Parish and School News

St Christopher’s Primary School: Spirit in action

Wednesday 30 May 2012

By Renae Gentile
St Christopher's Primary School, Airport West

We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman. ... It is our responsibility to pass on what, by God's grace, we ourselves have received.
- Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, 2010

AT ST CHRISTOPHER’S, AIRPORT WEST we acknowledge that Confirmation is a sacrament of service and that it is our responsibility to share our gifts with those around us. It is our hope that all students come to recognise that the Holy Spirit, deepened and strengthened through the sacrament of Confirmation, is given not only for their own needs, but to serve the needs of those with whom they are called to share it.

‘Living’ the sacrament was the focus for the sacramental inquiry that the staff and students named ‘The Spirit in Action’. All Year 6 students and their parents were briefed on the project at an information evening, encouraging families to take on the work of The Holy Spirit and ‘let their Spirit shine'.

Students made contact with a group, organisation, charity or individual with whom they believed they could make a difference. They planned their experience, composed letters of introduction and made at least three hours of contact throughout the experience. The vast majority of students exceeded the minimum visit requirement by about 10 hours. A broad
spectrum of people and organisations benefited from the project. Students’ encounters rangedfrom visiting the home of someone in need to partaking in the Moonee Valley Youth Summit.Other students spent time at aged care facilities or daycare centres. Building relationships was at the heart of each student's volunteer experience, regardless of where they went or what
they did.

Visiting Rosary Home Aged Care has made me a better person, by me seeing that there are
people out there who need our help and support. I didn’t do much, but what I did brought a smile to the elderly and I saw their smile as my Spirit shining. It was a great way to put service into action as we prepared for our Confirmation.’
Amelia, aged 11

The project provided a platform though which Amelia could take her learning about Confirmation beyond the classroom and be of service to others. This is the essence of the sacrament and it is rewarding to see students about to undertake it so willingly involved in ‘Service’.

Joshua acknowledges that all of God’s creation benefit from the work of The Holy Spirit ...
Working with the Niddrie Vet has helped me realise that animals can have the same path as people, they too need The Spirit in their lives. I helped care for the animals, feed them, clean cages and blankets. This was a small way that I could put service into action.
Joshua, aged 11

Isabella’s volunteer work will ultimately make a difference to our global community. Bikes are

donated to places all around the world to underprivileged communities ...

Working with Bikes4life has helped me become a better person by seeing how any small
contribution to the community can change someones life. Bikes to us are nothing, but for the
people who we give them to, they can be a life a saver.
Isabella, aged 11

Knowledge and Understanding formed the basis of Billy’s experience ...

My cousin was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome. This project has changed me because I am now aware of how this condition is life threatening to her and I have gone out of my way to teach others about it. Along the way I have developed a better relationship with Delta.
Billy, age 11

Michael’s project touched his family in a way they had not experienced before ...

Two months ago my Nonno passed away. This project enabled me to spend quality time with my
Nonna and help her out with jobs around her home. I think this has helped my Nonna to
grieve because she had me there to support her. I know that letting my Spirit shine, my
Nonno would be very proud of me.
Michael aged 11

The Year 6 teachers at St Christopher's also marvelled at the impact the project had on themselves, their classroom culture and the students.

The project impacted learning and teaching in many positive ways. Doing good, feeling good
about it and paying the ‘goodness’ forward.
Nerissa McCartney

By the students simply saying “Yes I will be of service,” students are living out the true meaning of Confirmation. The Spirit in Action Project has inspired students to be selfless and take responsible risks. When sharing their experiences with others, I can sense their feeling of achievement, gratitude and satisfaction.
Stephanie Zammit

During the ‘Spirit in Action’ project my students have absolutely oozed enthusiasm and delight for contributing to their community in some way, small or large. Through learning about The Holy Spirit and how to enact it in their own lives, students have touched the lives of classmates, family and their community, ensuring that their preparation for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation is real and meaningful.
Dani Centra

The Spirit in Action Sacramental Inquiry fanned the flame of Confirmation, reigniting it again in our hearts and minds.

Renae Gentile is a Classroom Teacherand the Religious Education Co-ordinator, St. Christopher's Primary School, Airport West.

Photos supplied by St Christopher's, Airport West.