Many people can rightly ask, "Does teaching religious education have any effect on long term (or short term for that matter) behaviour or faith practice?"
And to be honest, without serious research, one couldn't honestly say. I can however speak to my 6 years as Lay Chaplain of St Hilda's, collecting anecdotes, and listening to past students, their parents, and the stories they retell.
This weekend as you can see by the photo (upper left), I was in Twizel, Lake Ruataniwha for the NZ Rowing champs. On Sunday I was back at school blessing two new boats, the Lucy Strack, and the Mick Strack.
One important point I can make is that all we do is plant the seed of faith, and give witness to it through our relationship with the students and the way they see us behave with one another.
And to be honest, without serious research, one couldn't honestly say. I can however speak to my 6 years as Lay Chaplain of St Hilda's, collecting anecdotes, and listening to past students, their parents, and the stories they retell.
This weekend as you can see by the photo (upper left), I was in Twizel, Lake Ruataniwha for the NZ Rowing champs. On Sunday I was back at school blessing two new boats, the Lucy Strack, and the Mick Strack.
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| Lucy and Mick have left an amazing legacy for rowing and success at St Hilda's Collegiate School. |
Any way, Lucy's mum commented on how wonderful the school had been and the impact of the religious practice and classes, the expectation of behaviour and values was very supportive to parents and in the formation of their kids.
One important point I can make is that all we do is plant the seed of faith, and give witness to it through our relationship with the students and the way they see us behave with one another.
God's grace and the community, the young persons life experience all add a richness that can not be measured or valued. When we work with God, it is never according to our time, or our expectations, not that these are too great, more, that God's generosity is too great and we ask or expect to less.
The growth of people in faith and in relationship with God as they have the capacity to understand and experience is never on a scale. It is a matter of love. All love reflects something of God.
Most of the time for something to grow, it requires a seed, some water, and some sunlight. I believe religious education through the content, or through the relationships example, possibly reinforced with Chapel services and prayer, can all play a significant part in the formation of young people.
If we do nothing else, they should experience and hear that they are loved, that they have infinite worth, and that God is love, and thats all there is to it!
I have great respect for the students I teach, it helps that I like them very much, they are great kids, great people to be with and enjoy life with.
Go well
God bless
Pa Richard
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