35. The Soul
The diversity of human culture is reflected in the diversity of philosophical viewpoints on life. The US election has focused our attention on some of these differences and may have given us cause to reflect on the values and principles that guide our own lives. NAIDOC Week and Remembrance Day provide the same opportunity for reflection. How did I come to hold a particular view? What are the cultural influences that have shaped my thinking? What are my responsibilities for making meaning for my students as they prepare to leave school and enter the wider world?
Over the next two editions of The Soul, Assistant Director - SEACS, Gary Reen will provide a reflection on the Catholic worldview and its centrality in mission, learning and teaching, pastoral care, leadership, family partnerships and in our lives beyond a role in Catholic education.
It is almost 100 years since the German theologian Monsignor Romano Guardini expounded the idea of a ‘Catholic worldview’. At times it is a misunderstood term, so let’s just begin with ‘worldview’.
In any context, if a culture shares a common language, belief, set of practices and values for an extended time it will form a ‘view’ of itself - how it looks upon the totality of its existence and projects. There are two essential components to this: the gaze and the task. A worldview ‘gazes’ upon the concrete aspects of the culture addressing the whole enterprise. The task for the culture emerges in this gaze through a ‘lens’; how will people in the culture act, proceed and think about themselves in the world?
In the Catholic school, the ‘lens’ is that of Christ. This lens asks a number of questions: How does Christ apply to all we do? What view of the world should we have as Christians? How does a Catholic worldview enter our school’s culture, language and tasks? Or, are we just like any other school?
Essentially the answer to the last question is ‘no’. A Catholic worldview is a Biblical worldview, in that it focuses on the human person and on humankind’s salvation. Therein, in the school setting, we strive to ensure our students learn to have full and free lives (and afterlives) in Christ (John 10:10). In this sits a Trinitarian worldview- God sent ‘his only begotten Son to save us’ (John 3:16), and we live in the Son, and are graced by the Holy Spirit.
As such, in the Catholic school our views and practices are shaped by a living tradition, scripture, and the ongoing gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of all who lead, teach and learn.
The Catholic worldview ‘permeates’ all activity. It is best aided by a staff understanding of the foundations of Christian living, and for many, the call of their own Baptism - bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to students as a ‘compassionate gaze which heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life’ (EG, 169).
As is generally understood, the Catholic worldview permeates the Curriculum of a Catholic School. However, it should also permeate the pastoral and leadership aspects of the Catholic school. Next week we will explore this more closely.
Gary Reen
Assistant Director, SEACS
- Listening to Father Son Holy Spirit will help connect to this week’s theme and resonate in our lives today.
- This unique version of Nearer My God to Thee is not only vocally beautiful, but also pushes the boundaries of visual collaboration.
The due date for the Never Stop collaboration campaign is Wednesday, 18th November.
Submissions can be made via this google form link or via email to School Evangelisation Consultant, Matt de Dassel: matt.dedassel@lism.catholic.edu.au.
- ADVENT PROGRAM: ADORE (WOLLONGONG DIOCESE) - Inspired by the shepherds, Magi and our Blessed Mother, Adore provides a wonderful opportunity for us to take a quiet step out of our daily lives and refocus our attention on the Lord in adoration of what he has done for us through his Son. Adore is an 88-page pocket-size book containing short spiritually rich, yet accessible, daily reflections from the beginning of Advent (29 November 2020) through to the Baptism of the Lord (10 January 2021).
You can download a sample and purchase your copies at www.dow.org.au/shop.
- Sign up at FORMED Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox. Start your day off right. Be inspired and renewed each morning with a short video from Dr. Tim Gray.
Click the image above to submit your prayer intentions. Each week the prayer intentions are passed onto the Carmelite Sister's at the Carmelite Convent in Goonellabah.
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Proclaim Lismore Staff
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