Religious Education
Mrs Laura Gilbert, Pathways Middle Leader
St Stephen's Catholic College
Over the past few weeks, we have been blessed to welcome the Cairns-based National Evangelisation Team (NET) to our College. Their visits have provided students with meaningful opportunities to deepen their faith, reflect on important life questions, and strengthen their connections within both our school and parish communities.
NET team members have led Religion lessons with students in Years 7, 8 and 9, to support their study of prayer, and have spoken about what prayer can mean and look like for young people today, and how God can be encountered in the world around them. Year 11 Religion and Ethics students also benefited from thought-provoking discussions surrounding questions of meaning, purpose, identity, and faith in the modern world.
Beyond the classroom, the NET team immersed themselves in the life of our College. They spent time with students during break periods, joined in our St Stephen’s Day celebrations, and enthusiastically participated in the College Talent Quest, sharing their gifts and energy with the wider school community.
A key focus of their work this year has been encouraging young people to remain connected to their faith beyond the school setting through their work with Mareeba Youth, our parish youth group. Students from our school and parish gather monthly on a Friday evening at St Stephen’s to engage in games, discussion and faith experiences. For more information about Mareeba Youth, including 2027 dates and upcoming events, families can contact Mrs Valentina Lister through the parish office or via the College.
We thank the NET team for their generous ministry, joyful witness, and the positive impact they have had on our students and school community this year. Their presence has been a wonderful reminder that faith is not only something we learn about, but something we are called to live.
Laura Gilbert | Middle Leader Religious Education