Religious Education/ Faith Development

Religious Education and Faith Development

Religious and Moral Education

During my first year as Director of Religious and Moral Education, there have been significant liturgical celebrations in the life of the College. The major liturgies were the Founder’s Day Mass and the Year 12 Valedictory Mass, both celebrated by Fr Michael Elligate, and the Social Justice Mass, celebrated by Monsignor Tony Ireland. Ash Wednesday, our Lenten Liturgy and the ANZAC Day memorial liturgy reminded us all of the fragility of human life and the love of a forgiving God. The end of year Masses for each year level marked the beginning of Advent; the time in the Church year when Christians worldwide prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. My sincere thanks go to the College Chaplain, Mrs Joan Ferguson for her guidance and assistance in the planning of the major liturgies during the year. The celebration of Mass at De La Salle is indeed very significant and goes to the core of what we, as Catholics believe and attempt to model our lives upon. We have Mass to worship and to receive God, and enter into a common union with Him and with those who venerate with us. If we do not find much importance or relevance in the Mass, it is because our whole mind, heart and soul are not there. We will only get out of this relationship with God what we put into it. Our students and staff are called to actively participate in the various celebrations throughout the year. The academic focus of Religious Education at De La Salle is one which attempts to teach the traditions of the Church, in addition to lifting the academic levels of the students. This year, Religious Education was studied by every student at VCE level. Texts and Traditions, Unit 1 aimed at giving each student in Year 11 a solid grounding in the truth and beauty of the faith. Central topics such as the Creation myths, the Covenants between God and mankind, the Passover and the Institution of Eucharist, all attempted to provide students access to God’s love. Religion and Society was studied at a Unit 2 level by Year 12 students. The academic and spiritual focus of Ethics helped to provide each young man with a background to the challenges of life and the dignity of the human person. At De La Salle, we continue the fundamental task of supporting and sustaining the faith and religious knowledge of our students. This is not as straightforward as it may sound, particularly when there are so many factors in our world that seem to detract from the fundamental Gospel message: to love one another. In order to give priority to this ministry, we need a team of enthusiastic, capable and empathetic teachers. It is with pleasure that I acknowledge those who teach in the Religious Education faculty. It com-

prises teachers who care deeply about what they do and teach, and have a relationship with God that is able to be passed on to their students. Theirs is a ministry of great necessity and courage and warrants our admiration and gratitude. Finally, it is necessary to acknowledge the support Br Paul offers to the Religious Education Department. There can be no doubt that the principal of a school has one of the most important roles in the life of the faculty, since the principal sets the tone of what level of importance Religious Education is given. De La Salle is fortunate to have Religious Education at the heart of the College — not at the expense of other faculties — but at their service.

Mr Graeme Pender Director of Religious and Moral Education

Sacramental Program

In the Chapel, the spiritual heart of our College, we have welcomed our new Year 7 students in the ‘Celebrating Catholic Life’ program during 2011. Each student, as part of a small group, has had the opportunity to deepen and discuss their faith and to enquire and discover more about the Catholic Church. These young men have been enthusiastic in their participation and expressed a joy in the opportunity to increase their awareness of faith and brotherhood with each other. Our Primary students also became familiar visitors, with various opportunities for prayer and Sacramental preparation. Confirmation was celebrated on 25 May at St Anthony’s, Glen Huntly. Bishop Peter Elliot presided and we congratulate the Year 8 students who embraced this opportunity to complete their journey of initiation into the Church. During Term 3, a number of students received the Eucharist for the first time at St. Anthony’s, Glen Huntly, whilst others received the Sacrament in their local parish. Similarly, other students prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and in a joyful Second Rite, they gathered with their families in the College Chapel to encounter the loving forgiveness of our God. One parent was heard to comment: “you could feel the love in the Chapel”. It was certainly an occasion of grace. It is affirming to witness the commitment of these young people who have chosen to strengthen their relationship with the person of Jesus Christ within the Church. The support of families and their involvement in their sons’ preparation is impressive. Amidst all of the joys of celebration in the Chapel, we have also gathered for prayer to support those who are suffering and mourning the loss of loved ones, offering support in the best way we know how. We continue to remember those in our community who have lost loved ones during the year. Mrs Joan Ferguson College Chaplain

Our newly confirmed boys receive their certificate from Br Paul