Contents
College Mission Statement 2
Rationale 3
Background 4
Framework of the Evangelisation Plan 5
Christian Witness 7
Primary Proclamation 8
Catechesis – Creed 9
Catechesis – Sacraments 10
Catechesis - Life of Christ 11
Catechesis – Prayer 12
Christian Witness 14
Primary Proclamation 15
Catechesis – Creed 16
Catechesis – Sacraments 17
Catechesis - Life of Christ 18
Catechesis – Prayer 19
Action Plan 20
Glossary 21
I have come that you may have life and have it to the full . . .
(John 10:10)
St Mary’s College is a Catholic College situated in Broome that provides education from Kindergarten to Year 12 for parents who choose a Catholic education for their children. St Mary’s College caters for the diverse educational, spiritual and cultural needs of its students promoting self-esteem and initiative. It offers them skills to take their place confidently in society while living according to Christian values.
Central to the College’s identity is the Catholic ethos and traditions. Strongly linked to this is the community of parents/guardians, staff and students who are involved in decision making related to the learning processes and future directions of the College. Based on Broome’s unique history the College affirms its own multi-cultural identity and the cultural store of every student and family.
The College, which exists under the Mandate of the Catholic Education Commission of WA, places great emphasis on clear, open lines of communication. The vitality and leadership of its staff is nurtured through spiritual and professional development.
Evangelisation is everything we do that introduces, promotes, develops and gives witness to faith. Evangelisation “cannot attain its full meaning and vitality unless it issues in witness, stirs wonder and leads to conversion” (15) “Modern people listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers and if they do listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (21, 41, Evangelii Nuntiandi 1975)
St Mary’s College recognises the calling of God to all people to enter into a deeper relationship with Him. Hearing this call we strive to bring the Good News of the Gospel into the lives of our staff, students, families and community implicitly and explicitly throughout the school year.
St Mary’s College came into being on 1 January 1995 with the amalgamation of Holy Child Kindergarten, St Mary’s Primary School and Nulungu Catholic College.
The historical background of the schools reflects the social and cultural developments as they have unfolded on Roebuck Bay from the beginning of last century. The multicultural beginnings of St Mary’s College dates back to1908 when Japanese parents requested the St John of God Sisters to provide an education for their children.
In 1987 the first of the buildings on the Dakas Street site was blessed and opened. Over several years, primary classes were relocated to the new site. The leadership of the primary school was in the hands of Loreto Sisters who withdrew in 1995 after 22 years involvement. The Christian Brothers opened Nulungu College for secondary students in 1970. The boarding section of the College closed in 1992. The amalgamation in 1995 was steered by Br Kevin Ryan. Currently the College has an enrolment of 640 students from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Students can access a Kindergarten - Year12 education at St Mary’s College and have the opportunity to move on to tertiary studies at the Broome Campus of Notre Dame University.
In constructing this plan, we have addressed the needs of two stakeholders in our College: staff and students.
Each section has been divided into elements, which are basic to the evangelisation process. These are:
Christian Witness
Primary Proclamation
Catechesis - Creed
Catechesis - Sacraments
Catechesis - Life in Christ
Catechesis - Prayer
The essential elements of evangelisation are considered in terms of what the staff and students are currently committed to and secondly, how it can foster ongoing development of each essential element.
Christian Witness
Christian Witness can be described as the efforts of Christians to be Christ-like. It is our response to Jesus’ calling to reflect the attitudes of God. St Mary’s staff are currently committed to:
WBeing compassionate by listening and being empathetic to the needs of others.
WTolerance and respect of each individual’s uniqueness.
WSupport for each other (personal and professional).
WAn induction for new staff members.
WSocial gatherings to foster collegiality.
WRaising social conscience and awareness of social, religious and cultural issues in the
wider community.
WCelebrating important events in our lives.
WBeing part of a faith community.
WInvolvement in the life of the Parish (Reading, Bus Driving, Special Ministers, etc).
WRecognising the dedication and commitment of peers/colleagues(staff awards).
WFundraising for the missions.
WReception of new staff at beginning of year (airport pick up, tour of town).
Ongoing development in this area has been requested for:
WActive staff involvement in broader community concerns and issues, e.g.
Reconciliation, Harmony Day.
WSelf discipline in regards to personal frustrations/confidentiality.
WPsychological support in regards to managing stress.
WInvitation to clergy to staff room on a regular basis.
WSupporting each other in getting to mass each week eg taking a staff friend, having
breakfast together after Sunday 7.00am Mass.
WSupport of a child in an under-developed country.
WThe provision of an appropriate avenue to express and deal with frustrations, mindful of
confidentiality.
WActivities dedicated to mission fundraising.
Primary Proclamation
St Mary’s College offers primary proclamation to foster religious awakening in our staff and students. Religious symbols, actions and sacred places remind staff of the presence of God and promote religious awakening. Some of the ways staff acknowledge God’s presence and begin primary proclamation is through:
WShared prayer.
WCelebration of Liturgies.
WRetreats.
WThe teaching of and participation in the Sacraments.
WA community united in promoting Reconciliation.
WAccreditation programmes for staff in Catholic schools.
WSharing of the College faith story at the commencement of every year.
Ways we could nurture faith formation of the staff:
WCelebrating Mass together prior to all PD days.
WHoly Place and Chapel promoted and cared for.
WSupport groups for staff studying for Accreditation.
WInviting parishioners to pray the Rosary on our College grounds weekly.
WPresence of clergy on campus for staff access.
WNurturing sense of family for single staff away from home and family for the first time.
WFaith discussion group.
WStaff information tours of the Cathedral.
Catechesis
Catechesis is the deepening of faith from interest in the person of Jesus Christ to belief in his teachings. These teachings are expressed in the four pillars of faith – the Creed, the Sacraments, Life in Christ and Prayer. Each of these four pillars is defined below.
Catechesis - Creed
The Creed is a profession of faith, an affirmation of the central beliefs of the Catholic Church and its members.
Currently the staff feel comfortable with their understanding of:
WOne God who is love, truth, merciful and living.
WGod the Father, the first person of the Trinity.
WJesus the Son of God, saviour, divine and human.
WGod’s forgiveness.
WHuman origin and destiny.
Ongoing development would be helpful in developing further understanding of:
WThe hierarchical nature of the Church.
WThe role of the Church in our community, nation and world.
WThe Holy Spirit which empowers us to live the Christian life.
Catechesis – Sacraments
The Sacraments are seven Rites that are received at different stages of life. These seven rites are divided into these stages: Christian initiation, healing and the service of commission and mission of the faithful.
Staff feel comfortable with their understanding of:
WThe sacrament of Baptism.
WThe sacrament of Eucharist.
WThe sacrament of Penance.
Ongoing development would be helpful in the further understanding of:
WThe sacrament of Confirmation.
WOther sacraments in other faiths, e.g. Baptism, marriage.
WDefinition of what a Sacrament is.
Catechesis - Life in Christ
Living out the Gospel means following the example of Jesus and showing love to all. To do this staff are currently involved in:
WAcceptance of cultural differences.
WExploring the challenges of following Jesus.
WInvolvement in various ministry at the Parish.
The staff requests ongoing development in:
WStrategies to combat the conflict between society versus Church teachings.
WUnderstanding of Gospel Freedom.
WUnderstanding Natural Law.
WThe Ten Commandments.
WWays of promoting Reconciliation within the community.
Catechesis - Prayer
Prayer unfolds throughout the whole history of Salvation as a reciprocal call between God and humans. Currently the staff value:
WStaff Prayer.
WLiturgies.
The staff would like support and further education in:
WThe Rosary.
WVarious types of prayer
WFormal prayers used in the College, e.g. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be Ways of
praying.
Part 2 – Students
In part two of our Evangelisation Plan, we turn our attention to how we can further enhance the formation of our students. In doing this, we have adopted the same process used for staff which is firstly to consider the context in which the students exist. Following each definition of the essential elements of evangelisation the current context and school climate is described.
Christian
Witness
Christian Witness can be described as the efforts of Christians to be Christ-like. It is our response to Jesus’ calling to reflect the attitudes of God. St Mary’s College students are currently committed to:
WBuddy System (primary).
WSupport of families in crisis.
WAcceptance and celebration of differences (events such as NAIDOC and
Reconciliation Week, programmes such as ‘Stop Think Do’).
WAcknowledgement of good deeds – merit certificates.
WCompassion for others who are in need: Caritas and Catholic.
WMission (Lent), St Vincent de Paul (Advent).
WGuest speakers, e.g. Reconciliation Week.
WStudent Representative Council (Years 8-12).
WSacramental units presented at the same time to support the College
Sacramental Programme (primary).
WCatering for a diverse range of learning styles within the classroom.
WStudent Incentive Programme rewarding students for positive behaviour.
WCelebrating birthdays at the weekly Friday assembly (primary).
WCollaborative learning.
Opportunities which would enhance the students’ faith:
WCommunity visits, e.g. Germanus Kent Hostel.
WEnvironmental Conservation, e.g. bush trails and gardens.
WStudent Service Programmes.
WRetreats offered to students annually.
WChoir and College Band to perform at community events.
WSupport and involvement in the Saturday evening Youth Mass.
WAffirmations between students.
WA focus value for the College each week, e.g. tolerance, patience.
WEstablish Seniors’ Meetings on the primary.
WProvision of an active counselling service for all students.
WPeer Support Programme on both campuses.
Primary Proclamation
Primary proclamation can be described as raising religious awareness amongst community members. This is for students who have yet to discover God through the created universe; through their human heart aspirations that ultimately God can only satisfy and their need to ‘heal’ their human sinfulness. It aims to develop an awareness of the power of God’s kingdom, which was first revealed through Jesus Christ in the Gospel. Primary proclamation is achieved when a person arrives at an initial faith in Jesus Christ.
In order for students to experience this element of evangelisation, the students are currently involved in:
WMasses and Liturgies.
WRetreats in Yeara 8, 11 and 12.
WMission awareness during Lent.
WClass/Assembly Prayer.
WDaily Religious Education Lessons.
WSacramental Programmes.
WSupport for Families in Broome – St Vincent de Paul (Advent).
WGospel review (primary – Monday assembly).
WLiturgical singing.
In order to nurture the faith of our students the following could be done:
WGreater knowledge of the Mass and responses.
WSymbols of the Church, e.g. Tabernacle, lights.
WEducation on church history, saints, tradition.
WAwareness of significant sacred sites in Broome.
WStronger links between the Parish and the College.
WMore reflective time utilising our Holy Places as sacred places for quiet prayer (Nulungu Chapel and Holy Place).
WHomeroom Masses held each term on secondary.
WCrown Mary in the Holy Place gardens on 1 May.
WLiturgical Dance included in all College Liturgies.
WEstablishment of a College Prayer Book.
WEnsuring all Liturgical celebrations are culturally inclusive.
WGospel review (secondary – Wednesday assembly).
Catechesis
Catechesis is the deepening of faith from interest in the person of Jesus Christ to belief in his teachings. These teachings are expressed in the four pillars of faith – the Creed, the Sacraments, the life in Christ and Prayer. Each of these four pillars is defined below:
Catechesis - Creed
The Creed is a profession of faith, an affirmation of the central beliefs of the Catholic Church and its members. Currently the students are involved in:
WDaily Religious Education Lessons.
WHoly Week Celebrations.
WClass and whole College Masses (Ash Wednesday, Feast Day, NAIDOC, Advent).
WPrayer.
WParticipation in the Sacraments.
WAll Soul’s Day – visit to the cemetery, prayers.
WManaging Student Behaviour Policy (MSB).
W Years 6 and 7 Altar serving training.
The students knowledge of the Creed could be nurtured by:
WGreater understanding of the important place Mary has within the Catholic Church.
WExplicit teaching of faith aspects of the Creed.
WTeaching comparative religions.
WParticipation in the offertory procession at mass
WClergy involvement in the College.
WCelebration of St Patrick’s Day.
WCelebration of the Crowning of Mary on the 1st of May.
Catechesis - Sacraments
There are seven Sacraments through which God communicates his love to us. Currently the students receive the Sacraments of:
WPenance (Year 4).
WEucharist (Year 5).
WConfirmation (Year 7).
WStudents are taught about the Sacraments through the PrePrimary -Year12 Perth
Archdiocesan Religious Education Units.
WOpportunities to receive the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist are provided at
different times of the year.
WYear group support during sacramental preparation.
Students would acquire a deeper understanding of the Sacraments through:
WEducating all students why Sacraments occur.
WFamily support for students involved in Sacramental preparation.
WOngoing opportunities for the students to receive the sacrament of penance.
Catechesis - Life in Christ
Living out the Gospels means following the example of Jesus. Currently the students are involved in:
WSupport of Missions (Caritas, Catholic Missions, St Vincent de Paul).
WDrug Education Programme.
WManaging Student Behaviour Policy (MSB).
WStudent Representative Council (Years 8-12).
WChristian Leadership Groups (7).
WReverence to rituals (genuflecting, sign of the cross).
The staff believe the following could be done to nurture student’s understanding of:
WConscience.
WMorality.
WSocial Justice.
WContinued implementation of values education. This can be done through the Religious Education Units, Social Skills Programmes, etc.
WGreater awareness of community issues and current affairs.
WThe Ten Commandments.
Catechesis
- Prayer
Prayer unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation as a reciprocal call between God and humans. Currently the students are involved in:
WInformal prayers.
WTraditional prayers.
WSongs and hymns.
WDaily prayers for the whole school, start and end of day, meals.
The staff believe the following could be done to nurture the students’ prayer journeys:
WAlternative forms of prayer.
WCreation of College prayer.
WCreation of a College song.
WPromotion of the month of May for Mary and the Rosary.
WLiturgical Dance.
WJournals.
WSchool Band.
WPrayers in Yawaru language.
Action Plan
2005 Year of the Eucharist
Regular
*Home room masses held on secondary each term
*Support and involvement in Saturday evening
youth mass
*Gospel review at secondary assemblies
*Greater knowledge of the Mass and responses
*Knowledge of signs and symbols of the Church
Occasionally
*Celebration of Mass together prior to all PD days
*Support of Staff attending mass weekly (breakfast together)
*Staff information tours of the Cathedral
*Explicit teaching of faith aspects of the Creed
*Introduction of liturgical dance into College masses
2006 Regular –
Occasionally-
2007 Regular-
Occasionally-
Glossary
Accreditation Certification required by those working in Catholic schools.
Apostolic Describing anything which has its origins or roots in the Apostles.
Caritas Catholic agency for overseas aid.
Catechesis Passing down the Gospel of Christ and to promote maturity of the Christian faith.
Catholic Education Office Governing body of all Catholic schools.
Christian Witness Giving testimony to his or faith in Jesus Christ and his Gospel in all of his or her thoughts, words, and deeds.
Ethos Fundamental characteristics of the Catholic culture.
Evangelisation The process through which the Church cooperates today with God’s act of self communication, calling human people to conversion and to faith in Jesus Christ.
Gospel One of four divinely inspired accounts of the life, teachings.
Gospel Values Values that are essential to appropriate human living eg capacity for love, chastity, fortitude, justice, temperance.
Homily An address or speech given by a Priest or Bishop after the Gospel at mass and intended as an explanation or application of the Gospel passage.
Liturgy Public worship of the Church, including the rites and ceremonies of the Mass and sacraments.
Ministry of the Word Sharing in the Good News of Jesus Christ.
MSB Managing Student behaviour (Discipline Policy).
Primary Proclamation Promotion of an initial faith in Jesus Christ.
Rosary Mediative prayer often used with a string of beads.
Salvation Union with God in heaven.
Social Justice Seeking the common good of the whole group rather than the individual.
