The evolving role of religious education in contemporary learning environments was discussed at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools inaugural religious education symposium. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Over two days, 22–23 July, more than 800 Catholic educators, clergy and school leaders gathered at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the symposium, which had the theme “Inspired by Faith: Journeying to Excellence”.
Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli opened the symposium, reminding participants that “to educate is to bring up, to rear, to nourish”.
From the outset, attendees were immersed in a prayerful and hope-filled environment that invited deep reflection on what it means to be educators in faith.
One of the symposium’s greatest strengths was its capacity to connect theory with practice.
Presenters offered insightful perspectives on contemporary challenges and opportunities in religious education while sharing practical strategies that participants could apply within their own contexts.
The balance between theological reflection, pedagogical innovation and engagement with the “signs of the times” ensured that every session remained relevant, purposeful and engaging.
Sessions were organised around themes including religious education curriculum, pedagogy, scripture, prayer, nurturing faith, leadership, Catholic school identity and culture.
Together, these themes highlighted the vital contribution of religious education to intellectual enquiry, ethical awareness, spiritual growth and social cohesion in contemporary education.
US keynote speaker Anne Kertz Kernion highlighted the importance of connection and the relationships that help people flourish in body, mind and spirit.
Executive director of MACS, Dr Edward Simons, said “Our shared aspiration is to develop an outstanding religious education curriculum that meets the needs of students and teachers and is embraced across all Catholic schools in our archdiocese.”
Keynote speaker Professor Br David Hall FMS invited educators to reflect not only on what they teach, but on the lives they help shape, reminding participants, “Education is not just about the teaching of a what. It’s about the growing of a who”.
Nigel Zimmermann, Director of Catholic Mission and Identity at MACS, reflected on the strong engagement from educators.
“’All of the workshop presenters and coordinators that I’ve been speaking to have given me a common theme: that the staff present have lots of questions,” Dr Zimmermann said.
“They’re talking about what they’re going to bring back to their schools, and they’re excited about what’s in development.”
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More than 800 Catholic educators ‘inspired by faith’ at inaugural RE symposium (By Cathy Jenkins, Melbourne Catholic)
