The Jubilee of the World of Education celebrates all forms of education – early learning, school (both primary and secondary), and tertiary education.
PRAYER
Education offers hope and opportunity. Those who serve in this vocation shape minds and hearts, strengthen character, and empower children and young people to realise their full potential. Today, we give thanks for the role they play in our communities, and we lift up our prayers for their continued wisdom, patience, and fortitude.
We pray for all of our education communities.
Thank you, loving God, for the teachers, mentors, administrators, and support staff who devote themselves to the nurturing and development of students, and for their unwavering commitment to cultivating knowledge, fostering curiosity, and instilling a profound love of learning in the hearts of future generations.
May their work always be guided by compassion, humility, and a deep desire to inspire every student entrusted to their care. Amen.
TEACHING
Pope Francis has consistently articulated a profound vision for Catholic education, emphasising its role in shaping the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. His thoughts on education are grounded in the belief that schools must be places where students not only acquire knowledge but also grow in faith, virtue, and compassion. In particular, his vision of Catholic education speaks to the importance of fostering a deeper relationship with God and encouraging young people to live out their faith in the world. These teachings are particularly relevant for Australian Catholic education, which serves a diverse population and seeks to integrate the values of the Gospel with contemporary challenges.
Catholic education is a mission that promotes human dignity, solidarity, and justice. In his 2015 address to educators, Pope Francis described Catholic schools as places of “human relations”, where students are not just taught, but also accompanied on their journey of life. Catholic education, he insists, must form people who are capable of contributing to society with responsibility, justice, and mercy.
The Pope stresses that Catholic education must integrate the values of the Gospel, which include caring for the poor and marginalised. He calls on educators to cultivate a deep understanding of human dignity and the vocation to serve others. Catholic schools can help students to grow in faith and love, which leads them closer to both God and their fellow human beings.
From ‘Life to the full: The mission and purpose of Catholic schools in Australia’ (National Catholic Education Commission, 2024):
“The mission of Catholic schools is centred around the integration of faith, learning, life and culture. This does not just happen in the classroom, but through the witness offered by teaching and non-teaching staff, and through the experience of the student being part of a community which models this integration in a life-giving way,” (p. 5).
TESTIMONY
“After graduating, I didn’t step straight into teaching. I wasn’t sure the time was right – until the opportunity to work at St Therese’s Community school in Wilcannia came along at just the right moment. Something about this opportune moment called me to pack up my life and move to this remote community, and I haven’t looked back since.
“As a first-year teacher, working in our small Catholic school has been a profoundly rewarding experience. I am surrounded by passionate colleagues who share my love for education and are deeply committed to the growth and wellbeing of our students. In addition to our amazing teachers, I have been welcomed by our aunties, people in the community and various parish members who have shared their wisdom, culture, and generosity.
“Teaching here has shown me that education is not just about lessons and textbook – it’s about relationships, respect, and walking together in faith and learning. Each day, I am inspired by my students, who teach me more about myself and the world through their stories, resilience, and cultural pride. Being part of this community has been a humbling privilege and has reaffirmed my belief that teaching is not just a profession – it is a vocation where we grow together and create lasting change.”
– Tanaya Paterson, St Therese’s Parish Community School, Wilcannia
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For all those who work in education, that God may guide and support them as they journey together with children and young people.
We pray to the Lord.
For all the children and young people in our education communities, that their gifts and talents may be nurtured and grown in loving service.
We pray to the Lord.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Life to the full: The mission and purpose of Catholic schools (National Catholic Education Commission, 2024)
The identity of the Catholic school for a culture of dialogue (Congregation for Catholic Education, 2022)
Creative Commons Licence
The text of this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial – Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence. Please attribute this publication to the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, November 2024. This resource may be reproduced or photocopied in its entirety or in part. No copyright fee is payable.