th October- Confirmation Reflection Day (Please note change of date)

Monday 14th October - Gen Bryant whole school incursion 

Sunday 20th October - Confirmation Mass, St Joan of Arc @ 1pm

Friday 1st November - Grandparents Day/ All Saints ParaLiturgy @ 11:30am lead by Year 3

Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day Paraliturgy @ 3:15pm lead by Prep

Emmaus Parish which includes St Finbar's, St Joan of Arc & St James 

Phone number: 7064 3923

To access the weekly Parish Bulletin please go to the website

https:// www.melbcatholic.org/s/brightoneast

Emma Herbert

Deputy Principal - RE Leader 

eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing

The Benefits of a Christian Faith for Your Child

Have you ever considered the advantages of raising your child with a Christian foundation? The benefits are profound, shaping not just their moral compass, but their emotional and spiritual well-being. If you haven't thought about it before, here are key reasons why Christianity can have a lasting positive impact on your child's life.

1. A Strong Moral Foundation

One of the greatest challenges in secular or atheist societies is establishing a moral foundation without relying on Judeo-Christian values. Many communist regimes, for example, have historically suppressed Christian teachings because they prioritize consolidating power over moral principles. In contrast, societies grounded in Christian morality—such as those that uphold the Ten Commandments—foster human dignity, freedom, and democracy. These commandments not only protect family life but also emphasize the importance of rest, such as the Sabbath, which contributes to the long-term well-being of both individuals and nations. Because a healthy society is built on healthy families, it is not just about the government.

Countries, which face issues like overwork, struggle without such a cultural rhythm of rest and reflection. Without a moral framework, children may miss the ethical foundation that helps preserve the values of democracy and human rights.

2. A Sense of Purpose and Meaning

Christianity provides children with a profound sense of purpose. While great visionaries like Elon Musk may inspire us with their ambitious goals for humanity, Christian teachings offer a purpose that transcends worldly accomplishments. The ultimate goal of the Christian faith is a relationship with God—the Creator of all life—and the promise of eternal life. It instills in children a higher calling to build a just, compassionate society where all can flourish, while holding the hope of eternal life with God.

3. Emotional Support and Comfort

Life’s challenges, such as the loss of a loved one, can be incredibly difficult to face, even for children. Christianity offers emotional and spiritual support during these tough times. Dr. Harold Koenig, a renowned researcher in religion and health, has documented the mental health benefits of religious participation, showing that faith can protect against depression and even suicide. Similarly, Carl Jung emphasized the psychological healing that comes from confession, which allows individuals to confront guilt and shame.

Christianity provides a support system that nurtures hope and resilience, helping children face life's difficulties with faith and comfort.

4. Community and Belonging

Being part of a church community gives children a sense of belonging. It fosters friendships with people who share similar values and provides support across various life stages. In a world that often feels fragmented, a strong faith community offers stability and connection.

5. Teaching Responsibility and Service

Christianity teaches children the importance of serving others and acting selflessly. From a young age, they learn to contribute positively to their communities, promoting empathy and responsibility. For example, in Melbourne, crime rates among 10-17 year-olds have risen by 7.9% in the past year. Christian teachings emphasize that irresponsible actions have consequences, and living a responsible, service-oriented life benefits both individuals and society.

6. Strengthening Family Bonds

Practicing faith as a family—whether through attending church or praying together—strengthens family bonds. These shared spiritual experiences create a sense of unity and bring families closer together, fostering lasting relationships grounded in love and support.

7. Personal Discipline and Self-Control

Christianity teaches virtues like patience, humility, and self-control. Children learn to manage their emotions, resist temptations, and make thoughtful decisions. These traits help them grow into disciplined, mature individuals who can navigate life’s challenges.

8. Hope and Optimism

Christian teachings of redemption, grace, and hope in-still a positive outlook on life. Children learn that setbacks and failures are part of life, but through faith, they can overcome adversity with hope and resilience. This optimistic worldview helps them face challenges with confidence.

9. Understanding Forgiveness and Redemption

Christianity emphasises the power of forgiveness, teaching children that everyone makes mistakes. Through grace, redemption is possible, and there’s always an opportunity to get back on the right path. This understanding helps children approach life with humility and a willingness to grow.

10. Guidance in Ethical Decision-Making

Christian teachings provide a moral compass, guiding children in making ethical decisions. In a world filled with difficult choices, having a foundation in Christian ethics helps them reflect on what is right and wrong. Making the wrong choice can have life-altering consequences, and Christian principles help children navigate these moments with clarity and wisdom.

In Summary

Religious education provides children with essential life lessons, from understanding responsibility and self-control to building emotional resilience and hope. While subjects like mathematics, literacy, and science are crucial, they alone do not guarantee a life well-lived. As Aristotle famously said, "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." True education goes beyond intellectual achievement; it nurtures virtues, emotional intelligence, and character development.

By following the teachings of Christ, who serves as the perfect role model, children gain the moral and spiritual foundation they need for a fulfilling life—both in this world and in the promise of eternal life with God. There is no better education that can be found for this purpose. But it requires not only teaching from schools, but also the parents and extended family. Here is a test to take, ask yourself “do I appreciate the importance of Religious Education?” If you don’t, then it is likely your children won’t either. Lets work for the good of ourselves, the good of our children, the good of our society. Australia needs good characters to become good leaders if it is to flourish! Let's make that happen.

Kind regards,

Corey Payton 

Chaplain