Catholic Pedagogy:
Nuturing Pilgrims or Educating Tourists

Induction, RE and Formation
Target Audience:  Religious Education Teachers

Overview
This workshop will explore what ‘Catholic Pedagogy’ actually looks like in contemporary Catholic schools and will highlight a framework that will empower young Catholic teachers to become critically reflective of their pedagogical practice.
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In particular, it will suggest Catholic educators need to appreciate the importance of pedagogy in the nurturing of ‘spiritual pilgrims’ in contrast to simply teaching ‘educational tourists’. In essence, it is proposed that in order to prepare students to encounter the ‘mystery of the Divine’, the pedagogical approach of Catholic teachers must facilitate a journey of discovery and discernment that reflects the fine balance between ‘searching for truth’ and ‘celebrating the truth’ of the Catholic Tradition.
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Aims
With this online program participants will:
  • Explore the four key characteristics of a distinctly ‘Catholic’ approach to teaching and learning that could underpin their approach to teaching in a Catholic school;
  • Encounter and reflect upon the qualities and values of Jesus ‘the teacher’, as revealed in the scriptures;
  • Reflect upon their personal call to be a teacher in a Catholic school; and
  • Discern a greater understanding of the culture and practices that make Catholic schools distinctly different from neighbouring school communities.
Duration
This induction program combines storytelling, scripture and the use of metaphors to highlight the key themes. Participants are given frequent opportunities for personal reflection and discussion with their peers so as to ascertain the relevance of the input to the unique context of their school community.
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Facilitators
Dr Dan White

Date
Friday, 17th October, 2023 (Dubbo)
Monday, 19th October, 2023 (Bathurst)

Venue
St Brigid's Parish Hall, Dubbo
​St Joseph's House, Perthville

​Time
9.30am -3.00pm
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