Encounter Catholic Identity Foundations is an experience of 4 sessions over a term designed to encounter and unpack the foundations of Christianity and how they inform and form the role of a teacher in a Catholic School. The foundations of Christianity that will be explored through dialogue and experience are: Scripture; Catholic Social Teachings; Prayer; Liturgy and Sacraments. Participants will be invited to apply the knowledge gained through the experience in their professional and personal lives. This experience is aimed at Staff members who: would like to reconnect with their faith; are new to Teaching in a Catholic School; or would like to know more about the invitation from Pope Francis to be a hope-filled and joy-filled Church.
Module 1: What does it mean to be Catholic? [Connect]
This session provides and overview of the meaning of Catholicism and how this is expressed and experienced in our Diocese, Australia and Universally. By exploring the diversity of Catholic identity, participants are invited into a dialogue of cultural identity and understanding and the stories that we each bring to the table.
Module 2: Story of Christianity: Honouring our Shared History [Embrace]
This session develops a deeper understanding of the evolution of Christianity through history while articulating the intention for the founding of our diocese; namely, a mission of outreach and ministry with First Nations peoples of Far North Queensland. This session uses photo-language as a lens to explore Christianity.
Module 3: Cornerstones: Catholic Social Teachings [Connect]
This session uses dialogical pedagogy to explore the cornerstones to animating Catholicism in schools: Catholic Social Teachings.
Module 4: What is Prayer [Respect]
This session introduces the Trinity as a core belief of Christianity. Through this lens, we are invited to encounter God, Jesus and Holy Spirit through prayer and dialogue.
Module 5: Ways of Praying [Reflect]
This session invites participants to explore how prayer can be used professionally and personally.
Module 6: The Story of Scripture [Respect]
This session explores the evolution of the Bible. Participants learn about the Old and New Testaments and the different literary forms found within.
Module 7: The Story and me [Reflect]
This session explores how Scripture can be a window to the world in which the Text was written and a mirror for the one who reads it.
Module 8: Witness, Specialist, Moderator [Respect and Embrace]
This session uses dialogical pedagogies to explore ways of talking about faith, belief and spirituality in the classroom and staff room.
Cohort 2: Term 3 – Wednesday Sessions
Registration: Participants can either register through iLearn using the codes in the Table below, or email Leader Formation Rachel McLean rmclean@cns.catholic.edu.au by 24 July 2023. There is a cap of 15 participants.
Accreditation: 15 hours to Teach Religion in a Catholic School
Costing: $100 per participant, invoiced to schools 1 week before Session 1
