1. The Catholic Education of School Aged Children
Published in 2014 by the NZCBC – Schools challenged to look again at primary purpose and “re-define” Catholic Character
Statement by Pope John Paul II is at the heart of the document: “Catholic Education is above all communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.”
Highlights schools primary function of facilitating :
A genuine and ongoing encounter with Christ
A growth in knowledge of his teaching
Christian witness as a framework of the disciple’s journey within the Church community

2. Catholic Character KEY COMPONENTS
Includes:
People who facilitate the encounter with Christ and who accompany the young disciple on the resulting journey – Catholic educators
The catechetical response to the young disciple’s need for knowledge – the Religious Education programme
Living of the particular charism
Common good approach and witness of the wider faith community in which the school is situated – Parish(es)

3. Catholic Educators
The Catholic hearts of principal, teachers, chaplain, other staff – are at the heart of the school’s Catholic Character
Provide witness of a mature faith and an integration of faith with life
The teacher of secular subjects must assist in faith formation of students – open new horizons through the responses that Christian revelation brings to questions about the ultimate meaning of the human person, of human life, of history, and the world.

4. TCESAC …. 3 Stage 1: Disciple’s Journey
Encounter with Christ
Facilitated by the Catholic teachers and staff of the school, especially by those holding S65 positions.
Students need to be provided
with positive role models (show authentic integration of faith, life and practices)
opportunities to encounter Christ though good experiences of prayer, spiritual retreats, meaningful liturgies, and participation in the sacraments including Reconciliation.

5. Stage 2: The Disciple Journey
Growth in Knowledge:
National RE programme standardised across all schools.
This must be “translated” into a well resourced and engaging Religious Education programme, taught by well qualified teachers
RE programme is most effective if the person has already encountered Christ in a meaningful and life- changing way

6. Catholic /Charism The Special Character of our schools is Catholic
This is given expression through the school’s specific Charism
Like an orchestra – Catholic schools all playing the same tune. Charisms are different instruments or sections.

7. Stage 3 The Disciple’s Journey
The lived Common Good approach and witness of the wider faith community in which the school is situated – Parish(es)
School embraces students, parents, staff, priests ..schools play a critical role in education of parents
– Positive School Parish relations are critical

8. The community of the school is part of the mission of the Church – an arm of the parish or group of parishes
Each school is a community within the larger community of the Diocese
Practice of faith – Sunday Mass attendance encouraged and fostered
Linkage of students and their families to parish is fostered and nurtured
School and parish activities – student participation and leadership of Sunday Masses