Page 45 - Tropic Magazine Issue 17

TROPIC • EDUCATION

Dynamic and relevant

NEW THINKING
A nation-leading faith
program is being rolled out to
secondary Catholic colleges in
the Diocese of Cairns.

As the Bishop of Cairns James Foley Speaking at the launch of the program in
reflected on a society that is becoming February, Director of School Effectiveness
increasingly self-absorbed, he recognised Dr Sally Towns said the new program
that religious education needed to be was about providing opportunities and
refreshed and modernised. supporting young adults to be a light in
Inspired by an address Pope Francis gave the world. Built on Catholic teachings,
at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, the framework helps students to make
Brazil, in which the Pope told young meaning of their own life and live that life
pilgrims to help “build a civilization of through positive action in the world.
love”, Bishop Foley issued a challenge to Bill Dixon, Executive Director,
senior leaders of Catholic Education to Catholic Education Services, sums up
develop a dynamic and relevant program the new program.
for students at secondary colleges. “We recognise that in a world that is
Bishop Foley wanted students to increasingly experiencing the hurt
experience faith within the reality of The components of the new program of hate, violence against people, and
their own life, while also calling them to include scripture, Catholic Social environmental degradation there is
positive action in a way that is reflective Teaching, Catholic worldview, other an even greater need for young people
of the Catholic social teachings. religious experiences, worldviews to benefit from a dynamic Secondary
It was a forward-thinking, nation- and Indigenous Spirituality, Catholic Religious Education curriculum. Such
leading challenge. anthropology, ethics and morality, a curriculum must be a vessel for
The result of Bishop Foley’s challenge religious identity and culture, personal transformation that fosters
is the Catholic Faith in Action (CFiA) evangelisation and faith formation, an intimate relationship with God,
program, officially launched to all Year 11 prayer and worship, social justice through the exploration of the Scriptures,
students in the Diocese at St Augustine’s and action. participation in personal and communal
College in February. The program does not contribute to prayer and the living out of Catholic social
Bishop Foley explains. “The Catholic a student’s Queensland Certificate of and moral teaching.
Faith in Action program framework Education (QCE) or Australian Tertiary It is my belief that Catholic Faith in Action
was co-created by College and Catholic Admission Rank (ATAR), however provides a framework for our Colleges
Education Services’ senior leaders, clergy accountability measures are in place to to provide a curriculum that is needed in
and an external consultant, Professor ensure meaningful participation and modern times.”
Brother David Hall FMS from the achievement of the Year 12 Graduate
Australian Catholic University,” Bishop Expectations. Colleges will still offer
Foley said. “It is my hope that this new elective courses of religious study,
expression of religious education in the such as Study of Religion, Religion and
Diocese of Cairns for students in their Ethics and Certificate III/IV in Christian
final years of Catholic Education will Ministry and Theology, which may
enhance their capacity to make meaning contribute to a student’s QCE and ATAR. To find out more about the
in religious education, that they are able Already, other dioceses across Australia program and hear from students
to relate it to their own life and positively are seeking further information from and staff about it, visit
contribute in building a civilisation Cairns Catholic Education as they look to cns.catholic.edu.au/CFiA
of love.” replicate the intentions of the program.

45 • tropicnow.com.au