Marist Tertiary Methodology Course Launched
Eighteen Staff from Sacred Heart College Adelaide joined the Graduate Certificate Course in Marist Methodology which commenced at the College (pictured above) on Thursday 13th February, 2014. Presenter for the first two hour session, Mr Steve Byrne, invited us to reflect on what characterises a Catholic School in the Marist tradition. He then chose four themes: 1. Pope Francis' approach to Catholic Schools 2. Church documents on Catholic Education 3. The approach adopted by Catholic Education South Australia and 4. The perspectives of the South Australian Bishops Philip Wilson and Greg O'Kelly.
In the second part of his presentation, Steve spoke to key Marist documents including 'In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat', Sean Sammon's 'Life of Marcellin Champagnat' and the policy statement of Marist Schools Australia. During the session, Steve encouraged lively discussion, active use of internet resources and personal journalling. Participants identified the following two key challenges for Catholic schools today: relativism and cultural pluralism.
The Graduate Certificate Programme Level 4 is accredited by the University of South Australia through the auspices of Catholic Education South Australia. To pass the Graduate Certificate, students need to complete four units: Scripture, Theology, Curriculum Design and Methodology.
Article on Mary and Marcellin
Gail Coates, a member of the Australian Marist Community Pastoral Team, has written an excellent article on Marcellin in the Footsteps of Mary. In her overview she explains ‘It is this image of Mary, a strong woman who responded in active obedience to God’s call who became a model for a man like Marcellin Champagnat.’ She continues ‘Like Mary he heard God’s call and lived it.’
Marcellin Champagnat’s Letters Available
Some people have been asking about the online location of Marcellin Champagnat’s 339 Letters. These were edited by Br Paul Sester, translated by Br Leonard Voegtle and published in Rome in 1991. Br Peter Walsh has given us the online location. These letters certainly help us understand Marcellin's personality and the context in which he and the first Marists lived.
John McMahon