2013 marks the end of a three year journey in faith and study for Jacinta Wood and Veronica Aislabie. Together we decided to embark on a course of study with the Catholic Institute of Aotearoa NZ. This involved completing eleven papers which were delivered on the face to face model, in small groups.
We covered diverse subject areas, and each was invaluable in enhancing our understanding of our faith. Some of these interesting topics were, The Reformation, The Old and New Testament¸ Women in the New Testament, What makes a School Catholic, Introduction to Religious Education and Introduction to Catholicism.
The outcomes for the courses were clearly defined, but alongside of this there were more unexpected outcomes. Friendships were formed and collegiality between the staff of both primary and secondary schools in the Diocese was strengthened. We also met many people from various parishes who were also developing their faith and understanding. Some of the topics i.e. World Religions and the Gospel Story are currently part of the Catholic Secondary School Senior Religious Education Programme, so teaching is enhanced by this further study.
It was refreshing to meet a variety of lecturers, Religious, Priests and Laity. All presenters showed passion for their course content and were supportive of different learners all from various academic backgrounds. I would recommend everyone to consider doing one of the courses offered in your parish or local area. It is a positive experience of faith development and personal growth and in line with Vatican 11 encouraging the participation of the Laity. Completing this Diploma has given me the confidence to lead an evening course on Scriptural Studies in my parish for the Year of Faith.
Jacinta Wood
Soon to embark on the one remaining paper to complete my Diploma in Religious Studies - Religious Education, as I reflect on the course I realise it has been an invaluable opportunity to enhance my understanding of the Catholic faith. Moreover, this journey of faith has resulted in a growth not only in my own knowledge of the Scriptures and Teachings of the Church, but in that of my students as my new knowledge is constantly being passed onto them. My lessons now contain much more depth and students’ questions are answered with confidence and accuracy according to Church Teachings.
What’s more, this, I feel, encourages students to keep asking questions because they know I will be able to answer whatever they ‘throw at me’ on the spot with a real sense of assuredness. In other words, they have confidence in me, in my knowledge of Catholicism. Through the various papers including the Old Testament, the New Testament and Women in Scripture I have developed an appreciation of the Bible as an inspiring book, a book of mystery and intrigue. But, this course has not only been about Bible studies. It has also opened my eyes to the idea that Religious Education teachers can incorporate modern day themes into lessons, stories that students are already familiar with showing Christian values such as love, mercy, generosity, justice and peace. I would thoroughly recommend this qualification, it has linked everything together for me into a meaningful whole, now all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Veronica and Jacinta teach at John Paul College, Rotorua.