Our
touchstone of BELIEVE is two-fold; incorporating both the Religious Education program and the Religious Life of the College.
The whole school
embraces a program that supports the Religious Life of the College, where
students are offered opportunities beyond the classroom for prayer and to reflect;
to show compassion; and to be of service to those less fortunate than
themselves.
Within this
program, the College provides an extensive liturgical program which marks all
important feasts and seasons of the church’s year as well as the significant
steps in the journey of secondary schooling. The College also prioritises
opportunities for students to engage in social justice activities which open
our students up to the ideals of the Christian mission, and like Catherine
McAuley, provide help to the poor in practical and immediate ways.
As a Catholic College in
the Mercy tradition we invite all members of our College community to deepen
and celebrate their spirituality, grow in the knowledge of God’s love and
recognize their call to be of service to others. The Gospel values permeate all that we do as
a College and are the hallmark of our relationships.
Provided below is an
overview of the elements of the Religious Life of the College as relevant to
McAuley College.
Religious Identity and Culture is
found in all aspects of the College from the naming of the College, its
buildings and College House system through to the images and artifacts that are
an intentional aspect of the religious identity of the College. The religious
culture is reflected in Gospel values that inform relationships, structures and
policies of the College. These aspects together with the wonderful physical
environment and are all powerful means by which the College community creates,
values and reflects a sense of the sacred. .
Prayer and Worship is
an integral part of the College community. Each day commences in prayer, both
formal and informal. Students are
invited to participate in the formulation and leading of prayer. Turning to God
in prayer is seen as a normative part of the College community. Liturgies and masses celebrate important
events within the College, including commencing the school year, Mercy Feast
Day, Ash Wednesday, Lenten assemblies, Holy Week, Easter, Anzac Day, Catholic
Education Week, and the end of the School Year.
The College maintains a strong relationship with the Scenic Rim Catholic
Primary Schools and Parishes. .
Evangelisation and Faith Formation recognises the God
given dignity of each member of the McAuley College community and the challenge
to daily live the Gospel through word and action. Faith
formation is sensitive to the spiritual growth of each member of the community.
It involves an invitation to be open to God’s action in the concrete realities
of everyday life 
and relationships. Faith
formation at McAuley acknowledges that we are all at different stages in our
understanding.
Social Action and Justice is
an integral part of the Catholic and Mercy tradition and includes such things
as respect for the human person; the preferential option for the poor;
stewardship for the environment and the promotion of peace. Students are
challenged to look beyond themselves to the needs of others and to develop a
real sense of solidarity for those in most need in our local and broader
community.
An outline of social
justice action that the McAuley College community participate in can be found
in the SERVE section of the College website.
The College recognises that
students joining our community come from a range of faith backgrounds. The
Religious Life of the College acknowledges this diversity of experiences so
that all students can be active members of our faith community.
© Brisbane Catholic Education (2023)