Kathleen+McCarthy+-+St+Anthony's+Deeragun

Situational Analysis of the Franciscan Charism at   St Anthony’s Catholic College, Townsville  A useful definition of charism to consider in terms of its presence in school is by Brien and Hack (2005) which states, “Charism, in its broadest sense, provides us with a lens through which to view the gospel, in the hope that we will be inspired and compelled to live this call to discipleship” (p. 70). When all dimensions of school life are //infused// with the charism of its founders, then true ‘discipleship’ occurs. St Francis of Assisi was a simple man, inspired by the gifts given to humanity by the Divine. Fr John Boyd Boland ofm states that the “Francis’ vision of the human person is fundamentally optimistic – no individual can be condemned – every human being, precisely because she or he is a human being, is an image of Christ and child of God” (p. 1). St Francis’ love for the human person should manifest itself in all communications and relationships within a school context. The charism of schools established in the Franciscan tradition should have at their core a culture of dignity and respect for each and every person.  St Anthony’s Catholic College is a Prep to Year 12 school, situated in the Northern Beaches suburbs of Townsville. It opened in 1992 and this year welcomed its first cohort of senior students. Despite its short history, it has a flourishing Franciscan tradition. The College is connected to a Franciscan parish with a very active and committed local priest. His presence in the life of the College at assemblies, regular visitations to classrooms, formation of staff and involvement in the day to day activities of the school, he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of a Franciscan charism in the school. Other areas of the school influenced by the charism of St Francis include: · Administrative structures · Pastoral Care · Curriculum · Religious Education The Franciscan charism is easily situated in a school context. At St Anthony’s Catholic College, it permeates all dimensions of school life. The Franciscan charism directly benefits the Church because it is teaching our students (and staff) a //way of being//, a philosophy and a foundation that is truly Christian.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Defining Charism **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Franciscan Charism **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The Franciscan Charism at St Anthony’s Catholic College **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Conclusion **