Religion and Faith

Religious Education is the first of nine learning areas in the curriculum of Catholic schools in Western Australia and plays a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of students.

It aims to enliven students with knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and Gospel, as it is handed on by the Catholic Church. The key objects of Religious Education are:

• Knowledge and understanding: It aims to equip students with a foundation in Catholic faith and teachings. Through scripture, tradition and contemporary issues, students gain and understanding of the Catholic faith.
• Personal development: It helps students uncover their unique gifts and talents. Recognising that each life has inherent worth and dignity and imbued with meaning, students are empowered to appreciate the significance of their lives, grounded in the belief that they are created in the image and likeness of God.
• Encounter with Jesus: It facilitates students encounter with Christ. Through the study of scripture and participation in liturgies, students are invited to deepen their relationship with Jesus, perceiving Him not only as a historical figure but also as a friend, brother, and Saviour.

Students are not assessed in their faith, but are given opportunities to develop and express their faith through liturgies, Mass, prayer, retreats and community service.

Faith formation is an integral part of the mission of a Catholic school and Religious Education is one aspect in nurturing students spiritual journey. In collaboration with St Joseph’s Church, guided by the Norbertines, St Norbert College is committed to supporting families in the religious and spiritual formation of their children to become men and women of faith who exemplify their beliefs through action and service.

As a faith-sharing community, students are challenged to not only learn about their faith but also to live it out in tangible ways. Students are encouraged to pray and practice spiritual reflection to deepen their connection with God and discern their vocation as Christian witnesses. Additionally, students are called to ‘be prepared for all good works’ and engage in Christian Service Learning, serving the poor and marginalised in both local and international communities. Through their participation in these activities, students become visible signs of Christ’s love within the school community and beyond, inspiring others through their faith-filled actions and commitments.

Students are given opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality at:

• College Community Mass
• Ash Wednesday
• Holy Week Liturgy (Stations of the Cross)
• Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation
• St Norbert Day
• House Liturgies
• Harmony Day
• Benediction
• Weekly Mass on Fridays
• Daily Prayer
• Year Level Retreats
• Thanksgiving Mass
• Kairos Retreats
• Immersions
• Christian Service Learning

Student Ministry actively engages the spiritual nature of students by encouraging them to become the best person they can be. It provides them with many opportunities for Christian leadership and to serve others in love and compassion.

Each year, students are involved in a one day Retreat with their year group and Year 11 and 12 students are invited to participate in the Kairos Retreat, which is a three day and night experience.

An important part of Student Ministry is Christian Service Learning, where students are challenged to demonstrate their faith through acts of service. Service opportunities vary depending on the year group but include Serving at Home in Year 8 and Serving at School in Year 9.

Norbie Care is one of the hallmarks of our College, where we assist members of our College community who are in need. We do this by providing home cooked meals, prepared by staff and students, and Christmas hampers to families in crisis.

One of the highlights of being involved in Student Ministry is the opportunity to attend an Immersion. Each year, the College offers an Immersion to either South East Asia or the Kimberley. These experiences give students and staff the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture and engage in service type activities in a different setting.