Spirituality

Religious Education

St Patrick's Parish School shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with all members of the school community. The Christian message is set in a specifically Catholic atmosphere. The Catholic nature of the school is reflected in the belief that every person is created in the image of a loving God. Each person is unique and needs to develop his/her own gifts and talents for the good of the wider community. The learning environment is set in a Catholic context so the rich tradition and heritage of the faith can be shared. We seek to develop young people who are 'responsible and inner directed, capable of choosing freely in conformity with their consciences'.

Jesus came to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God. (Mark 1:14). Commissioned by Jesus, the Church continues the work of proclaiming this Good News. The Catholic School is an integral part of the mission of the Church. The Principal, teachers and students work in partnership with parents and the Parish Priest to form the school faith community.

At St Patrick’s we recognise the importance and dignity of individual students as they journey to wholeness. All members of staff strive to ensure that education in the faith permeates the whole curriculum.
We recognise that Religious Education is a life long process that empowers the teacher/learner to reflect critically upon him/herself, the world and God in the light of personal experience, Sacred Scripture and tradition. Such reflection enables the learner to make informed decisions and allows the learner to respond with confidence.

The Archdiocesan Religious Education program 'Treasures New and Old' is used in our school from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Sacramental Program

The sacramental program is parish based with the Parish Sacramental Program Coordinator overseeing the program. This involves the development of a timetable for all three sacraments: Reconciliation (Year 2); First Eucharist (Year 3) and Confirmation (Year 6). The coordinator organises parent/student discussion evenings. These evenings are designed to improve communication between parent and child regarding the understanding and reception of each sacrament. Discussions are held in small groups in various homes and the whole group meets together during the course of the program. One of the main purposes of the program is to give parents greater responsibility in the critical stages of their children’s faith development.

Liturgical Prayer Life

Prayer is an integral part of the school day: in class, at daily assembly and during special assemblies at each campus and whole school activities. Staff meet once per week for morning prayer at each campus.
At least one whole school liturgy is celebrated each term. In Term 1 we begin the year with a Year 3-10 Leadership Liturgy. We celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17 with a whole school (K-10) liturgy (and officially welcome Kindergarten); Ash Wednesday and Easter liturgies also are celebrated in Term 1. In Term 2 we celebrate ANZAC Day. In Term 3 our liturgy celebrates our yearly focus. In 2006 our theme is Living the Vision. In Term 4 the school comes together in thanksgiving for the year with a special liturgy where students and staff bring gifts for those in our community who are less fortunate. A Year 10 Graduation Mass is held at the end of the school year. Class masses are held as part of the parish celebrations on Thursday mornings at 9.30 am.

Our School Prayer

THE ALTITUDE PRAYER

Loving God
We give thanks for the gift of rolling hills, plains and mountain ranges.
Bless our lives with a vision of altitude, inspiration, courage, strength, enthusiasm and hope.
May we seek times of stillness and prayer, to lift our eyes to the hills, to hear your voice, seek your blessings, healing, love and assurance.
In you, our lives are lifted up as on eagle’s wings with a vision of altitude.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Faith Development Programs

Students and staff have various opportunities to participate in activities which promote and enhance their faith development. These include:
Stage 3 Transition to secondary school - reflection groups and liturgy
Year 8 Reflection Day at Tathra
Year 7 and Year 9 Camps have a community building and spiritual focus.
Year 10 Reflection Day – Moving On!
Staff Conference – a one day spirituality focus

Community Participation and Community Outreach

Students are encouraged through Religious Education and other classes to be involved in various community outreach and social justice activities. Activities that we have been involved in recently as a school include Grandparents and Friends Day at Infants Campus, Youth Off the Streets, Cultural Interchange/Middle East, fundraising for Canteen, Children’s Mission, NAIDOC Mass, fundraising for building a church in the Philippines, singing at the local nursing home, students serving at a Seniors Week luncheon, student involvement as stewards in the Food Section at the Cooma Agricultural Show, visits to community groups by our choirs and performance groups. Each year our students participate in the ecumenical gathering, Prayer at the Pole. Hosting of this annual event is on a rotating basis between the various schools and churches in Cooma. The Archdiocesan Youth Team is also available to assist with reflection days at the school.