Education in Faith
At St Catherine of Siena, we believe that Christ is at the centre of all we do. Inspired by a God who reaches out to us in love, St Catherine of Siena is called into community where inter-connectedness and quality relationships shape and affirm the identity of each person.
Catholic Social Teachings inform our approach to learning in Religious Education and how our community lives out its faith. Catholic Social Teachings provide a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognised, and those who are vulnerable are cared for. Social justice actions in our school support students to recognise social justice issues, view inequity with a Catholic lens and take positive action to make a difference.
Prayer and Liturgical Life
At St Catherine of Siena we make time to pray daily. In our multi-faith and diverse cultural context we respectfully invite all to prayer. Drawing from rich prayer traditions, a variety of ways of praying are encouraged: individual and communal, vocal and silent, informal and liturgical.
Our school is developing a strong culture of liturgical celebration. We have a number of whole school liturgical celebrations each term where we gather as a whole school community to pray, celebrate and/or acknowledge important community and Church events. Our liturgical celebrations are led by a class and all community members are welcome to attend these celebrations.
Teaching and Learning
Learning in Religious Education at St Catherine of Siena uses a holistic approach using the Religious Education Curriculum Framework (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools).
Students explore their learning experiences using three dimensions:
- Knowledge and Understanding (seeking truth)
- Reasoning and Responding (making meaning)
- Personal and Communal Engagement (living out the story)
These dimensions are illuminated and made clear through the five content areas:
- Scripture and Jesus
- Church and Community
- God, Religion and Life
- Sacrament, Prayer and Liturgy
- Morality and Justice
RE lessons focus on engaging students at a developmentally appropriate level, inviting them to explore their life experiences, come to know the Catholic tradition in dialogue with their life and other faith traditions, and engage in positive action.
Sacramental Programs
St Augustine defines a Sacrament to be an outward sign of inward grace. Sacramental education is a crucial part of Religious Education at St Catherine of Siena. The school emphasises that sacramental preparation is a collaborative effort between parish and school.
Sacramental learning occurs at all levels and is integrated into the curriculum. This is supported by a parish-based sacramental program that consists of a Presentation Mass, Family Preparation Evening, and the celebration of the Sacrament.
Sacraments offered at St Catherine of Siena are:
- Reconciliation, Year 3
- Eucharist, Year 4
- Confirmation, Year 6
For Further Information about the Sacramental Program, contact our Office Staff or the Parish Office Directly Telephone: + 61 3 9412 8444 Email: grovedale@cam.org.au
