Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn’s executive director David de Carvalho has called on Catholic educators to reflect on the true measure of their mission. Source: Catholic Voice.
The newly appointed executive director made the comments in an address at Canberra-Goulburn’s annual Clergy Principal and Religious Education Leaders Day.
Mr de Carvalho emphasised that faithfulness to the Gospel, rather than conventional notions of success, should serve as the guiding principle for all Catholic educational efforts.
Drawing inspiration from St Teresa of Kolkata’s words, “We’re not called to be successful. We’re called to be faithful,” Mr de Carvalho challenged attendees to evaluate their purpose through a Gospel-centred perspective.
He noted that when measured by worldly standards, even the life of Jesus might be viewed as a failure, yet his unwavering fidelity to his mission is the true model for all Christians.
The address also acknowledged the changing demographics within Catholic schools, with approximately half of students coming from Catholic families, and even fewer regularly attending Mass.
Mr de Carvalho described this reality as both a challenge and an opportunity to witness to the faith with renewed conviction.
He reiterated that Catholic schools are Christ-centred communities, committed to educational excellence and grounded in a vision that proposes, rather than imposes, Catholic values.
He addressed the essential role of staff formation, recognising that many educators themselves are navigating a secularised society and need ongoing evangelisation and support in living out Catholic values.
Mr de Carvalho outlined four key indicators for evaluating faithfulness within Catholic education: increased investment in staff formation and evangelisation; greater accessibility for disadvantaged students; improved outcomes for those in the lowest academic categories; and the development and delivery of authentically Catholic curricula.
He emphasised the importance of integrating a Catholic worldview across all subjects, so that students not only learn the Church’s teachings but also understand the reasoning and purpose behind them.
FULL STORY
Faithfulness over success: A call to Catholic Educators (Catholic Voice)
