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Christians the Bible as a sacred book in many ways, including proclamation in prayer celebrations and meditative reflection in personal prayer.
Familiarity with characters, events and messages from some key Old Testament stories, including Joseph (Genesis 37:1-36, 39:1-6, 41:15-44, 41:53-57, 42-46) and David (1 Samuel 17:1-49), is a means of connecting and real life.
Christians the Bible as a sacred book in many ways, including proclamation in prayer celebrations and meditative reflection in personal prayer.
The Gospels tell the good news of Jesus. Familiarity with characters, events and messages from some key New Testament stories, including the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25), is a means of connecting and real life.
The writer of the first creation story in the Old Testament (Genesis 1:1-2:4a) repeatedly uses the statement “And God saw that it was good” to emphasise God's special relationship with all of creation. Jesus's challenged people about the way they were living (e.g. The Greatest Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and love your neighbour as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39).
There is one God, the source of truth and love, who is creator of all. God's presence is revealed in the goodness of creation.
Christians believe that Jesus suffered, died and rose again.
Jesus was a Jew. He lived in a Jewish family and Mary was his mother.
The Church has important ways of praying together through celebrations and rituals, marking special times in the life of believers (e.g. Baptism, ) and in the Church year (the liturgical seasons).
The Church building is a sacred place. Believers gather in the Church to pray, to be together and to celebrate various rituals (e.g. Baptism, , Marriage).
Jesus taught key messages about love, compassion and forgiveness, including the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Jesus taught that love of God and others is the greatest commandment. Christians are called to follow the teachings of Jesus.
According to Christian teaching, God created people as rational beings with the freedom to choose. Choices between good and bad, right and wrong involve the whole person - emotions, feelings and reasoning.
God's plan is that people help each other to live safely and happily together. Societal laws are intended to be for the good of all.
Jesus prayed regularly and taught others how to pray. Prayer involves both talking and listening to God, either alone or with others. Believers pray with the help of word, music, action, silence, images, symbols and nature.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. There is a range of practices (including being silent and still, and lighting a candle) that helps believers prepare the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engage in the 'work of meditation'.
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By the end of Prep, students communicate their ideas, feelings and thoughts about God, the goodness of God’s creation and God’s plan that people help each other to live safely and happily together for the good of all. They identify connections between some Old Testament stories and their personal experience including the experience of the goodness of creation. Students listen and respond to stories of and about Jesus in the Gospels that tell of Jesus’ life as a Jew; his mother Mary, his family and friends; of Jesus praying and teaching others to pray; and of his suffering, death and resurrection. Students recognise Jesus’ teachings about love, compassion and forgiveness that challenged people about the way they were living. They relate examples of people having the freedom to choose between good and bad, right and wrong.
Students understand that prayer helps believers to follow the teachings of Jesus to live according to God’s plan. They recognise ways in which believers pray either alone or with others, using word, music, action, silence, images, symbols and nature. They participate with respect in a variety of these prayer experiences including the Sign of the Cross, and Amen and meditative prayer practices especially silence and stillness and lighting a candle. They describe ways in which believers pray together during special celebrations and rituals that mark important times in the life of believers and in the Church Year.
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For Christians, the Bible is a sacred book. The describes how the people of Israel have reflected on God's presence in their lives.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John provide particular insights into the life and teaching of Jesus.
The of some Old Testament stories (e.g. Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Ruth, Jeremiah) helps people understand God's presence in the lives of individuals and communities.
Jesus called people, including 'the twelve', to share in his mission and ministry.
God created human beings in God's own image, in order to form a loving relationship with them. God's plan is that people help each other to live safely and happily in community.
Jesus participated in the life of the Jewish community.
Sacraments are sacred actions of the Church through which God is present. In the Sacraments of Baptism and , words, actions and symbols are used to communicate God's presence and action.
Within a local parish community there are many different roles (e.g. priest, parishioner, liturgical ministries such as musicians and altar servers; parish groups such as family groups and prayer groups; parish such as St Vincent de Paul and youth worker).
Christians believe God is creator and sustainer of life and all people have a responsibility to care for creation. Morality is about living in accordance with God's plan for creation. God's gift of the freedom to make choices is to be used responsibly.
Based in , the Church teaches that all people are created in the image of God. The Church teaches that all people have dignity and natural rights and deserve respect, regardless of their religious, social or ethnic background.
Jesus prayed regularly and taught others how to pray. Prayer involves talking and listening to God, either alone or gathered as community. Believers pray with the help of word, music, action, silence, images, symbols and nature. Prayer in the Christian tradition, including Marian prayer, nurtures the spiritual life of believers.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, has been honoured in many ways by Christians both past and present (e.g. prayer, images, music). The Hail Mary is a Catholic prayer, using words of (Luke 1:26-28; Luke 1:39-42) and developed over a long period of time.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. There is a range of practices (including closing eyes, and praying with beads and music) that helps believers prepare the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engage in the 'work of meditation'.
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By the end of Year 1, students make connections to their personal experience when explaining ways of living in accordance with God’s plan for creation. They identify how people live safely and happily in community and in loving relationship with God. They explain how to respect the dignity and natural rights of all people, to care for all creation by responsibly using God’s gift of freedom to make choices. Students relate stories from some Old Testament texts that describe God’s presence and action in the lives of individuals and communities. They identify words, actions and symbols used in the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist to communicate God’s presence and action.
Students identify the nature of Jesus’ mission and ministry, as well as some similarities and differences between Gospel accounts of significant events, places and characters in the life of Jesus. They describe some aspects of Jewish daily life at the time of Jesus. They recognise some ways in which believers past and present honour Mary, Mother of Jesus, including praying the Hail Mary. Students recognise the significance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in the lives of believers and participate with respect in a variety of personal and communal prayer experiences including Grace and the Hail Mary and meditative prayer practices especially closing eyes, praying with beads and music.
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The Bible is a library of books. It is made up of two parts: the Old Testament and the .
The Church teaches that the Bible is an inspired account of God's self-revelation. The describes God's relationship with the Jewish people. The Abraham and Sarah story is one example of how God relates with people (e.g. promise to Abraham and Sarah, Genesis 17:1-8; 15-19, 21-22).
The consists of 27 books that proclaim the life and teaching of Jesus and the early Christian Church.
The life and teaching of Jesus is the primary source of God's self-revelation in the .
Identify some teachings and actions of Jesus that reveal aspects of God's nature (e.g. father, loving, just, forgiving, welcoming, inclusive).
Knowledge of the historical, cultural and geographical context of the first century Mediterranean world assists the reader of the Gospels to better appreciate the life and times of Jesus.
The of the saints (e.g. St Francis of Assisi, St Clare of Assisi, St Therese of Lisieux, St Kevin of Glendalough) helps people understand about being co-creators and stewards of creation; the sacredness of all creation, especially human life; and forgiveness and reconciliation.
Create print, visual or audio texts that draw on their own experiences, their imagination and information they have learnt from the wisdom of the saints about being co-creators and stewards of creation; the sacredness of all creation, especially human life; and forgiveness and reconciliation.
Jesus lived a truly human life. His mission and ministry was to preach and bring about the of God, including through his teaching, healing, and forgiving.
Human beings are called to be co-creators and stewards of God's creation.
The Jewish people are a people. Their relationship with God is expressed in their daily lives.
Forgiveness involves reconciliation with God and each other and restores broken relationships. In the Sacrament of Penance, believers celebrate reconciliation with God and each other. The Sacrament of Penance continues Jesus' healing ministry in the life of the community.
The Church community draws from the teachings and actions of Jesus (e.g. actions of Jesus: praying, forgiving and helping people in need; teachings of Jesus: love, justice and peace) to guide the way they live.
Each parish community has its own past, which is revealed in many ways (for example in its pastors and people, buildings, sites or parts of the natural environment).
Humans are called to acknowledge the sacredness of God and all creation, especially human life. The world is God's gift to all generations; therefore care for all creation (stewardship) is a moral duty.
The loving relationship God offers to people is unconditional. Sin is made evident in the free choices that harm the individual and their loving relationships with God, with others and with all creation. Reconciliation involves admission of , saying sorry, asking for God's help to change and seeking to heal relationships. There is no limit to God's mercy and forgiveness.
God's plan is that people respect all life, especially human life. All people have a responsibility to pursue peace and justice out of respect for human life and all creation.
Prayer for forgiveness requires admission of , saying sorry, asking God's help to change and seeking to heal one's loving relationships with God, with others and with all creation.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. There is a range of practices (including centred breathing and attending to posture) that helps believers prepare the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engage in the 'work of meditation'.
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By the end of Year 2, students identify aspects of God’s nature as revealed in the Bible. They discuss ideas about God’s relationship with the Jewish people as described in some Old Testament stories. They analyse teachings and actions of Jesus depicted in New Testament texts that reveal aspects of God’s nature. Students make connections between Jesus’ teachings and actions and the way members of the Church community live today. They pose questions about the life and times of Jesus and use sources provided to answer these questions. They make connections between Jesus’ healing ministry and the Church community’s celebration of the Sacrament of Penance.
Students recognise the sacredness of God and all creation including human life. They identify ways in which humans respond to the call to be co-creators and stewards of God’s creation. Drawing on their own experiences, they suggest ways to pursue peace and justice out of respect for human life and all creation. Students recognise ways in which believers nurture their relationship with God, with others and with all of creation. They recognise choices that harm an individual and their loving relationships with God, others and all creation. They explain ways in which believers seek to heal these relationships through reconciliation. They recognise that prayer and the wisdom of the saints help the believer to nurture their relationship with God, others and all creation. They participate with respect in a variety of personal and communal prayer experiences especially prayers for forgiveness including acts of contrition and Penitential Act. They participate with respect in a variety of meditative prayer practices including centred breathing and attending to posture.
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Old Testament scriptures, including Isaiah 49:15- 16, use many different images to portray God (e.g. fire, rain, potter, mother, refuge, sanctuary, lover). The are used in prayer, especially in praise of and thanksgiving to God.
A knowledge of the cultural contexts of the Gospels assists the reader to better understand the life and teaching of Jesus.
The New Testament is a collection of text types (e.g. Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, letters, other writings) which differ, depending on the intention and context of the human author. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
The of prayers attributed to the saints (e.g. The Deer's Cry/Breastplate of St Patrick) helps one understand God's relationship with people as individuals and as community.
Christians believe that Jesus is the and this is revealed through his presence and in his words, deeds and encounters with others.
Christians believe that order and harmony arise from the diversity and interdependence of creation.
The Jewish people have a special relationship with God. This relationship is revealed through the stories, people and events recorded in the , or written law.
Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), people become members of the Body of Christ, the Church community, and receive strength for the journey of life. Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, words, actions and symbols are used to communicate God's presence and action. completes Christian initiation and provides nourishment for the spiritual life of believers.
A diocese is a particular community of parishes usually within a defined geographical boundary under the leadership of the bishop.
Each parish is an important part of a diocese. An understanding of the history of a parish assists in exploring the history of the diocese to which it belongs. Part of this history is the story of the collaboration of the clergy, religious and laity so that people can hear the Gospel and know Jesus.
The Scriptures provide a foundation for moral living, specifically the Decalogue, Beatitudes and the fruits of the Spirit. The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) is a guide for making moral decisions. Jesus' teaching in the provides a basis for Christian morality. It does not abolish the Decalogue but fulfils it, making clearer what is required of one who loves God. The fruits of the Spirit enable Christians to live a moral life.
Jesus' great commandment requires Christians to respect basic human rights and acknowledge responsibilities. Concern for the poor and disadvantaged is a key message in (including Luke 4:16-21) and church teaching.
In the Christian tradition, essential forms of prayer, including prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of praise, nurture the spiritual life of believers. For Christians, a primary role of prayer is praise and thanksgiving to a God who knows and cares for each person individually. There are many examples of prayers of praise and thanksgiving in the Christian tradition, such as: of praise and thanksgiving; words of praise and thanksgiving from Paul's letters; and doxologies, including Glory to the Father [Glory Be].
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. There is a range of practices (including guided meditation and mindful listening) that help believers prepare the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engage in the 'work of meditation'.
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By the end of Year 3, students express their ideas about God’s relationship with people as individuals and communities. They express their ideas about God’s presence and action in daily life experiences by selecting and using information, ideas and events in texts including key stories from the Torah; images of God used by the human authors of Old Testament scriptures; and prayers attributed to the saints. They express their ideas about God’s presence and action in daily life experiences by selecting and using information, ideas and events about order and harmony in God’s creation. Students communicate ideas about the life and teaching of Jesus. They locate and use information about the cultural contexts in which the Gospels were written and the text types used by the human authors of New Testament to communicate their ideas including the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah.
Students recognise how the Scriptures provide a foundation for living a moral life. They identify respect for basic human rights and acknowledgement of responsibilities, in particular for the poor and disadvantaged. Students demonstrate an understanding of the significance of Church community. They explain ways in which the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) welcome and strengthen members of the Church community. They describe significant people, events and features of a parish and diocese, past and present including the collaboration of clergy, religious and laity. They identify prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of praise including Glory to the Father [Glory Be] and demonstrate understanding of the significance of these forms of prayer for Christians. They participate respectfully in a variety of prayer experiences including prayers of thanksgiving, praise and the Glory Be and meditative prayer practices with mindful listening and guided meditation.
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The books of the Old Testament contain a variety of text types including historical narratives, sacred myths, poetry, legal codes and wise sayings. God's Word is revealed through an understanding of the books and text types of the . The human author's choice of text type is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
The Bible's referencing system is structured according to book, chapter and verse. The contents and index of the Bible assist the reader to locate books, people, places and things.
Understanding God's Word is aided by an awareness of the books and text types of the New Testament. There are a variety of text types in the , each with particular textual features.
The use of different language features (images, characters, setting, and vocabulary) in retelling key from the New Testament, including the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), can assist the reader to make meaning of Scriptural teachings.
The Bible's referencing system is structured according to book, chapter and verse. The contents and index of the Bible assist the reader to locate books, people, places and things.
The of St Paul helps people understand about living in community.
Scripture speaks of God in many ways but most significantly for Christians as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christians name this understanding of God as .
Judaism is a dynamic religion. Groups within first century Palestine reflected the dynamic nature of Judaism.
Christians believe that as God is relational in nature, so too people become fully human through the experience of community.
Sacraments accompany the life journey of each believer. Through the Sacraments, God offers believers gifts of new life, healing and forgiveness, and nourishes and strengthens their faith by promising fulfilment of their deepest hopes and longings. Anointing of the Sick is one of the Sacraments of Healing. In this Sacrament, words, actions and symbols are used to communicate God's healing of body and spirit. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick continues Jesus' healing ministry in the life of the community.
Penance is one of the Sacraments of Healing which celebrates God's love and mercy. It calls people to conversion and to forgiveness towards others. In the Sacrament of Penance, words, actions and symbols are used to communicate God's love and forgiveness. Penance strengthens the spiritual life of believers and turns their hearts towards God.
The practices of each Church community (including the parish and diocese) are modelled on the mission and ministry of Jesus. A variety of characteristics mark local Church communities, including: prayer and worship (Acts 2:42); proclaiming the Good News (Romans 10:14); building peaceful relationships (Romans 14:19); caring for the marginalised (1 Corinthians 12:26a); rejoicing in the achievements of one another (1 Corinthians 12:26b); seeking and offering forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32); supporting and encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) and welcoming and creating a sense of belonging.
The first Catholics in Australia preserved their faith in an environment of suspicion and conflict, mostly without the presence of priests. Official recognition and toleration ushered in a new era for Catholics in Australia. Catholic laity and clergy were among the first to recognise and respond to the impact of settlement and expansion on Aboriginal people.
Morality is about choosing between right and wrong. Conscience is the human capacity to identify and make judgements about what is right and wrong. Sin is the human choice to live without the help of God. is made evident in the free choices which result in actions that harm oneself and one's loving relationships with God, with others and with all creation.
The is a summary of the main moral obligations people have towards God, each other and all of creation. The first three commandments are about love of God and the other seven are about love of each other and all of creation.
Christians are called to be responsible stewards, caring for all of God's creation. Caring for the environment is a moral issue for Christians.
In the Christian tradition, essential forms of prayer, including prayers of petition and intercession, nurture the spiritual life of believers. By prayers of petition, Christians seek forgiveness and turn back to God. Intercessions are prayers of petition in which Christians intercede for the needs of others (e.g. the community, the church, the world, leaders) as well as for themselves. Intercessions may take the form of a litany. A litany is a form of prayer in which a person makes fixed responses to a series of petitions.
In the Christian tradition, essential forms of prayer, including prayers of blessing, nurture the spiritual life of believers. Every blessing acknowledges and praises God's presence and prays for God's gifts for self and others.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. There is a range of practices (including praying with the help of colour and mandalas) that helps believers prepare the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engage in the 'work of meditation'.
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By the end of Year 4, Students explain how a reader uses knowledge of the Bible to better understand God’s Word. They identify different books and text types in the Old and New Testament; use the Bible’s referencing system to locate books, people, places, events and objects in the Bible. Students recognise the Christian belief that God, as Trinity, is relational in nature. They identify and explain some Scriptural passages that express God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Students explain the significance of community for Christians. They use different texts including the Decalogue and the wisdom of St Paul and investigate experiences of different communities including the Jewish communities in first century Palestine, early Church communities in Australia (c. 1788 CE - c. 1850 CE) and contemporary Church communities to connect ideas about the significance of community for Christians.
They explain how free choices result in actions that affect the individual and their community. Students explain how practices and characteristics of contemporary parishes and dioceses are modelled on the mission and ministry of Jesus. They demonstrate an understanding of how the celebrations of Anointing of the Sick and Penance continue Jesus’ mission and ministry in the life of the community. They use an appropriate structure to create prayers of blessing, petition and intercession, and demonstrate understanding of the significance of these forms of prayer for Christian communities. They participate respectfully in a variety of prayer experiences including prayers of blessing, petition, intercession and litanies. They participate respectfully in meditative prayer practices using praying with colour and mandalas.
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The Psalms of the Old Testament are a model for personal and communal prayer. There are three main forms of Psalms in the Old Testament: Psalms of lament (Sorrow), Psalms of thanksgiving and of praise (Hymns).
The contexts of the Gospel writers (e.g. purpose of the writer, time of writing, intended audience, point of view) shaped their Gospels. The context of the Gospel writer is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
A range of Biblical tools (including timelines, Biblical atlases, Biblical dictionaries, annotated Bibles, simple Biblical commentaries, online Bible search engines and Gospel parallels) is used to assist in deepening awareness of texts.
The wisdom of the saints, in particular St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, helps people understand about caring for the wellbeing of others and the faith of the community of believers. This guides and gives strength to believers past and present.
The action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is described in using a variety of titles (e.g. Spirit of God, Spirit of truth, Advocate) and images (e.g. oil, fire, wind).
Faith is shared and strengthened in the community of believers. The central and primary sharing of faith within the community of believers is the celebration of .
Followers of Judaism live their relationship with God through their personal and communal worship.
The key parts of the Catholic Rite of Confirmation are: calling on the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands and the anointing with the oil of chrism together with the words 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit'. The gifts of the Spirit (, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, awe and wonder and reverence) guide believers and give them strength to live a spirit-filled life. The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, selfcontrol) are visible signs of God's active love and work within and through believers as they live spirit-filled lives.
Mary is the mother of Jesus and of all Christians. Mary's role in the Church community (e.g. advocate, mother, helper) can be described using a variety of titles and images. texts reveal Mary's role as mother of Jesus and her role in the early church community.
Pioneering Catholics overcame challenges to preserve the faith of their fathers and mothers. Catholics took their place in colonial Australian society (c.1850 CE - c.1900 CE). Being Catholic in a new, free society raised challenges.
Conscience is a judgement of reason that, as far as possible, takes into account the good of all. For Christians, conscience is formed by the Word of God (e.g. The Decalogue, Leviticus 19:1-3; 9-18, and Jesus' moral teaching (The ), Luke 6:20-36; Matthew 5:1-12), assimilated in faith and prayer and put into practice. Formation of conscience is assisted by the gifts of Holy Spirit, the witness and advice of others and the authoritative teaching of the Church. Moral choice involves both judgment and then acting according to that judgment.
Jesus makes charity (love) the new commandment: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love....“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15: 9 - 17). Charity is the source and goal of Christian practice. Christian charity calls people to go beyond existing laws to care for the well-being of others.
Christians past and present seek Mary's intercession through prayer because of her humanity and her role as mother of Jesus and mother of the Church. Marian prayer invites believers to a deeper relationship with Christ, draws them into the life of the Church and models a balance between prayer and action. In Marian prayers, including the Hail Mary and the Litany of Mary of Nazareth, there are two elements: praising God and entrusting cares and petitions to Mary.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer, and engaging in the 'work of meditation'. Praying the Rosary is a meditative prayer in the Christian tradition.
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By the end of Year 5, students identify ways in which faith is shared and strengthened in communities of believers, past and present. They describe ways in which believers live according to Jesus’ new commandment of charity (love). They describe the significance of the wisdom writings of the saints including St Mary of the Cross MacKillop for communities of believers. They locate and record information about how pioneering Catholics in Australia (c. 1850 CE – c. 1900 CE) contributed to the preservation of faith and the shaping of particular communities including Indigenous communities. Students explain the action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. They analyse information from a variety of texts including Scriptural references to the Holy Spirit and the words, symbols and actions of the Catholic Rite of Confirmation. They describe ways in which believers make and act upon informed moral choices.
Students examine Mary’s role as mother of Jesus and mother of the Church. They analyse the elements and features of some Marian prayers including the Hail Mary, the Rosary and the Litany of the Mary of Nazareth to describe the role of Marian prayer in the lives of believers past and present. They use features of Gospel texts to show how the Gospel writers shaped their Gospels for particular communities. Students describe the significance of personal and communal prayer and worship including the Eucharist, the Psalms, Sabbath rituals and prayers for the lives of believers. They participate respectfully in a variety of personal and communal prayer experiences including Marian prayers especially the Hail Mary, Litany of Mary of Nazareth and the Rosary; and meditative prayer especially mantras. They participate respectfully in meditative prayer practices including praying with Rosary beads.
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Key messages of prophets are identified within their social, cultural and historical contexts.
A range of Biblical tools (including timelines, Biblical atlases, Biblical dictionaries, annotated Bibles, simple Biblical commentaries, online Bible search engines) are used to assist in deepening awareness of texts.
The Church teaches that the Holy Spirit guided the formation of the New Testament and the whole of Scripture. Inspiration means the human authors of , guided by the Holy Spirit and using their own knowledge and skills, revealed God's nature and teaching. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
Gospel writers use many images and titles for Jesus. The Gospels and other New Testament texts (including Matthew 16:16-17, Acts 17:2-3, Acts 1:29-33,36) proclaim Jesus as fulfilling all of God's promises in the Old Testament, including , Son of Man, and Saviour.
The wisdom of Australian Catholic Christians, including lay people and (c.1900 CE to the present), helps people understand the work and movement of the Holy Spirit in this land (e.g. concern for the common good; works of mercy; challenging injustice; developing new ways of living the Catholic faith in Australia).
Jesus' relationship with God the Father and humanity is described in using a variety of titles and images (e.g. liberator, creator, Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, Anointed One, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Rabbi, Saviour).
Christians believe that faith is a virtue freely gifted by God. Faith is a free and personal response to God that is lived out in the life of the believer, including Jairus' daughter (Matthew 9:18-26//Mark 5:21-43//Luke 8: 40-49).
The faith of Jewish believers is shared and strengthened through the commemoration of High Holy Days (Leviticus 23:1-44), including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover).
The word Eucharist means thanksgiving: believers give thanks for all that God has given, particularly the gift that is Jesus. The Mass is made up of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Church teaches that in the celebration of Eucharist, Jesus is sacramentally present in four ways: the people gathered, in the Church's minister, in the Word proclaimed, and most profoundly in the gifts of bread and wine which become the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Eucharist, believers remember and celebrate the life, death and of Jesus (the Paschal mystery). This is the focus or 'theme' of every Eucharistic liturgy. The saving events of the Paschal mystery are made present in the Eucharist through which believers are offered to share in the new life of Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17). Eucharist is memorial, sacrifice, prayer, nourishment and community. The Mass challenges believers to go out and live the good news that Jesus proclaimed.
The Church's liturgical year is told through a framework of different seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, , Ordinary Time), revealing the story of salvation and drawing inspiration from Jewish tradition. In liturgical celebrations, forms of sacred art (including music, visual arts, drama, dance, media) are used to inspire believers to prayer and a deeper understanding of the mystery of God. In liturgical celebrations, believers are encouraged to actively participate through action (e.g. sign of peace, Genuflecting, sign of the cross), word (e.g. acclamations, responses, singing), posture (e.g. kneeling, bowing) and observing a reverent silence at appropriate times.
'Communion of saints' is a term which describes the spiritual bond that exists, through Baptism, between all the members of the Church, living and dead.
Catholics helped form the new Australian nation (c.1900 CE to present). Catholics initially set themselves apart. A uniquely Australian Church emerged. New ways of being both Catholic and Australian were encouraged.
For Christians, the New Law as given by Jesus is a law of love, a law of grace and a law of freedom. Freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is the right of every human person. For Christians, the freedom to choose is required by the New Law to take into account the good of all. Christians believe that God has given the gift of to humans (the natural law) which enables them to choose good and avoid evil.
Spiritual and corporal works of mercy are foundational for understanding the Church's teaching about concern for the common good. Works of mercy are charitable actions at the service of others. The spiritual works of mercy are: instructing, advising, challenging injustice, consoling, comforting, forgiving, bearing wrongs patiently and praying for the living and the dead. The are: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, clothing the naked and burying the dead.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer and engaging in the 'work of meditation', including prayer journaling. The Examen is a meditative prayer in the Christian tradition.
In response to the request of his followers “Lord, teach us to pray as you do”, Jesus gave them the Our Father or the Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6:5-15). The origins of The Lord's Prayer are deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition. The Our Father is a central prayer in Christianity and an integral part of Catholic liturgy. Seven petitions are identified in The Lord's Prayer: Hallowed be your name Your come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation Deliver us from evil The first three petitions praise God. The remaining four petitions present to God the needs of believers.
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By the end of Year 6, students explain the action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. They analyse information from a variety of texts, including New Testament texts and the wisdom of Australian Catholic Christians. They demonstrate an understanding of the term 'communion of saints'. Students explain how Scriptural texts describe Jesus' relationship with God the Father and with humanity by selecting and using evidence from Scriptural texts including the proclamation of Jesus as fulfilling God's promises in the Old Testament. Students identify and describe many ways in which faith is lived out in the lives of believers past and present, including Catholics in a developing Australian nation (c. 1900 CE to present). They analyse the key messages and contexts of some Old Testament prophets. They explain the significance of Jesus' New Law for the way believers live their faith and examine the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Students identify and describe many ways in which faith is celebrated in the lives of believers, past and present, including the commemoration of High Holy Days by Jewish believers; the Church's liturgical year and the celebration of Eucharist. They explain the significance of personal and communal prayer including the Our Father and the Examen and the use of meditative prayer practices especially prayer journaling for the spiritual life of believers. They participate respectfully in a variety of personal and communal prayer experiences including spiritual exercises and meditative prayer practices.
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Contextual information (literary form, historical and cultural context and human author's intention) assists the reader to gain deeper awareness of texts. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
Contextual information (literary form, historical and cultural context and human author's intention) assists the reader to gain deeper awareness of texts. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
The Gospels are not simply eye witness accounts of the life of Jesus, but are post- texts intended for different audiences. Three stages can be distinguished in the formation of the Gospels: the life and teaching of Jesus, the oral tradition, and the written Gospels. Each Gospel depicts Jesus in a particular way. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth).
The writings and key messages of the founders of influence the way of life of religious communities (e.g. prayer life, apostolate, dress, spiritual practices, beliefs, symbols, daily life).
The Creeds of the and ancient Churches, including the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed, expressed the Christian understanding of God. Through the Creeds, Christians are linked with the faith of believers throughout history.
The (Exodus 20:1-20) affirms the relationship between God and humankind. It describes a way of life faithful to God's love.
The monotheistic religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) share common beginnings of faith which are found in the patriarchs, Moses and the prophets.
The Church's liturgical year is told through a framework of different seasons (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary Time) that help believers reflect on Christ's Paschal mystery (the life, death and of Jesus). Each season focuses on a particular aspect of Christ's Paschal mystery and its meaning for believers today.
The Church recognises seven Sacraments as drawn from the life of Jesus and continuing his ministry: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, Holy Orders. The Church specifies the rituals, ministers and norms for celebrating each Sacrament. All Sacraments, as celebrations of the worshipping community, express and support the journey of faith. Initiation into the Christian community is accompanied by the sacramental rituals of Baptism, Confirmation and .
The Catholic Church in Australia comprises a number of geographical dioceses and archdioceses. There are a variety of roles and responsibilities within the leadership structure of the Catholic Church in Australia (i.e. deacon, priest, bishop, archbishop, cardinal). The Church in Australia is a member of a larger communion of churches in the Oceania region. Within the Australian Catholic Church, as well as across Oceania, local and regional churches are influenced by their different cultures and histories.
The beliefs, values and practices of early Church communities (c.6 BCE - c. 650 CE) were influenced by ancient Mediterranean societies such as Greece, Rome and Egypt. Recurring broad patterns of historical change (namely Construction: Searching for Unity, Order and Authenticity; Deconstruction: Challenges to Unity, Order and Authenticity; Reconstruction: Restoring unity, order and authenticity) are evident in the story of the early Church as it came to understand its nature and role in the world.
Moral choice involves both discernment and judgement and acting according to that judgment. Doing good and avoiding evil is the basic principle of acting according to a properly formed conscience. Sin is a personal act with personal accountability. Sin also has a social dimension as each individual's in some way affects others.
Concern for the good of the community is a basic principle of Christian morality. According to Church teaching, personal gifts are meant to be at the service of others and of the common good. The good of the community can be protected and promoted in a variety of ways.
Prayer in the Christian tradition, including formal prayers such as Sign of the Cross, Our Father and Hail Mary, nurtures the spiritual life of believers.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices (including silence and stillness, and praying with icons and images) for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer, and engaging in the 'work of meditation'. Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words. Praying with scripture is a form of meditative prayer in the Christian tradition. There are a variety of ways to pray with , including Lectio Divina (Benedictine tradition) and Ignatian Meditation.
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By the end of Year 7, students evaluate how sacred texts influence the life of believers. They consider how sacred texts reflect the audience, purpose and context of their human authors. They consider and draw conclusions about the significance of sacred texts for the faith journey of believers. Students examine and explain the significance of Church teaching and basic principles of Christian morality for the way believers live out their faith, personally and communally.
Students differentiate ways in which the faith of believers is expressed, professed and lived out in different communities, past and present. They investigate the beginnings of the Christian faith (c. 6 BCE – c. 650 CE) and explain the role of key people and events in its development. They determine some ways in which Christianity shares common beginnings of faith with the other monotheistic religions (Judaism and Islam). They propose reasons for change and continuity in the life of the Church and religious communities over time and place. Students evaluate and draw conclusions about the significance of prayer, ritual, sacraments and sacred texts for the faith journey of believers, personally and communally. They participate respectfully in a variety of prayer experiences including formal prayers such as the Hail Mary and Our Father; meditative prayer including Lectio Divina and Ignatian Meditation; and meditative prayer practices especially silence and stillness and praying with icons and images.
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The theme of , as unique relationship between God and God's people, is central to understanding the Old Testament. Old Testament prophets used dramatic actions and challenging messages to call God's people to be faithful to the Covenant.
The Acts of the Apostles provides one account of the preaching, achievements, and challenges of the earliest followers of Jesus after . Some early followers of Jesus, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, continued Jewish practices as part of their way of imitating the life and teaching of Jesus.
The writings and key messages of significant reformers (c.650CE-c.1750CE), such as Catherine of Siena, Clare of Assisi and Thomas Aquinas, challenged the Church to question its nature and role in the world.
Christians believe that the mission of Jesus is continued in the world and in the Church through the activity of the Holy Spirit.
The mystery of the Trinity is a fundamental belief of Christianity. The is One - one God in three interrelated persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Scripture recounts God's saving plan for all creation. Christians believe that God's saving plan was accomplished through the life, death and of Jesus Christ. Believers become part of God's saving plan through their faith and actions.
Although there is a strong connection between the 'People of the Book', there are distinct differences among their core beliefs and practices. Initiation rituals in the Abrahamic religions begin the journey of faith for believers.
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life and a common bond that unites all Christians. Through Baptism, people become members of the Body of Christ, the Church, and are called to hear God's word in faith and to respond by participating in the ongoing mission of Jesus. Baptism (infant, adult, full immersion, RCIA) uses words, actions and symbols to celebrate the gift of God's saving action and welcome people into the Christian community.
The term 'liturgy' (from the Greek 'leitourgia') is used to describe the official, public worship of the Church, including the Sacraments and Liturgy of the Hours (the Divine Office). The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed at morning, noon, evening and night time and follows a set pattern of , Scripture and intercessions. Liturgy is always a public, communal activity which involves the full, conscious and active participation of believers. Believers participate in the action of the liturgy by responding, singing, listening and using gestures. Wellplanned liturgy requires knowledge, skill and prayerful reflection to draw believers' attention to the Scriptures, the rituals, the prayers, the music and the rich silence.
All Christians are united through their baptism (Galatians 3.27-29) in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The term 'ecumenism' (from the Greek Oikoumene meaning 'of the whole inhabited earth') refers to the movement which seeks to bring about the unity of all Christians. All Christians are called to give witness to the ecumenical spirit through praying and working for Christian unity throughout the world.
In a time of great challenge and change (c.650 CE-c.1750CE), the Church had to respond to many internal and external threats to its physical existence, cultural influence, political control, social structure, roles and relationships and economic power. Recurring broad patterns of historical change (namely Construction: Searching for Unity, Order and Authenticity; Deconstruction: Challenges to Unity, Order and Authenticity; Reconstruction: Restoring unity, order and authenticity) are evident in the story of the Church in a time of challenge and change (c.650CE-c.1750CE) as it was forced to question its nature and role in the world.
Grace is the gift of God that enables people to overcome ; to love, believe and hope in God and grow in goodness. The Church names this work of grace 'justification'. Virtues are attitudes and dispositions that guide people to 'do good and avoid evil'. In Christian teaching, the cardinal (pivotal) virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. Living a virtuous life - 'doing good' - requires knowledge and understanding, practice and perseverance.
Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the Church draws on the teaching of Jesus and its living Tradition to respond to emerging moral questions. Catholic social teaching proposes principles for reflection, provides criteria for judgment and gives guidelines for action. A consistent theme in Catholic social teaching is that the good of people be the criterion in making moral judgments about social and economic structures.
Prayer in the Christian tradition, including the ancient monastic prayer of The Liturgy of the Hours, nurtures the spiritual life of believers. The Liturgy of the Hours follows a prescribed pattern of , Scripture and intercessions, and is prayed at set times throughout the day. Believers pray on behalf of others and with others.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices (including centred breathing and attending to posture) for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer and for engaging in the 'work of meditation'. Praying with scripture is a form of meditative prayer in the Christian tradition. There are a variety of ways to pray with , including Augustinian Prayer and Franciscan Contemplative prayer. All forms of vocal and meditative prayer are intended to lead believers to contemplation. Contemplative prayer is the simple awareness of the presence of God. It is prayer without words or images.
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By the end of Year 8, students consider and organise evidence from Scriptural texts to explain how God’s saving plan for all creation was accomplished, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They describe how words and images are used to represent the mystery of the Trinity. They consider and organise Old Testament covenant narratives and the actions and messages of some Old Testament prophets; . Students identify the unique relationship between God and God’s people. They identify the significance of initiation rituals in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) for the faith journey of believers.
Students explore how believers, past and present continue the mission of Jesus in the world, in times of challenge and change. They consider and organise evidence from the Acts of the Apostles to explain the significance of some key events, individuals and groups in the life of the early Church. They consider and organise patterns of change and continuity in the Church from c. 650 CE – c. 1750 CE, identifying the impact of the writings and key messages of significant reformers in the Church at that time. Students evaluate and draw conclusions about the ways in which the Church is present and active in the world today: participation of believers in liturgy and other personal and communal prayer experiences; responding to emerging moral questions; practising the cardinal virtues; and giving witness to the ecumenical spirit. They participate respectfully in a variety of prayer experiences including prayers from The Liturgy of the Hours; praying with scripture; meditative prayer including Augustinian Prayer and Franciscan Contemplative Prayer and meditative prayer practices, including centred breathing and attending to posture.
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Four sources combined to form the Pentateuch. They are: the Priestly source (P), Deuteronomist (D), the Elohist (E), and the Jahwist (J). Key themes of the Pentateuch include: creation, , covenant, law and promise, worship, and Chosen People.
The Church teaches that application of Biblical criticism (including form criticism and ) helps the reader better understand the purpose and message of Biblical texts. The miracle stories and parables have historical and cultural settings, as well as well-defined structures. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth). Understanding, interpretation and use of Biblical texts by Christians have evolved over time.
The inspired writings of various religious and lay leaders (e.g. Catherine McAuley, Nano Nagle, Edmund Rice, Don Bosco, and Mary MacKillop) responded in new ways to the needs of the faithful, especially through education, works of charity, and health care (c.1750CE-c.1918CE).
The Incarnation, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus are foundational beliefs of Christianity. The Incarnation teaches that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. The resurrection of Jesus confirms his divinity and reveals God's gift of eternal life to all. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus' risen body, bearing the marks of , ascended into heaven.
God created a world in a state of journeying to its ultimate perfection. The experience of throughout human history points to the presence of good and evil in an imperfect world.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam are monotheistic religions that share a belief in the one God (, God, G*d). The three monotheistic religions have divergent understandings of God that are reflected in their beliefs and practices.
The Sacraments of Healing (Penance and Anointing of the Sick) call believers to conversion and loving trust in God's healing grace. Through the Sacraments of Healing, the Christian community continues Jesus' healing, care and compassion. Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance has changed over the centuries but has retained the same basic elements. In the Christian life, there are three forms of penance (prayer, fasting and almsgiving) which assist believers to reconcile themselves with God and others. Prayer, fasting and encourage and strengthen believers and turn their hearts towards God and the needs of others.
All lay people, through their baptism, share in a Christian vocation (Latin 'vocátió' - 'calling'). A Christian vocation calls all people to develop to their fullest potential, so that they may be able to share their own individual gifts, talents, abilities and blessings as fully as possible, for the sake of others. Lay people witness to Jesus Christ by participating in his priestly, prophetic and kingly roles, and therefore bear responsibilities for mission and service. Lay people participate in the priestly work of Jesus Christ when prayer and worship are at the heart of their lives and when the is the source and summit of their spirituality and their engagement with the world. Lay people participate in the prophetic work of Jesus Christ when they speak out against injustice, act to have human dignity respected and work for authentic freedom and mutual respect within family, workplace and in wider society. Lay people participate in the kingly work of Jesus Christ when they see whatever power and influence they have as an opportunity for Christian service and strive for social structures and processes that respect human dignity and promote authentic freedom. The kingly work of Jesus Christ is also enacted through lay participation in the leadership and governance structures of the Church.
In a time of great challenge and change (c.1750 CE - c.1918 CE), the Church had to respond to many internal and external threats to its physical existence, cultural influence, political influence, social structure, roles and relationships and economic power. Recurring broad patterns of historical change (namely Construction: Searching for Unity, Order and Authenticity; Deconstruction: Challenges to Unity, Order and Authenticity; Reconstruction: Restoring unity, order and authenticity) are evident in the story of the Church in a time of challenge and change (c.1750 CE - c.1918 CE) as it was forced to question its nature and role in the world.
Respect for each person, as created in the image of God and as a reflection of God, is expressed through moral behaviour towards oneself and others. Two key principles of Catholic social teaching, namely respect for the dignity of the human person and human rights and responsibilities, provide guidelines for developing a healthy understanding of one's personal identity and of human relationships.
Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the Church draws on the teaching of Jesus and its living tradition to respond to emerging moral questions about scientific and technological advances. Catholic social teaching proposes principles for reflection, provides criteria for judgment and gives guidelines for action. The principles of Catholic social teaching, especially promotion of peace, stewardship, and common good, provide guidelines for scientific and technological advancement.
Believers pray, drawing on the richness of , the Catholic tradition and the wider Christian tradition, including the prayers and writings of Christian spiritual fathers and mothers (e.g. Catherine McAuley, Nano Nagle, Edmund Rice, Don Bosco, Mary MacKillop) to nurture their spiritual life. Believers pray for forgiveness and healing, including the Penitential Act.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices (including praying with labyrinths) for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer, and for engaging in the 'work of meditation'. Christian Meditation is a particular form of meditative prayer drawn from the Christian tradition. It is 'prayer of the heart' which takes place in silence, with the aid of a mantra. The World Community for Christian Meditation recommends the use of the mantra 'mara- na-tha' (a word from Aramaic, the language of Jesus, meaning Come Lord). All forms of vocal and meditative prayer are intended to lead believers to contemplation. Contemplative prayer is the simple awareness of the presence of God. It is prayer without words or images.
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By the end of Year 9, students evaluate and draw conclusions about the significance of foundational beliefs in the lives of believers. They consider and decide how the application of Biblical criticism helps the reader’s understanding, interpretation and use of Old Testament and New Testament texts. They analyse perspectives on the understandings of God (YHWH, God, Allah) in the monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). They examine three foundational beliefs of Christianity: the Incarnation, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. Students demonstrate an understanding of the co-existence of good and evil in the world throughout human history. They propose their own interpretation about the experience of sin in the world. They analyse the causes and effects of events and developments in the Church from c. 1750 CE – c. 1918 CE and draw conclusions about their importance. They analyse perspectives in the writings of various religious and lay leaders at that time. They evaluate the impact of Catholic social teaching on an individual’s moral behaviour and on the Church’s response to emerging moral questions.
Students consider ways in which believers live their Christian vocation. They evaluate and draw conclusions about the three forms of penance (prayer, fasting and almsgiving) and the celebration of the Sacraments of Healing (Penance and Anointing of the Sick), in the lives of believers past and present. They distinguish between the participation of believers in the priestly, prophetic and kingly work of Jesus Christ. Students differentiate ways in which believers nurture their spiritual lives through personal and communal prayer experiences including the prayers and writings of Christian spiritual fathers and mothers; prayers for forgiveness and healing especially the Penitential Act; Christian Meditation and meditative prayer practices, especially praying with labyrinths. They participate respectfully in a variety of these prayer experiences.
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Old Testament texts portray God using a variety of different titles, images and attributes (e.g. Creator, Lord, Divine , Avenger, Judge, Rescuer, Searcher of Hearts, Supreme Governor, being eternal, immutable, invisible, incomprehensible, faithful companion, omniscient, All Holy, All Just, fire, rain, potter, mother, father, refuge, sanctuary, lover, shepherd, protector). These different portrayals of God need to be understood in their historical and cultural setting, taking into account each human author's intention and message. The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth). An understanding of these Old Testament representations of God can help the reader appreciate their relevance and application for today.
The Church teaches that application of Biblical criticism (including ) assists the reader to deepen awareness of Old Testament texts.
Characteristics, themes and key doctrines of the early Church (e.g. resurrection, grace and justification, love, the law and faith and works, use of charisms, original and the Body of Christ) can be found in the writings of St Paul. The application of rhetorical criticism helps the reader better understand these characteristics, themes and key doctrines and appreciate their relevance and application for today.
Christian spiritual writings, in their many forms (e.g. blogs, personal journals, poetry, books, pastoral statements, conciliar documents), search for the mystery of God in the midst of world events and the course of human history (c.1918CE to the present), such as war and peace, genocide and reconciliation, globalisation and community, consumerism and sufficiency, relativism and morality, development and ecology.
Christians believe God's unending love and mercy for humanity were revealed to the people of Israel and expressed fully through the person of Jesus.
The mystery of God is ultimately beyond human language, concepts and stories. God is neither male nor female, but is pure spirit transcending all creation. Human beings have an understanding of God through their experience of the created world.
The religions of the world contribute valuable insights into the idea of God or the 'Other'. The core beliefs and practices of the major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism) reflect this mystery of God/Other which is beyond human understanding.
The Eucharist draws on historical and scriptural foundations, including Last Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-28) and sacrifice. The Eucharist recalls Jesus' example of service and love (John 13:1-20), and those who share the Eucharist are sent out to carry on Jesus' mission in the world. The Eucharist is a means of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins as expressed through prayers and actions in the Mass (e.g. penitential rite, eucharistic prayer and prayers before communion, sign of peace). is the primary and indispensable source of nourishment for the spiritual life of believers.
The Church's authority has scriptural origins drawn from the life of Jesus, the community of Jesus' original followers, and the ministry of the apostles in union with Peter. The Church's authority, exercised through the college of bishops with the pope as the head, is a service directed to the teaching, pastoral support and leadership of all its members and to the Church's mission in the world. Authoritative teaching to the whole Church comes from its '' (Latin magister - teaching, instruction, advice).
In a time of great challenge and change (c.1918 CE to the present), the Church had to respond philosophically and theologically to unprecedented threats to both human ecology and environmental ecology from science, technology, materialism, consumerism and political ideologies. The Church's philosophical and theological responses involved rethinking and reforming its cultural influence, political influence, social structure, roles and relationships, economic power and evangelising mission. Recurring broad patterns of historical change (namely: Construction: Searching for Unity, Order and Authenticity; Deconstruction: Challenges to Unity, Order and Authenticity; Reconstruction: Restoring unity, order and authenticity) are evident in the story of the Church in a time of challenge and change (c. 1918 CE to the present) as it was forced to question its nature and role in the world.
Conscience is a judgement of reason that guides and provokes a person to do good and to avoid evil in a given context. Each person is obliged to follow their conscience which requires careful and lifelong formation. Conscience formation for Christians entails not only consideration of facts, but is guided by prayer and reflection on the Word of God, the life and teaching of Christ, the witness and advice of others, and the authoritative teaching of the Church. Judgements of conscience need to be reviewed. This interiority (i.e. moral mindfulness) is necessary as life often distracts people from any reflection, self-examination or introspection.
Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the Church draws on the teaching of Jesus and its living tradition to respond to emerging moral questions about economic structures and development. Catholic social teaching proposes principles for reflection, provides criteria for judgment and gives guidelines for action. The principles of Catholic social teaching, especially participation, economic justice, global solidarity and development, preferential option for the poor, stewardship, and subsidiarity, provide guidelines for just economic order and development. Christians believe that human work shares in God's creative activity. Work enables each person to use their talents to serve the human community. Employment without discrimination and for a just wage is each person's moral right.
Believers pray for justice, for peace and for the environment, including The Prayer of St Francis, The Canticle of Creation and The Magnificat. The Prayer of St Francis is a prayer for peace. In a world often troubled by war and violence, it calls us to be instruments of Christ's peace and love. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is Mary's song of hope in God's salvation and justice for all. The Canticle of Creation is a prayer of praise for the creator God.
Meditative prayer uses silence and stillness to assist believers to listen and talk to God. Believers use a range of practices (including praying with the help of nature) for preparing the body and the mind for meditative prayer, and for engaging in the 'work of meditation'. Lectio of Nature is a form of meditative prayer in the Christian tradition. All forms of vocal and meditative prayer are intended to lead believers to contemplation. Contemplative Prayer is the simple awareness of the presence of God. It is prayer without words or images. Centering Prayer provides a way of enriching and nurturing the spiritual life of believers.
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By the end of Year 10, students describe how the mystery of God can be named, encountered and better understood. They describe how humans express an understanding of God or the ‘Other’ as revealed in creation. They differentiate between the core beliefs and practices of the major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism) and describe and identify how these reflect the human understanding of God or the ‘Other’. Students identify different representations of God from a range of sacred texts for a modern Australian context. They use evidence from Old Testament and New Testament texts to differentiate between representations of God by various human authors in different historical, social and cultural contexts and evaluate their relevance for a modern Australian context. They analyse perspectives in a range of Christian spiritual writings searching for the mystery of God in the midst of world events and the course of human history.
Students evaluate and draw conclusions about the ways in which the Church has responded to a range of emerging threats to human and environmental ecology. They consider the significance of various sources that guide the Church’s action in the world, including the teaching of Jesus and the early Church; the principles of Catholic social teaching and the reasoned judgements of conscience. They create responses to a contemporary moral question using evidence from these various sources to support their responses. Students consider the significance of various sources that nourish the spiritual life of believers including; the Eucharist, the Peace Prayer of St Francis, The Magnificat, the Canticle of Creation, contemplative prayer, centering prayer and meditative prayer including Lectio of Nature and individual and communal prayer for justice, peace and the environment. They participate respectfully in a variety of personal and communal prayer experiences including meditative prayer; prayers for justice, peace and the environment; and meditative prayer practices including praying with the help of nature.
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Old Testament texts need to be understood in their proper historical and cultural contexts. Application of Biblical criticism (exegesis) to Old Testament texts enables a deeper understanding of the intentions of the human authors, and the recurring themes in the texts (e.g. , liberation, preferential option for the poor, restoration, eschatology, parousia, judgement, hope, and redemption). The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth). Old Testament texts are used by the Church to form and inform individuals, communities and traditions; assist personal and communal prayer; and provide insights into life and guidance for living (e.g. helping people to respond to global, ethical and justice issues and challenges).
The Reign of God is the focus of Jesus' life and teaching. The early Church preached Jesus' life and teaching. New Testament texts need to be understood in their proper historical and cultural contexts. Application of Biblical criticism (exegesis) to New Testament texts enables a deeper understanding of the audiences and intentions of the human authors (e.g. the use of common sources by the human authors of synoptic Gospels). The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical truth, factual truth, religious truth). texts are used by the Church to form and inform individuals, communities and traditions; assist personal and communal prayer; and provide insights into life and guidance for living (e.g. helping people to respond to global, ethical and justice issues and challenges).
Contemporary Christian spiritual writings reflect the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel, and use a variety of mediums and modes of communication to reveal the mystery of God and of life.
Christians believe that Jesus freely embraced God's work of salvation which was accomplished through his passion and death. Jesus' obedience unto death on behalf of all people brought about the forgiveness of all sin. Christians believe redemption is that freedom from and freedom for life which God graciously gifts to the human person through Jesus Christ.
Christians believe that the nature of God is revealed in the Old Testament. The divine name, “I Am Who Am”, is understood in the sense that God is the fullness of being, every perfection, without origin and without end. Christian tradition expresses the riches of the name in a variety of terms such as goodness, abounding in steadfast love, trustworthiness, constancy, truth and faithfulness.
Christians believe that God is the source of all existence. God is revealed in the person of Jesus and through all of creation. Knowledge and understanding of God require both human reason and faith.
Christians believe that faith is an authentic and free human act made possible by grace. Faith seeks understanding; it is not contrary to reason.
Christians believe that God created the human person in the image of God; as body animated by a spiritual soul. The body and soul are truly one. According to Catholic teaching, the human soul is individually created for each person by God, infused at the time of conception, and is immortal.
The major world religions have a role in the quest for meaning and purpose in the lives of individuals and communities. Religious traditions, while distinct and different, share some distinguishing elements (e.g. attitudes, beliefs and practices) that have developed over time.
Christian rituals embody beliefs that are expressed in structured actions or codified norms/rites. In the Catholic Church, the Sacraments of Commitment (Marriage and Holy Orders) give expression to the creative love of God, and call believers to a Genuine relationship, service of others, and building up of the Christian community. For Christians, marriage is a covenant expressed as an intimate partnership of life and love between man and woman, intended by God in creation. Christian marriage presumes Genuine freedom and understanding by both persons. In major Christian churches, the call to a ministry of word, liturgical and community leadership is ritualised through a variety of ceremonies and rites (e.g. ordination, endorsement and election). In the Catholic Church, through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops, priests and deacons are ordained to make Christ's priesthood present through their service and leadership of God's people. Christian funerals express solidarity of the living and the dead (Communion of Saints). They combine prayer for the forgiveness of and for a merciful judgement; hope in resurrection; and gratitude for the blessings that came to others through the life of the deceased person.
In major Christian traditions, some rituals are prepared according to formal principles and rubrics. These rituals are referred to as liturgy. Liturgical adaptation is provided for in Christian traditions to enable expression of the cultural diversity of believers and encourage their active participation.
Christians believe they are called through Baptism (Latin vocátió - 'calling') to use their gifts in their profession, family life, Church and civic commitments in the service of God and for the sake of the greater common good. In the Christian tradition, the response to this call (one's vocation) involves choosing from the following four main states of life: that of a single person; a married person; a celibate member of a religious congregation (sister, brother, priest); an ordained minister (e.g. priest, deacon). For Catholic Christians, Sacraments of Commitment (Marriage and Holy Orders) are particular expressions of vocation and discipleship. Christians believe the Holy Spirit empowers them to live out Christ's mission in the world.
Awareness of history is an essential dimension of any study about religion. Historical knowledge is fundamental to understanding and appreciating the purpose, meaning and significance of religion in the lives of individuals and communities.
Christian moral teaching provides guidelines and limits regarding ethical and moral responses to global issues and challenges, such as justice, tolerance, reconciliation, peace, ecology, nonviolence, respect and appreciation for others.
Christian teachings about good and evil (e.g. the concepts of , freedom, conscience, grace, virtues, human dignity and integrity, identity, rights and responsibilities, consequences) inform the personal, relational and spiritual dimensions of human existence.
Catholic social teaching proposes principles for reflection, provides criteria for judgment, and gives guidelines for action in response to social justice issues (e.g. world peace, environmental protection, political freedom, capital punishment, human rights, poverty, suffering, education, employment).
Prayer in the Christian tradition nurtures the spiritual life of believers. Vocal prayer, meditative prayer and contemplative prayer are ancient examples of this.
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