Faith Formation
There are a number of faith-filled programs that students can participate in.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia. ACYF is a biennial event. Mater Dei Catholic College sends students from Years 9 and 10 to the event.
Nagle Education Alliance of Australia Student Conference
The Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (Inc) is an organisation of schools committed to the Presentation charism and the legacy of Nano Nagle. The NEAA believes that the Presentation charism has lasting value. The continued relevance of the Nano Nagle story is an inspiration for Presentation People to make a difference in their world and in the way we live the Gospel. NEAA undertakes a biennial Schools Student Leadership Conference and Mater Dei students from Year 10 attend the biennial conference.
Staff and Parent Faith Formation
As a Catholic learning community staff and parents are encouraged to:
• Follow the example of Christ through our Founders and House Patrons, developing a culture of community and service.
• Continue to tell the stories of our House Patrons, Christian Brothers and Presentation Sisters, and live out our charism.
• Promote and support discipleship, modelling Mary the mother of God as a way of being in community and living our vocation.
• Develop a restorative practice that continues the charism founded in our House Patrons, Christian Brothers and Presentation Sisters.
• Build on the College community’s response to social justice issues, immersing staff in opportunities.
• Provide experiences that enable a transformation of heart which translates to actions that make a difference within our community and the wider world.
• Develop a faith story and witness the induction process for new staff.
Programs are offered through the College, Catholic Schools Office and Catholic Organisations to support staff and parent faith formation.
There are many ways in which we fulfil our role of being a voice of social justice in the world.
Our Student Representative Council supports the good works of St. Vincent de Paul in Wagga Wagga. Regular initiatives that take place each year are the Vinnies Easter Raffle, the group also support the Food and Gift appeal in Advent, aiding the local St. Vincent de Paul societies to provide for people in our local community. Our Student Representative Council lead an annual Winter Warmth Appeal, demonstrating how to live authentically as Christians, activating justice in the world in selfless love for others, especially the poor.
Each of the Houses at the College has a Catholic Mission focus day. These days raise funds that go to Catholic Mission each year to support the spiritual, pastoral care and building programs, overseas and in remote Australia.
The College also supports ‘Socktober’ which is facilitated by Catholic Mission during World Mission Month (October). Each year, a different focus country is selected to show how the funds raised through Socktober will support children in need. Socktober gives our students the opportunity to engage with the wider community and take action against poverty through the global game of soccer.
During the season of Lent, the College community supports the Caritas Project Compassion appeal with money being collected in Homegroup each morning.
All who struggle to find meaning in their life are challenged to recognise the extraordinary in the ordinary. We are encouraged that whilst we may walk the incorrect routes, life’s deviations, we must never give up.
Community links
Here are some links to the various community organisations that we partner with: