Recontextualising Religious
Education 

Data from a number of sources throughout the Toowoomba Diocese has indicated some interesting facts about teaching religious education in Catholic Schools.

• Nearly half of students don’t like RE and,
• Many feel a strong disconnect from the Church

The Spirit of Gen Z Survey (2018) showed that, while 24% of Gen Z teens have no belief in God or a higher being​, 67% believe in God, a higher being or life force instead of God.

It is this statistic which encourages us, as educators, to embrace the opportunity to interpret these signs and “engage students in an open narrative and dialogue between the Catholic tradition and their personal experiences and contemporary cultural contexts” (NCEC Framing Paper: RE in Australian Catholic Schools).

 At St Joseph’s School we are looking at how we better connect with our students. As educators of children in our school, we need to become witness, specialist and moderator.  To witness is to embody Christian life, sharing insights and experiences with the students we encounter.  As a specialist, teachers will have a deep knowledge and understanding of the curriculum as wells as the Catholic faith and beliefs.  Importantly, as moderators teachers will guide and mentor students to foster dialogue and discussion around their own religious journey. 

Creating an atmosphere of dialogue, where faith, life and culture are integrated, inspires hope and provides opportunity for our teachers and students.