4.2 Catholic faith
Catholic Faith as a Worldview
Catholic schools should be places animated by Catholic Faith and Tradition. Catholicism is more than just a set of beliefs but a Tradition of Catholic communities living out what being a disciple of Jesus means in their time and culture. Just as getting married and becoming a parent can change a person's whole way of seeing the world, or their 'worldview', a relationship with Jesus and the community of his disciples, will have a similar effect. A Catholic outlook on the world or a Catholic Worldview can be expressed in succinct statements of belief such as the Broken Bay Catholic Worldview. The Catholic Worldview is a comprehensive perception of the universe, revealed to us in Jesus, that provides insights into the meaning of life and how to live it. The Catholic Worldview is experiencing life through the eyes or the Christian 'lens' of our Catholic faith. The Catholic worldview perceives:
Not a single lens but a kaleidoscope - The rich diversity of the Catholic Church
There are Roman Catholics in regions as diverse as the Pacific Islands, China, Africa, and the Americas as well as in European countries.
There are other Catholics Rites, some with parishes and schools in Australia, including the Maronite, Chaldean, Coptic, Russian, Ukaranian and Armenian Rites. These draw on a tradition grounded in Middle Eastern and Eastern European history and culture. Relations with other Christians
Despite bitter relations, indeed civil wars, between Christians in history, Christians today are seeking a greater unity together through a movement called 'ecumenism'. In Australia's own history we have known sectarianism and mutual suspicion between Catholics and Anglicans and discrimination of Catholics in employment. In the period leading up to the Second Vatican Council, the ecumenical movement was born drawing Christians into dialogue and co-operation. Since the 1960's under the leadership of popes such as Pope John Paul II and of bishops such as Bishop David Walker, relations with other Christians have improved dramatically finding expression in the formation of the World Council of Churches, statements of faith shared between differing Christian denominations and cooperation in social action.
In our own diocese of Broken Bay, ecumenism has found one expression a 'Tri-Diocesan Covenant' with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland and Newcastle and Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.
Other Christians should always be regarded as brothers and sisters in Christ. Relations with people of other faiths
Vatican II's Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Other Religions reflects on what people have in common and what draws them to fellowship.
Australia is truly a multi-cultural and multi-faith society and, in comparison to many other countries, a society marked by great tolerance. Since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, Catholics have entered into dialogue and increasing cooperation with people of other world religious faith and communities in areas such as citizenship, aid and development. Increasingly there are people in Australia, over 20% in 2011, who identify with no religion. The Church teaches respect for all people of good will who seek to live in accord with their conscience and serve the common good. Evangelisation challenges Catholics to enter into dialogue and cooperation with all people of faith and good will and to be open to the Holy Spirit working in and through their faith and lives. |
This statement draws its inspiration from age old creeds such as the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed one of which is professed in Mass by the assembly each Sunday.
To learn more about the life, beliefs, practices and spirituality of Catholic Christians click here
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