Whats Happening In RE
Welcome back everyone to 2025 and a particularly warm welcome to students and parents who have joined the Kildare Catholic College community for the first time.
With many new students joining us from non-Catholic schools and also from families whose religious belief and practice does not fit neatly into one confession or another, it is worth outlining some important aspects about Religious Education in a Catholic school. The first and most important is whatever your beliefs, you are welcome here.
In Years 7 - 10, five timetabled classes a fortnight are devoted to Religious Education. That’s 10% of all the classes students undertake in these years. In Year 11 and 12, students can elect one of three options;
Studies of Religion 2 Unit (8 hours a fortnight and contributes to ATAR),
Studies of Religion 1 Unit (4 hours a fortnight and contributes to ATAR) and
Studies in Catholic Thought (4 hours a fortnight does not contribute to ATAR).
The Religious Sense
At Kildare, Religious Education draws attention to the religious nature of every human person. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “human beings are by nature and vocation religious beings” (CCC44).
It is not uncommon to experience apprehension when the subject of religion is raised. Despite this, even the most superficial study of human society will show how religion and spirituality are fundamental to being human. Either we are all crazy or there must be something about humanity’s engagement with reality that compels it to look beyond this world to a mystery worthy of worship.
Luigi Giussani calls this the Religious Sense. The following are a couple of thought experiments that illustrate how the conditions for developing a religious outlook are in everyone’s grasp.
What is valued above everything else that can only be obtained as a gift?
Usually when I ask students and teachers this question they will say things like “life, friendship, family and love”. As we contemplate these things it becomes apparent that actually what we value the most is given…not obtained on our own effort or merit. Notice also those gifts that are fundamental to our happiness are not manufactured out of matter. What is the appropriate response to such a gift?
Goodness, truth and beauty are the ultimate object of all my choices?
Indeed, what is good, true and beautiful are the subject of much debate. But the debate itself would be pointless if these transcendental values weren’t based on objective reality. Our aiming for perfect goodness, truth and beauty despite being fully aware of our imperfect concept of their perfection, highlights this propensity of the human person to seek answers beyond this world.
The Christian Claim
Kildare’s foundation involved a great many people who in a variety of ways shared a conviction that Catholic education is worthwhile not only for the students but for society as a whole. The sole basis for Catholic education is not an idea, nor an ideal or an ideology for that matter; it's a person. The answer reveals itself as a person. While engaging with Scripture, the teachings of the Catholic Church, stories of saints, prayer, liturgy and the personal witness of their peers and teachers, students have the opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus, the Son of God.
That God took on human flesh in Jesus Christ and “dwelt amongst us” is the central claim of Christianity. Giving one’s free assent to this claim as both a historical fact and a present reality, involves a completely renewed vision of our humanity. One manifestation of a Christian faith is the conviction that no person is for nothing and what’s more, each person is made for greatness in this life and forever after. This is the fire ignited in the hearts of Nano Nagle, Edmund Rice and anyone who supported their effort to found schools for children whose gifts and talents may have otherwise not been fully realised.
The Church
Many people feel like the Church is not for them. It looks like so many other human institutions that have fallen into corruption. But the Church is a gathering of people who share conviction in Jesus’ life transforming and saving power. Many of these people are now saints in heaven. What a difference it makes in a person to realise that ‘there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends’. The Church’s teachings are drawn from the collective wisdom of so many people who have staked their life on the claim that in Jesus, we can be born to eternal life. Whatever one’s institutional adherence, hopefully there will be something in Religious Education at Kildare that leads each of us to a hope filled belief in the worth and potential of every person.
David Chaston | RE KLA Coordinator