Living Faith in Catholic Schools and Parishes

In the Diocese of Sandhurst, faith is not only taught, it is lived each day within Catholic schools and parish communities. While Religious Education provides an important foundation for students to learn about the Catholic faith and explore questions of meaning, identity and purpose, faith formation extends well beyond the classroom. Schools, families and parishes work together to create environments where young people can experience faith as a meaningful and active part of their lives.

Across Sandhurst, faith is nurtured through the daily life of school communities. Prayer, liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments provide regular opportunities for students to encounter God and grow in their relationship with Jesus. These experiences are strengthened through strong partnerships between parents and carers, parish priests and local faith communities, ensuring that faith is supported across home, school and parish. In these connected environments, young people are welcomed, valued and encouraged to explore and deepen their spirituality.

Faith is also formed through action. Participation in social justice initiatives, outreach programs and service opportunities enables students to live out Gospel values such as compassion, respect and care for others. Through these experiences, young people are invited to grow in understanding, develop a sense of purpose, and respond to the call to live as active and engaged members of their communities.

Religious Education Curriculum

The Religious Education curriculum in the Diocese of Sandhurst is guided by the framework Source of Life, which provides the structure for teaching and learning from Foundation to Year 12.

The Source of Life Framework is centred on the person and mission of Jesus Christ and aims to invite students into a personal relationship with Him. Through engagement with the Gospels and the Catholic tradition as a lived faith in contemporary society, students are supported to grow in their understanding of God, themselves and the world. The curriculum develops key skills such as reflection, discernment, critical thinking and meaning-making, helping young people to explore questions of truth, identity and purpose.

Religious Education in Sandhurst is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually enriching. It draws on Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church as foundational sources, while recognising that students come with diverse experiences and perspectives of faith. Learning is designed to connect life and faith, encouraging students to reflect on their own beliefs and engage in dialogue with others. Teachers play an important role as witnesses and guides, creating learning environments that are inclusive, reflective and responsive to the different “worlds” young people navigate, including family, school, peer and online contexts.

Religious Education is delivered as part of a holistic approach to school life. It is integrated with prayer, liturgy and sacramental experiences, as well as opportunities for retreats, reflection, social justice and community engagement. Through this approach, students are not only supported to develop knowledge of the Catholic tradition, but are also challenged to live out their faith through service, ethical decision-making and care for others. In this way, Religious Education in Sandhurst seeks to nurture a mature and reflective faith, inspiring young people to contribute positively to both the Church and the wider community.

Approach to the Sacraments

Preparation for the sacraments in the Diocese of Sandhurst is typically parish-based and family-centred, supported by Catholic schools.

Children celebrate the sacraments of:

• Reconciliation
• First Eucharist
• Confirmation

during their primary school years. Parishes work closely with schools to support families through sacramental preparation programs that include learning sessions, prayer and community celebrations.

These programs help children understand the meaning of the sacraments and the role they play in the life of the Catholic community.