Catholic Identity
Doing our part for all future generations
As we walk the Lenten journey with our students, we are asked to take the time to consider those around us who need our care and compassion. Through Project Compassion we are given the opportunity to teach our students how important it is to care for those around us. While we too may have moments that challenge us, we cannot forget those whose lives have been impacted by circumstances beyond their control. These may be from economic, climate, family, health, security and many other challenges. We play a part in preparing them to face life challenges, to open their hearts and minds to possibilities, situations, events and circumstances that they right now cannot even imagine facing.
Social Justice awareness plays a big part in this preparation. As a Catholic school we expose them to the Catholic Social Teachings:
- Preferential Options for the Poor
- Dignity of the Human Person
- Care for our Common Home
- Subsidiarity and Participation
- The Common Good
- Solidarity
We are called to prepare our students to be the change that is needed in the world. As parents, Learning Mentors, school staff and community members we are there to guide, encourage, help discover, and sometimes to develop the courage to risk, as the reward for all future generations is great.
Last Sunday, from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9, we read how Jesus was transfigured before the apostles Peter, James and John. Transfigured indicates the transformation into something more beautiful, or elevated. More luminous. As a Catholic community we are mindful of our importance as the instrument God uses to transform our students; to help them to be elevated and more luminous so that they too can be the change that is needed in the world, for all future generations.
This Sunday the Gospel is from John 4: 5-42. Following on from last week’s Gospel about the transfiguration of Jesus, this week we read about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus and the Samaritan woman, through dialogue, break down religious and cultural boundaries in numerous ways. What can we learn from this today? Modern Catholic schools aim to be places where dialogue between people of different faith and cultural backgrounds can take place, where we can be together and work towards transforming the world. At St Anne’s College our students are provided with many opportunities to be in dialogue. Our philosophy for learning statement includes the following extract: "At the core of our being is our commitment to our Catholic faith in dialogue with others. As we learn from each other, we hope to create a peace-filled world where all are respected, cared for and can live safe and fulfilling lives."
May we, during this time of Lent, spend time transforming lives through dialogue and understanding. May we be the change that is needed in the world through our support of Project Compassion for all future generations.
- Elizabeth Holligan, Religious Education Leader