Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
The religious program is an important element of any Catholic school. The description of this program by various Catholic schools is presented here in the words of the different schools.
Sacred Heart College exists primarily for those families who have a genuine regard for their Catholic faith, and who wish to
further their son's education in an atmosphere of Christian commitment. Sacred Heart College is a Marist school which derives
its character from the charism and insight of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, now embodied in the spirit and tradition of the
Marist Brothers. This spirit is characterised by an approach which is simple, family orientated, unassuming and faithful - after
the manner of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Saint Marcellin Champagnat (1789 - 1840) began his work in France, early last century. Three key events dramatically
changed Marcellin's life and formed him as a Marist and educator, and then as the founder of the Marist Brothers. On one
occasion, as a young boy, he witnessed the cruel scene of a teacher giving a pupil a name that stayed, and which caused him
to suffer ridicule from others in the class. On another occasion he was present when a teacher dealt out harsh physical
punishment to a pupil. Lastly as a priest, he was called to the bedside of a dying boy who had no knowledge of God or of the
Catholic faith.
Today the College staff work with the Marist Brothers to ensure Marcellin's charism continues to permeate and enliven the
culture of Sacred Heart College. As a Marist College, there is a central commitment to continuing Mary's work centred on
Jesus Christ and His teaching as expressed in the Living Tradition of the Church. To this end, Sacred Heart College provides a
structured Religious Education programme for all students, based on the New Zealand National Religious Education Syllabus.
Further opportunities for the faith development of students include sacramental preparation, liturgical worship, prayer, and
retreats. The College, assisted in this area by its Chaplain, fosters and promotes the rich inheritance of Catholic Christian
values.
