As a Catholic school our religious life is central in our day-to-day activities. Each class begins the day with prayer. This is the time to stop, listen and talk with God. All classes have a dedicated sacred space that acts as a focus for daily prayer.
The celebration of the Eucharist is also central to our faith and so classes attend a weekly parish Mass each Thursday on a stage-by-stage roster. We celebrate important liturgical events throughout the year such as school masses at the beginning and end of the year, at the commencement of each term, on special feast days such as St Joseph’s Day, St Mary of the Cross and the Feast of the Assumption.
We receive regular visits from our Coordinator of Parish Life and our two priests-in-residence. This ensures that the school community has constant contact with our church. The support from the parish continues to strengthen. The involvement of the clergy in the Leadership Camp, the Year 6 Reflection Day, classroom visits and liturgical celebrations helps deepen the students’ understanding of their faith.
Our students are taught the concept of service learning; social justice is not just about raising money to send to the missions but it is about understanding at a deeper level our obligation to make life better for others. The social justice concept of “See, Judge and Act” is linked to the idea of “Head, Heart and Hands”. As well as action we need to have a change of heart and learn about how we might bring about change. Catholic Worldview is the lens through which Catholics view the world. It is a tangible expression of our call to Catholic discipleship. Catholic Worldview pervades all aspects of the school’s life including its policies, practices and procedures.
Focuses throughout the year include raising money for Project Compassion, support of a mission in the Kenyan village of Tangulbei with an annual fundraising initiative and contributions by families to the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Students visit the local nursing home to perform for the residents at different items of the year including Christmas.
The Good Samaritan Sisters who founded St Joseph’s ordered their lives according to The Rule of St Benedict. This important spiritual guide for living in community was written around 1500 years ago and is a central text of western monasticism.
A Benedictine spirituality is based upon three vows: prayer, obedience and stability. Benedictine’s commit to a life of prayer, work and study.
Although written for monks, The Rule (as it is known) has great relevance for all Christians living and working in communities including schools.
Our four core values are evident in the relationships and work at St Joseph’s and are based on the following Benedictine and Gospel values:
Community Living
We are committed to forming stable relationships in the community. To become who we are by our relationships with others.
Respect for persons
We reverence all persons. To respect each person regardless of class, cultural background, or professional skill.
Compassion for those in need
The Good Samaritans Sisters were founded on the Gospel story of the same name. ”Give your helping hand to those who need it!”
Stewardship
We reverence all creation. To appreciate and to care lovingly for all the goods of this place.
Welcome to The Lakes Catholic Parish
The Lakes Catholic Parish is a Catholic faith community, located on the Northern Beaches of the greater Sydney area, comprising St Josephs’ (Narrabeen), St Rose (Collaroy Plateau).
The Lakes is a Parish of Broken Bay Diocese.
