Seminarians Join Catholic Schools

20150420-seminarian-graduation-pic-lgeIn recent years, the Sydney Catholic Education Office and the Seminary of the Good Shepherd have co-operated to train seminarians for pastoral placements in Catholic schools. During Term 1, 2015, six second year and four fourth year seminarians were prepared for placement in the following five System schools:

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Oatley
St Joachim’s Catholic Primary School, Lidcombe
St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, Central Bankstown
Holy Spirit College, Lakemba
De La Salle College, Ashfield

The seminarians will commence their mission in schools on 24 April, working each Friday during Terms 2, 3 & 4. They will be present from the start of the school day until the end of lunchtime.

It is envisaged that the seminarians will engage in the following activities:

  • Visit classes to share the story of their life/faith journey
  • Teach one religious education class per week where possible
  •  Socialise with staff at recess breaks
  • Be on the playground at lunchtime
  • Attend student/staff retreats (where applicable)
  • Any other duties as requested by the school leadership team

The seminarian schools program is highly valued by the CEO for the positive witness of faith given by the seminarians to school communities, and for providing seminarians with an opportunity to appreciate and understand the interaction between the CEO office, schools and parishes.
20150420-seminarian-graduation-pic-xlge
The graduation cohort for 2015, together with the coordinator of the program, Robert Haddad, Fr Danny Meagher (Rector) and Fr Arthur Givney from the Seminary of the Good Shepherd. The seminarians participated in a ceremony presided over by the chaplain to CEO Sydney, Fr Gary Perritt. Special thanks also need to go to Mary Musolino, Sue Moffat, Louise Zavone, Claire Pirola and Tim Ryan for their important contributions during the program

Leave a Reply