Religious Education sits at the centre of the life of our Catholic school. Our school’s Catholic culture is identifiable in symbolic displays throughout indoor and outdoor spaces. It is also recognisable in our active participation in sacramental and liturgical celebration, along with our commitment to social action.

Our faith education is derived from the Religious Education Curriculum Framework, designed by Catholic Education Melbourne for Catholic schools in the Melbourne Archdiocese. It is based around the three strands of learning; Knowing and Understanding;  Reasoning and Responding; and Personal and Communal Engagement. Through this, children are given the opportunity to learn more about their faith, it’s history, beliefs and traditions; and to explore a deeper understanding of them and how they impact on our lives.

Please note below that due to COVID Lock Down Restrictions during 2020, we have had to make arrangements that 2020 Sacraments were carried over to the beginning of 2021

2020 Sacramental Celebrations Brought Forward

2021 Sacramental Celebrations

Christ the Light Parish – Sacramental Program

We recognise parents as the first educators of their children in faith and as a school and parish we are here to work in partnership.

At St Paul the Apostle our Catholic students participate in a parish sacramental program along with students from our parish sister schools, St Joseph’s Mernda and St Mary’s Whittlesea, as well as students involved in the parish catechetics program. We celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. The learning and the preparation for receiving these sacraments happens within the school religious education program and combined schools workshops. Parents are encouraged and supported to be involved in these programs through Parent and Family Faith Nights.

Sacraments are important milestones in the life of our church. We fondly remember those occasions when we celebrated with our school friends and families. Sacraments are a bond that we share with our community and help build our Catholic culture. They are also an important way in which we engage more fully in the life of our church. Through the sacramental program we aim to open our children’s minds and hearts to the ways that faith and spirituality enrich our lives. It is a time when we discover the relevance and guidance that the values and messages of the Catholic Church have for us.

In our parish, Christ the Light, children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Year Three, the Sacrament of Eucharist in Year Four and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year Six. If for any reason your child has missed the celebration of any of these sacraments, including also the Sacrament of Baptism, we can tailor a program to support them in other years.

We recognise that not all of our children are from a Catholic faith background. As part of the commitment of coming to a Catholic school however, all children will participate in the learning and activities within the school’s religious education program. Children from other faith backgrounds are encouraged to share their own traditions and beliefs, as a multi-faith perspective serves to enrich our own understanding of God and faith. Children not receiving sacraments are also encouraged and welcomed to participate in the celebrations in ways that support their classmates.