Religious Life of the College - Worship, Prayer, Retreats

The Religious Life of the School focuses on “teaching people to be religious in a particular way” (Moran,1991). The authoritative source document The Religious Life of the School P-12 provides a guide for helping to support the spiritual and faith formation of students. ​

The College promotes a Catholic Christian environment through our words and in our actions. Jesus Christ is central to our beliefs and practices and is lived out in our teachings and in our relationships with one another. The iconography throughout the College provides a distinctive visual connection with our beliefs and traditions. We place emphasis on the development of the whole person and aim to ensure the spirit of the Gospel is a living expression of the Church.

The College expresses its ethos in the everyday life and culture of the school. Quality relationships between students, staff, families and the wider community are valued and nurtured. Gospel values and Church traditions are embedded into all aspects of College life.

The Marist Charism helps us to understand how to be good Christians and good citizens. Using Mary as our model, Marists imitate her faith response to God and centre their lives on Jesus.  

Marist spirituality is characterised by:

As an authentic Catholic Christian community, we value the dignity and worth of all members of our community. This is modelled on the person of Jesus and ensures quality relationships are built. As a friendly and welcoming community we demonstrate authentic Christian hospitality. We support students in developing peaceful relationships and reinforce the practices of care and compassion. 

Students and staff contribute to creating spaces and ways of engaging the senses both within and outside the classroom. Each classroom has a prayer space designed by the staff and students. A special prayer space and reflective garden has been constructed. Religious iconography is displayed throughout the whole school. The liturgical seasons are highlighted and displayed in key places. 

The College works collaboratively with the Parish Priest and participates in prayer and worship opportunities. He leads and supports our key liturgical celebrations.

Students in all year levels participate in reflection days and retreats. Programs are designed to enhance the faith formation of students. Each spiritual formation program is sensitive to the faith background and life journey of individuals.

Service learning opportunities are offered to all students both within the school and wider community. Examples include: visits to Inverpine Retirement Village, Animal Farm Outreach to nursing homes, community groups, supporting our local St Vincent de Paul group, participating in social justice activities e.g Cooking for Care, knitting blankets for Winter Appeal and many more.

Including prayer rituals on a daily basis are a very important expression of our Catholic Christian beliefs. This provides staff and students with an opportunity to share experiences of joy and sorrow.

Throughout the year we celebrate key liturgical moments. Our year begins with an Opening Mass and ends with the Year 12 Graduation Mass. In between, we celebrate Patron Saints Days and other significant days in the Church’s calendar.

At Mt Maria College Petrie, the Social Justice Group consists of students from Year 7 to year 12 who meet on a weekly basis. The group believes that social justice creates a community where all are treated equally, regardless of their social status or background and every person has the right to live life to the fullest.  The Campus Minister and the APRE provides opportunities for the students to be involved in activities where they look beyond their own needs and are able to give to others. The group supports all areas of the religious life of the College.  Support is directed especially to the significant events in the Church and College calendars.  Students actively contribute to Masses, liturgies, assemblies and prayer rituals.

As members of Marist Schools Australia, the College endeavours to stay true to the characteristics of St Marcellin Champagnat. The Social Justice Group highlights the key values of being Marist by welcoming others, working hard and showing consideration and care for others.  Promoting relationships which are caring and genuine creates a sense of “family”.  We place emphasis on being people of presence with a strong commitment to faith. 

During the school year, the Social Justice Group hold various campaigns addressing a range of social issues that provide opportunities for service.   

These include: