Religious Education
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Religious Education is fundamental to the overall development of the child. Students are encouraged to engage with the living values and beliefs of a Catholic worldview that is 'informed by Catholic beliefs and values in relation to God, life-giving relationships, justice, and an ongoing search for what is good, right and true in their culture and world'. Connections with faith and Catholic tradition is achieved by ‘recontextualisation’ which is about making meaning in our current context.
At St James school, we believe that our Catholic faith calls us to view and embrace the contemporary world through a Catholic lens, and a hope-filled view of people and all of creation.
Through our Religious Education program, ‘To Live in Christ Jesus’, we aim to;
- invite a loving encounter with God,
- develop a love of self, and
- encourage engagement with the Christian community.
Religious Education is not limited to the formal teaching of lessons in the classroom.
The Religious Education curriculum also aims to complement the family’s faith education by developing the whole child in the life of the faith in:
- Celebrating liturgy
- Receiving Sacraments
- Responding to the spirit of God in their lives and in creation
- Celebrating the mystery and life of the Risen Christ
- Handing on tradition
- Understanding the scriptures and the traditions of the Catholic Church
Sacramental Program
The rituals of the Sacraments are celebrated in the Parish Communities of St James, Nar Nar Goon and Holy Family and Maryknoll in the company of other children.
Through the Family-centered, Parish-based & School-supported model children are able to recognise Jesus’ presence in their lives and come to know God more closely.
Our education and faith development in the Sacraments is a Prep to Grade Six program. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received in Year 3, Eucharist is celebrated also in Year 3 and the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in Year 6.