Religious Education at Trinity College seeks to give life to the Vision for Religious Education endorsed by the document Religious Education Archdiocese of Brisbane (2013). Thus the College aspires to:
“…educate and form students who are challenged to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and who are literate in the Catholic and broader Christian tradition so that they might participate critically and authentically in faith contexts and wider society.” (Religious Education Archdiocese of Brisbane, pg. 10, 2013)
This vision refers to two distinct but complimentary dimensions; that of teaching students about religion and teaching students to be religious in a particular way. The College, through its Religious Education Program, promotes both these dimensions drawing upon the Catholic Christian tradition in ways that are mindful of ecumenical and multi-faith realities within our local context.
Teaching Students about Religion:
Teaching students about Religion occurs at the College in formal classroom settings. In Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, students are engaged in five, one hours lessons of classroom Religion per fortnightly cycle. Whilst students in Years 11 and 12 are involved in eight classroom lessons of Religion per fortnightly cycle, electing to study either Study of Religion, Religion and Ethics or a Certifiate III or IV in Christian Ministry and Theology. Across all year levels the educational activities of Religion classes at the College aim to develop the religious literacy of students, developing their knowledge, skills and dispositions in order that they can confidently articulate their faith in a variety of religious and secular contexts. There is a particular emphasis on developing knowledge and understanding about the Catholic Christian community, whilst being sensitive to the religious diversity within both the College community and the wider society.
To view an overview of each of the units of work that students will be engaged in from Year 7 to 12 please
click here.
Teaching Students to be Religious in a particular way:
Teaching students to be Religious in a particular way, ie the faith formation of students, is developed through the Religious Life of the College which complements and intersects with the educational endeavours of the Religion classroom. Such faith development is encouraged through a variety of opportunities including:
Prayer
Plays an important part in the life of the College. Students experience various opportunities for prayer, both personal and communal.
Retreats
The College offers retreats at each year level where, through a variety of different themes, students have the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with others and with their God.
Liturgical Celebrations
Students are encouraged to actively participate in a variety of liturgical celebrations throughout the year. These include three full school masses:
- Celebrating the beginning of the school year in February
- Celebrating the Trinity community on Trinity Day in June
- Saying farewell to our Year 12 students in November
Social Justice Opportunities - Trinity Marist Outreach Program
Our Trinity Marist Outreach program provides numerous opportunities for staff and students to be involved in Social Justice activities. This program, with its focus on providing real experiences and encouraging real action, endeavours to develop and foster a deeper sense of solidarity with those in need in both our local and global community.
Students can be involved in activities such as, but not limited to
- Supporting fund raising initiatives of the College providing funds for various charities.
- Craft for a Cause group – creating soft toys for refugee children
- Pen Pals program with Australian Marist Solidarity
- 1,000 hearts Program
- Rosies Outreach program
- Emmanuel City Mission Lunches – feeding the Homeless
Through engaging in such opportunities it is hoped that students will:
- Become more aware of the plight of the poor and marginalised both locally and globally.
- Develop empathy for and solidarity with the poor and marginalised.
- Become committed to action both in terms of Charity and Social Justice.
- Recognise that acts of service should never be to, nor for, but rather with, for it is being involved in service with the wider community that one truly stands in solidarity.
Immersion Program
The College provides opportunities for students to stand in solidarity with others by experiencing firsthand the life and culture of others in either remote Indigenous communities in Australia or in developing countries in the Asia Pacific Region.
GAME CHANGERS
Game Changers is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program lead by staff at the College for students from Years 7-12. It seeks to form Christian leaders by making Jesus Christ known and loved among them.
Highlighted by a strong sense of family spirit and community, regular meetings, faith formation experiences and service opportunities, students are invited to become game changers through their participation in the youth group. It is a space in which young people accept the invitation to an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ beyond the formal school curriculum.