FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College in Auckland, a Jesuit Companion School, which opened its doors to students last year, has had its first external review, to assess the Catholic Special Character of the College.
As reported in the most recent newsletter by Linda McQuade, Presiding Member of the College Board: “During the review undertaken by the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, the reviewers interviewed many members of the school community, including staff, students and parents. They visited classes as well as other various aspects of school life. My thanks to all those who participated in the review.
“Special thanks, however, must go to our Principal, Mr Dean Wearmouth, our Director of Religious Studies, Mr Matthew Grevatt, and the College Chaplain, Fr Eka Tanaya SJ, for the significant role they play in ensuring that the College is genuinely Catholic and immersed in the Jesuit Charism. The Report is an outstanding affirmation of what the College has achieved in such a short time.”
The Catholic Special Character Review Report summary states: “St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College is very intentionally and systematically growing and accompanying akonga (students) to Find God in all Things and practise the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love and the Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude.
“The caring and nurturing environment provides extensive opportunities for akonga to achieve their personal best and to grow in their faith journey. The Board, Principal and staff are to be commended for the outstanding holistic education, excellence in educational outcomes, engagement in Christian witness, formation and evangelisation, together with the lived traditions of faith that are all hallmarks of authentic Catholic education.
“The College is fast becoming the school of choice for Catholic families in the area. Our sincere gratitude for the welcome, courtesy, and manaakitanga (hospitality and kindness) we received, and for the openness of our discussions.
“The evaluation team is confident that the St Ignatius Catholic College’s leadership team, including the Board, Principal, and staff, are able to continue to strengthen and safeguard the Special Catholic Character of the College. It was a pleasure for the evaluation team to spend time getting to know the St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College’s community and witness the realisation of years of planning and discernment. We wish you every blessing for the future with the important work that you do.”
Among the key areas assessed in the review were:
A personal relationship with Jesus
The report said: “The encounter with Jesus Christ is at the heart of Catholic education, participating fully in the Church’s mission by forming Christ in the lives of those in its community. The integration of faith, culture, and life is evident in all aspects of St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, effectively encouraging and facilitating the development of each akonga’s faith journey. There is a shared understanding and long-term vision of what a Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition means. ‘Finding God in all things’ and growing commitment, conscience, compassion, and competence underpin all endeavours. It is lived out through the focus on ‘intentionally growing akonga who will find God in all things and practise the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love and the Cardinal virtues of Prudence, Temperance, Justice and Fortitude’.”
Spiritual formation
The report said: “A key aspect that is contributing to the formation of akonga is the Jesuit tradition of daily examen, which happens between period 4 and lunch every day. In this time, akonga are led in a prayerful reflection to review the previous 24 hours to reflect in gratitude on where they have found God in their own lives. This practice has been very quickly embedded into the life of the College, and äkonga spoke very enthusiastically about it, particularly being able to bring any issues they are experiencing to God in prayer. There are many opportunities to celebrate the sacraments, such as full-school Masses, House
Masses, Liturgies, Reconciliation, and the weekly Monday morning Mass. A special feature is the opportunity to be part of the weekly Benediction at the end of assemblies and Masses.
Akonga are reverent and many spoken to said they appreciate the way they are being taught about the rituals and practices of the Catholic faith.
Pastoral care
Embracing the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, the pastoral care model ensures each akonga is known personally and supported in their journey towards personal excellence. The notion of accompaniment is significant: we walk alongside students in their journey – offering guidance, support, and encouragement while encouraging and fostering students’ personal best as they work for the greater glory of God.
The full report can be read here.
Banner image: St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College’s Fr Michael Smith SJ (extreme left), Fr Eka Tanaya (middle) with Fr Joseph from St Patrick’s Parish in Pukekohe, during the College’s Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, held on Monday 28 April. Photo: Ben Campbell / BC Photography
To enquire about becoming a Jesuit in Australia, contact vocations@sjasl.org.au and for more info, visit our Vocations page.