The teaching of "religious education" takes place at St John's in many different ways - in Religion lessons, through social justice programs, within spirituality initiatives, via teachable moments in all KLAs and through prayer and liturgy. Some highlights of these are below;

HOLY CHILD PROGRAM

The Holy Child Program is a special school in Bethlehem, Palestine that a number of staff have visited since 2016. This school caters for students who may have special learning needs, or who are suffering from extreme trauma, or find traditional schooling difficult. The school was established by a Franciscan religious order and is heavily influenced by the life of Francis of Assisi.

During Term One, 2 unit Studies of Religion students in Year 12 engaged in two separate Zooms with the school and people directly involved with the school. These Zooms provided students with specific insights into the impact of Francis of Assisi on Christianity today - a key topic being studied in the Studies of Religion Course.

This term, students and staff in our school Learning Support unit will connect with the students of the Holy Child Program through videos, penpal letters and sharing of resources.

YOUTH ALPHA PROGRAM

Youth Alpha is a relevant and engaging program that explores timeless questions about life, faith and God for young people. The series offers compelling stories, images, questions, and discussion topics through thirteen episodes (over 9 weeks). Youth Alpha has been held twice at St John's in the past. In 2021, we had approximately 40 students involved, with weekly lunchtime gatherings in the Chapel, eating pizza, watching clips and discussing faith and life questions.

St John's will be running Youth Alpha again in 2022: starting in Week 5 on Tuesday 24 May and continuing the following Tuesday lunchtimes, finishing on Tuesday 2 August. Students from all year groups are welcome to participate. Lunch is provided. 

Students can sign up in the student foyer, or contact Mrs Honeysett on honeysettc01@dow.catholic.edu.au for more information.

BIBLE

In Religious Education lessons the Bible is often used. The preference is that an actual Bible is used rather than an online version. By using an actual copy of the Bible, students are able to:

• develop an awareness and appreciation of the Bible being Christianity's "sacred text"
• situate the passage being studied in context - by referring to passages before and after the passage being studied
• focus on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation of the Bible - the mandated translation for students in the Diocese of Wollongong schools.

Sometimes students ask what difference it makes if they use a different translation. The passages below indicate the subtle differences in interpretation that are evident when using different translations of John 10:10:

- I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NRSV)

- I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

- But I came to give life - life in all its fullness.

- I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.

- I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.

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Mr David Comensoli

Religious Education Coordinator