Catholic schools across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains will soon have a new curriculum for religious education that will support teachers, students and their families to grow in faith and learning.
Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv has endorsed the religious education curriculum – Encountering Jesus.
“I am pleased to introduce Encountering Jesus, our new Religious Education curriculum for the students, teachers, and families of our Diocese,” said Bishop Vincent.
“Grounded in the living Tradition of the Church, drawing on the wisdom of Mary, the Holy Mother of Jesus, our Catholic saints and spiritual traditions, the curriculum evokes ‘a universal call to holiness’ with a focus on educating the head, heart, and hands to engage with the teachings of Jesus Christ and understand how this applies to each student’s life,” he said.
“Encountering Jesus inspires conversation and learning among students of diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, helping them grow in faith and freeing them to live their lives in service of others,” he said.
The curriculum is endorsed by Australian and international Catholic theologians and educators. It includes opportunities for reflection and prayer for students and parents, the first educators of each student.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Executive Director Jack de Groot said the curriculum is a positive step forward for all students, parents, educators and faithful in the Diocese.
“Encountering Jesus offers all students the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching,” he said.
“It lays the groundwork for students to readily live out the teachings of the Gospel in their lives.”
Mr de Groot said CSPD has listened to and considered the diverse views shared by parents, carers, teachers, clergy and community members over the past four years.
“We’ve listened to feedback from our community and our new Religious Education Curriculum reflects this input,” he said.
CSPD is working closely with all Catholic schools within the Diocese to support educators with the implementation of the new curriculum, which will transition into all local Catholic schools by 2026.
“It is our intention that the Catholic schools and educators within our Diocese feel supported to teach this religious curriculum through a Catholic lens, where the Catholic teachings in these areas are named and affirmed,” Mr De Groot said.
He said parents can also play a key role in supporting the spiritual growth and teachings of their children alongside the curriculum.
“Encountering Jesus includes parent reflections connected with every piece of learning that parents will be able to access to stay connected with the learning of their children.”
Download a copy of the curriculum or find out more on the CSPD website.
