“You may rest assured that in the long run the Christian school remains the privileged place where formation in the faith can most solidly and most naturally be integrated into the rest of human education.”

Pope Paul VI to the General Chapter of the Marist Brothers, October 1976

The Religion Programme that extends beyond the classroom has a central role in giving tone to the whole educational experience the College is able to provide.  The qualities that should be characteristic of the whole school community find their roots in the aims and objectives of this programme.  If we can genuinely claim to offer an alternative education experience we have to make it clear that the fundamental reason for all our work is the stand we have taken for Jesus and the Gospel Message.

LITURGY AND PRAYER

The College community gathers for reflection and prayer each week in Year Level and College Assemblies.  Daily prayer is encouraged in Homeroom groups and the opportunity to join in quiet prayer with staff and students before the school day begins is offered regularly.

There is also a retreat for each year level.  This challenges the students to bring Christian values into all aspects of both their personal and College life.

On a number of special occasions the College community gathers for liturgical celebrations:

1. The Inaugural Mass
2. Mt Maria Day
3. The Year 12 Graduation Mass
4. The Year 11 Leadership Mass
5. Campus Masses before the school day begins – once a term
6. Year level Masses for Years 8, 9 and 10

The name Mt Maria reminds us that Mary is a special patron of the College and devotion to and the example of Mary is brought into many of our celebrations.

Education in Religion at the College is more than the planned lessons that occupy our core programmes.  It includes the whole moral thrust and growth in community which the College espouses.  It is nourished by the celebration of Eucharist and various opportunities for prayer and reflection within the College, and, most importantly, it is inspired by the daily attempts of teachers to act with justice, respond with care, and minister to the needs of students.

RELIGION IN THE CLASSROOM

The College offers its students a choice of 2 programmes: Study of Religion or Religion & Ethics.  Each of these programmes is an essential part of the curriculum.  Integrated over two years, central elements taught are: 1. Beliefs, 2. Scripture, 3. Morality, 4. Celebration and Ritual.

Study of Religion studies the following units:

Religion & Ethics studies the following units:

OUTREACH WORK

Opportunities are provided through fundraising and community service for students to commit to Christian values.  Links with Marist programme, Caritas, St Vincent de Paul and other local communities are important to Mt Maria.