Coming to know Christ.
Catholic formation begins with the person of Jesus Christ. Scripture, the teaching of the Church and the example of the saints give children a language for understanding who they are, what they believe and how they are called to live.
A Gospel story introduces a child to mercy. As understanding grows, so does the capacity to ask questions about belief and consider what following Christ asks of a difficult choice. Faith deserves patient teaching, thoughtful answers and adults whose lives give weight to their words.
Learning to pray and worship.
Prayer gives a child words for gratitude, sorrow, hope and the needs of others. Learning the Our Father, offering an intention for someone in need and spending a quiet moment in thanksgiving can make prayer familiar and personal. Silence teaches attention. The sacramental life of the Church places that personal relationship with God within a community of faith, with the Eucharist at its heart.
A school close to parish life offers an opportunity to bring learning and worship into a deeper relationship. The proposed campus beside Our Lady of the Valley Church gives this part of the mission a particular importance.
Forming a conscience.
Knowing what is right and choosing it are habits learned over time. Telling the truth when it is difficult. Making amends. Treating a classmate with dignity. Having the courage to defend someone who is left out.
These ordinary choices are part of moral formation. A Catholic education should help children understand why goodness matters and practise it with increasing freedom and responsibility.
