austraLasia 787
A LEAP OF FAITH: 20 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN
SCHOOLBOYS ACCEPT CATHOLICISM
SYDNEY: 5th January '04 -- it has to be
said from the outset that this is not a 'Salesian' story in its origins, but it
is an exciting Salesian one just the same if viewed in the light
of the Rector Major's 2004 Strenna: 20 young boys from Marist College,
North Shore (Sydney) have become Catholics at a public Mass of Initiation held
by the school just before Christmas. The College Director of Faith
Formation, Tony Clarke, puts it this way: "At a time when we can often think
that young people are less likely to make such profound acts of faith or are
prepared to commit so publically to a faith community that sometimes seems
irrelevant to their young lives, it is a powerful witness to all of us who are
already part of that community". The past three years have seen more
than 70 boys become Catholics...and it has been achieved through a lively
school-based sacramental programme that has the boys reflect on the Eucharist,
Reconciliation, the Holy Spirit, prayer, the community and the Christian call to
service. Familiar stuff? A feeling that 'forgiveness is a
powerful tool' drew Dave Vinson, a Year 7 (12-13 years of age) student, to
the Faith. "Now that I'm a Catholic, I'm excited that I can eat the body of
Christ and drink his blood', says Dave. Tom Nagle, a Year 8 student,
who was baptised and confirmed at the Mass, says being a Catholic will make him
a better person. 'My friends are Catholics, so at times I felt left
out, but Catholics always look to help; and support each other' he
says. Year 8 student Nick Moloney was always a Catholic, but received the
Eucharist and Confirmation because he wanted to 'get closer to
God'.
It's worth noting that all these boys are in the 12-15
year old bracket, and that they express their idealism without fear.
Australia has often thought of itself in recent years as amongst the most
secularised of nations - but such good things are happening amongst the young at
our Catholic schools. The above story is one that our Marist confreres can
be so proud of, and it is also good to know that in our Salesian schools,
similar programmes of faith formation are reaping similar results. It is
holiday time now 'downunder', but once school resumes hopefully we can hear some
of those stories too. Are there similar ones in other parts of the
Region? Please tell us.
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