Religious Education at St Gerard Majella emphasises two complementary dimensions: The Religion Curriculum and The Religious Life of the School. The Religion Curriculum focuses on teaching people religion and The Religious Life of the School focuses on teaching people to be religious.
The vision for Religious Education for schools and colleges in the Diocese of Cairns ‘challenges students to be a religious voice in the world. It seeks to develop the religious literacy of students in
light of the Catholic Christian tradition, so that they might participate critically and authentically in contemporary culture.’ (CEDC, Religious Education Curriculum).
Prayer
Prayer is an important part of teaching children about the Catholic faith and is practiced in classrooms daily. Formal and informal prayers are taught at different stages from Prep to Year Six. Christian Meditation, as a form of prayer, is practiced daily across the school. Each class leads the school in prayer at assembly at least once a year.
Liturgy
The St Gerard Majella community celebrates Liturgies (Eucharistic and Non-Eucharistic) at significant times in the liturgical calendar throughout the year. A highlight of our faith celebrations is the feast of our patron saint, St Gerard Majella, on October 16th.
Parish Priest, Fr Nathan McKay leads us in our liturgies and each year level celebrates a Liturgy once per term. We encourage and warmly welcome parents, caregivers, grandparents and siblings to join us for our liturgical celebrations.
Sacramental Program
St Gerard Majella is part of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. Families may choose to enrol their child in the Parish-based Sacramental Program. The Program assists families to prepare their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. These programs focus on the parent taking responsibility for their child’s faith development. Students from Years 4-6 can enrol in the Sacramental Program.
Social Justice and Action
Students have the opportunity to support the Social Justice teachings of the Church by learning about and participating in social justice and fundraising activities throughout the year. Some of these include support of Catholic organisations such as Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, St Vincent De Paul, Catholic Mission Australia and Rosie’s.
