Religious IDENTITY & Culture
From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illumined by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of the educational climate
(Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, 1988, n.25).
There are three elements of the religious identity and culture of the school. They are: developing the school’s ethos and charism; building authentic Christian community; and creating a sense of the sacred.
Ethos and Charism
The ethos and charism of the school express the assumptions, beliefs and values that the Catholic Christian community shares. They are reflected in what is done, how it is done and who is doing it. A school communicates its distinctive identity through its ethos and charism, which find expression in its religious values, culture, rituals and practices.
Building authentic Christian community
The Catholic school aspires to be an authentic Christian community that builds quality relationships modelled on the vision and values of Jesus. An authentic Christian school community supports the dignity of each person, practises Christian hospitality and proclaims its values through word and action.
Sense of the sacred
A physical environment that uses the intellect, art, design and space to engage the senses contributes to the religious identity and culture of a community. The aesthetic, social and physical environment is a powerful means by which a school community creates, values and reflects a sense of the sacred.
Ethos and Charism
The ethos and charism of the school express the assumptions, beliefs and values that the Catholic Christian community shares. They are reflected in what is done, how it is done and who is doing it. A school communicates its distinctive identity through its ethos and charism, which find expression in its religious values, culture, rituals and practices.
Building authentic Christian community
The Catholic school aspires to be an authentic Christian community that builds quality relationships modelled on the vision and values of Jesus. An authentic Christian school community supports the dignity of each person, practises Christian hospitality and proclaims its values through word and action.
Sense of the sacred
A physical environment that uses the intellect, art, design and space to engage the senses contributes to the religious identity and culture of a community. The aesthetic, social and physical environment is a powerful means by which a school community creates, values and reflects a sense of the sacred.