The first 'hope and aspiration' of the Catholic Schools Office Vision Statement is that our schools will:
Be centred on the person of Jesus and grounded in the Scriptures, in the teachings, traditions of faith and prayer in the Catholic Church and the witness of its past and present saints and scholars.
Therefore, the challenge for Catholic schools is:
to create and build communities where all members are invited into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
To this end, schools and the CSO itself focus on and celebrate prayer and liturgy in tune with the Church’s liturgical/seasonal cycle. Other celebrations, prayers and liturgies specific to the needs/traditions of the school (and CSO) are also acknowledged, e.g. sickness/death of students, parents and staff; and the charism of individual school communities.
Liturgies
Three major diocesan liturgies are celebrated each year at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton:
Called to Serve Mass
This is a celebration and acknowledgement of all staff – teaching and non-teaching – and especially those who have been involved for 25 years, and those who have received the Monsignor Frank Coolahan Award for Excellence.
Catholic Schools Week Mass
This service celebrates our Catholic school system with particular reference to our Diocese.
Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning
The Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning recognises the unique gifts and joy that students with diverse needs bring to our schools, while honouring their dignity as a gift from God.