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Spiritual Life

St Mark’s College recognises that each member of its community is fundamentally spiritual. We express this through learning, prayer, service and community life.

The Religious Education curriculum at the College is a thriving element of our educational program and is supported by many meaningful faith-formation experiences throughout each year.   
 
Our commitment to our students through our Religious Education is grounded in our understanding of all people – we see them as ‘thriving people, capable learners, leaders for the world God desires.’ (CESA 2023).  
 
Our faith formation experiences offer opportunities for students to nurture and promote our Catholic faith. As such, they have the major aim of supporting and evangelising the personal faith of students. 

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St Mark’s College, founded on the Traditions of the Good Samaritan Sisters and the Salesian charter, offers immense possibilities for the spiritual growth of the students, families and staff of St Mark’s College. 

The Religious Education Curriculum and faith formation experiences offer a time of renewing and focussing on: 

  • Frequent opportunities for prayer (such as beginning of the day, conclusion of the day, grace before meals, the Angelus on Mondays and Fridays) 
  • Whole school liturgical celebrations (Feast Days, Mission Days, liturgies and masses) 
  • Formal Religious Education lessons which are authentic and relevant to the development of a student, including Religions Spiritualities and Meaning at Stage One SACE and Integrated Learning – Social Action at Stage Two (SACE). 
  • Fundraising (on a global, national and local level) – Caritas Australia, Salesian Missions, St Vincent de Paul 
  • Community Service activity through local organisations and groups - Fred’s Van, St Vincent de Paul, Food Hub, Uniting Country SA and St Joseph’s Home. 
  • Participation in Masses (primary groups, Year Level, House, Campus, Whole School, Parish) and Liturgies 
  • Sacramental Programmes – preparing students for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation 
  • Embarking on Annual Retreats 

Being a Catholic College

St Mark’s College is a welcoming and supportive Catholic community that empowers young people to respect each individual as God’s creation and to lead young people to acknowledge their part in God’s creative plan.

Religious education is a continuum and all members of the St Mark’s community are at different places in their understanding and experience. 

Wherever you may be, we are excited to meet you where you are and walk beside you as you grow. 

In Catholic education, we explore all perspectives of issues and engage in dialogue with other religions and a contemporary worldview. Every student is seen and heard and has an opportunity to share, learn and explore. 

Throughout the year our students participate in religious celebrations like masses, feast days, retreats and the sacramental programs. These celebrations may seem daunting, or unfamiliar at first, and our community will support all students to feel welcome and participate respectfully in these important events which are part of our culture, tradition and values.

We find our students at Benedict are full of joy in their learning about Religion which often encompasses signing and play. Building on this into the secondary years, our students at Bosco are able to apply their knowledge in different ways such as social justice initiatives. 

We do not ask or expect our students to become Catholics, although we will gladly support our students and families if and when they decide this is something they would like to do. We do ask our students and families to engage respectfully in our learning and liturgical celebrations as they are the foundation of our school. 

Sacramental Program

St Mark’s College works in partnership with families and the parish community in preparing students for the celebration of the Sacraments.

Reconciliation

Year 3 students participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation program with a family celebration of forgiveness and celebration taking place. Parents and students are supported in their journey of faith through opportunities for discussion, reflection and practical celebrations.

Communion

Preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist takes place in Year 4 with all students involved in the learning program. There is an opportunity for families to engage more fully in parish life as students are prepared.

Confirmation

Our students in Year 7 are invited to participate in preparing for the celebration of Confirmation. The emphasis on this Sacrament is on Christian service and witness with students actively engaged in learning within the local and diocesan church. Students have the opportunity to interact with the Bishop and to proclaim their commitment to their faith and a renewal of baptismal promises.

No students are excluded as the topics covered encompass the wellbeing of self and others and therefore assist all students in developing pastorally, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Students who are not in Years 3, 4 or 7 who would like to prepare for Sacraments are advised to contact the St Mark's Presbytery on 8632 3977 for further details.

Confirmation

Contact

Administration
455 The Terrace, Port Pirie South Australia 5540
T 08 8633 8800
E info@smc.catholic.edu.au

Absentees
Benedict 08 8633 8802
Bosco 08 8633 8801 or text 0428 475 539