Year 10 Religion

Father Rob Galea

Loss, grief and new life is a topic in Year 10 Religion. On Wednesday 13th September, students of Patrick and Brigid houses studying Year 10 Religion were treated to a visit at school by Fr Rob Galea.

Fr Rob came into class to discuss with students the connection between our life on Earth, and our eternal life in Heaven. Throughout the course of the term’s work, students had been learning about why it is important for Catholics to have a Catholic funeral service. Fr Rob put this into terms which the students could understand, by saying that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and that because of this, our life doesn’t just end when we pass on.

We have a soul, Fr Rob explained, and this continues on into heaven, where because God loved us so much that he gave us his son Jesus. How could any of our loved ones who have passed on not go to heaven with God, where everything is so perfect. This is where Jesus went after he was crucified, and by doing so gave us the faith that our souls and those of our loved ones will safely go there too after our passing.

With our unit of study also looking into our time on Earth, as well as the things that might be said at a loved one’s funeral, Fr Rob posed the question, “What would you like to be remembered for?” If you live a good and fulfilling life on Earth, you nourish your soul, and this is the soul that will go on to continue living fulfilled in heaven.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, with Fr Rob also speaking on topics such as the Church’s beliefs on euthanasia, as well as living a good death through suffering. The example was given of the late St Pope John Paul II, who despite suffering from Parkinson’s Disease continued to lead the Catholic Church in a meaningful and inspirational way. The same could be said of the late Connie Johnson who lived until recently through terminal cancer to spread awareness of the disease.

The Year 10 students of St Joseph’s College were well engaged in what Fr Rob had to say, asking many meaningful questions related to life and death. It wouldn’t be a school visit without a song, with Fr Rob giving students and staff an acoustic rendition of his version of Amazing Grace.

In addition to the visit by Fr Rob to the school, students this term as part of the Loss and Grief unit heard from palliative care staff from Echuca Regional Health and visited the business of local undertakers, Tobin Brothers. Such guest speakers and local excursions add to the students’ knowledge and enhance the learning experiences. We thank all who have been a part of this term’s Loss and Grief unit, and for sharing their knowledge with the students.

By Matthew Scott

Year 10 Religion Teacher