Catholic Identity
St Bede’s Catholic College is a ministry of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Our primary focus is to provide an excellent educational setting underpinned by a Catholic worldview that desires to lead each young person to an encounter with Jesus.
Our College strives to be distinctively and authentically Catholic, while engaging with our contemporary culture in a spirit of dialogue. Our Catholic Identity consists of five strands: Faith Life, Catholic Culture, Mission and Justice, Formation, Religious Education.
St Bede’s
Catholic Identity
Faith Life
Prayer, liturgy, the celebration of Mass and Catholic signs and symbols contribute to the faith life of staff and students at St Bede’s.
Catholic Culture
The culture of St Bede’s is underpinned by our Vision and Mission statement, the life of St Bede, and our Houses and Pillars. These are lived out on a daily basis through all aspects of College life.
Formation
Each year, students will participate in one significant formation event. This is a Reflection Day for Years 7 to 10 and 12, and a three day Retreat for Year 11.
Mission and Justice
Awareness and action to create socially just and equitable conditions for all is promoted as a part of school life. Throughout the year, students raise funds to bring about social change. The College supports a range of Catholic charities, including Vinnies, Caritas Australia, Catholic Mission, Stella Maris and the Holy Child Program.
Religious Education
Lessons in Religious Education are compulsory for all students from Year 7 to 12. Religious Education provides both formation and education in the Catholic faith tradition according to the CSO and NESA Curriculums.
People of prayer
Prayer is part of the daily life of the College, through homeroom, assemblies, staff and student meetings, special occasions and times of grief.
Christ-like values
Lessons, procedures, actions and attitudes demonstrate Christ-like values such as: compassion, justice, truth and love. Each student is valued, and their unique human dignity is respected.
Liturgy
We celebrate the key liturgical events of the year through liturgical celebrations. For example, Advent, Lent, Holy Week, St Bede's Feast Day, and Reconciliation Week.
