Student Spirituality

At St John Paul College, we acknowledge the innate spirituality of every child. Opportunities to nurture their spiritual growth are planned for and provided through a variety of experiences. These connect children to a faith community, give them a sense of security and belonging and remind them that they are deeply loved.

We strive to guide students toward living responsible and just lives by teaching and modelling the Gospel values of love of others through compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, advocating for justice and service to the poor and marginalised.

At St John Paul College, we encourage students to develop their whole selves, treat others fairly and respectfully, be responsible for their actions, and follow moral and ethical principles. We strive to activate this through opportunities to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith through Religious Education classes, daily prayer, retreats and reflection days, liturgies and Mass.

At St John Paul College, we incorporate programs that build upon and complement the Catholic Schools Office Student Discipleship Continuum from Year 4 - Year 12. The sequential and age-appropriate continuum provides students with intentional faith-filled opportunities where they feel free to discuss and develop their faith.

Students can experience school and Catholic Schools Office programs such as:

TRANSITUS

A two-day retreat for Year 7 students to grow in their discipleship of Jesus Christ, membership of His Church and strengthening their transition into Catholic Secondary School. Transitus looks at a passage to becoming more intentional in faith toward Youth Ministry Classes. 

FESTA CHRISTI

A two-day retreat experience that involves activities that focus on walking in another person’s shoes, having the students overcome their fears and gaining a greater awareness of Catholic social justice. Festa Christi’s program allows time for prayer and reflection with an emphasis on an adult understanding of the Eucharist. 

SHINE 

The SHINE Gathering allows students undertaking the CSYMA program within Youth Ministry classes from across the diocese to gather and share a faith experience while practising the skills they have been developing as intentional disciples. SHINE attracts 600 - 700 participants annually. 

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Youth Ministry Students in Year 9/10 are invited to a facilitator's role as peer-to-peer disciples at the Year 5, and 6 SD Continuum retreats; Exuro and Incitāre. 

STREET RETREAT

Street Retreat is a hands-on component that promotes school evangelisation and catechesis in a way that engages the passion, imagination and commitment of Year 11 students to live as Christian disciples within the community. This program is designed to allow students to participate in volunteer outreach with the marginalised. 

LEAD

The LEAD Conference is a two-day event providing formation and skill development for Youth Ministry. Youth Ministry students in Years 11/12 are invited into a school-based Senior Youth Ministry Team. These students in Year 11/12 are then invited to a facilitator's role as peer-to-peer disciples at the Year 9/10 SHINE Gathering.

IGNITE

A contemporary Catholic conference for adults, teenagers, children, ministry leaders, priests, religions and parents from across our nation and beyond. Ignite invites commitment to Missionary Discipleship with encouragement from the school Youth Ministry Officers (YMO). 

KAIROS

An SJPC/ CSO peer-to-peer 3-day ministry retreat based on the Ignatian tradition featuring student-led small groups and discussions. It is sacramentally focused and open to senior students.

Further to the Continuum are:

Schools of Prayer - In nurturing a proper understanding of the role of prayer in the faith life of students, a prayer focus is developed to assist age-appropriate parish school engagement in prayer experiences. The main forms of prayer that have been promoted in Catholic Education are the traditional forms and the Rosary, Awareness Examen, Lectio Divina, and the contemplative prayer of Christian Meditation.

Music Ministry - Wildfire, the Diocesan Worship team, offers whole school evangelisation to primary and secondary schools under the banner of Proclaim Lismore and the Ten: Ten Experience.

Digital Ministry - Quality communications are available in the Proclaim Lismore Student digital platforms featuring Facebook and Instagram, with a focus on evangelisation of youth, praise and worship, and youth ministry digital networking (YouTube; Vimeo).

Sacramental Preparation - Schools work collaboratively with parishes to support students preparing for their Sacraments. This may take the form of a school-based program of preparation or support for a parish-based program.

Liturgical Life at School - A combined Coffs Harbour and Sawtell weekday Mass is said in the Stella Maris Chapel every Tuesday morning, beginning at 9.15 am. Homeroom classes from the College attend these masses on a roster system and enjoy the company of the many parishioners and the unique peacefulness of the liturgy. Each term is finished with a year group mass. Parents are encouraged to attend these masses.

Following the Parish Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to the class. This is a special opportunity for students to receive this most beautiful sacrament and to reflect on the important things in their lives.

Whole School Masses, Liturgies and Prayer Services - 

Term 1 - Commencement Mass, Ash Wednesday and Easter Liturgy
Term 2 - Catholic Schools Week Celebration Liturgy
Term 3 - Assumption Mass, St John Paul Day Liturgy and Year 12 Graduation Prayer Service
Term 4 - Advent Liturgy.

Parents are always welcome at our Masses, Liturgies and Prayer Services.