Adam+McCoy+-+St+Anthony's,+Deeragun

According to Brien and Hack, “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” (2005, p.70). Brien and Hack also highlight the important influence of the role a strong charism plays in a school. “Charism provides a philosophy and foundational principles on which to build a community, an understanding of the world, a culture, a distinctive way of being and a Catholic identity” (Brien and Hack, 2005, p.71). Green also supports Brien and Hack’s views in relation to the importance of a charismic presence within a school and the important implications it can play in building a spiritual community. “Membership of a spiritual family brings a person into community with fellow disciples, people who become not only colleagues but spiritual companions” (Green 2009, p.19). This analysis will discuss the importance of the charism at St Anthony’s Catholic College and how it effects the community and spirit of the school.  St Anthony’s Catholic College was founded in 1992 by the Parishes of Belgian Gardens, West End and Garbutt, in conjunction with the Townsville Catholic Education Office. As a Franciscan school the College is centred on the charism of St Francis. “Where there is love and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance” (St Francis of Assisi). In 1209, Francis was inspired after hearing a sermon from the gospel of Matthew (Chapter 10:9). In this gospel, Christ told his followers to go out without any possessions and proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was upon them. This inspired Francis to devote himself to a life of poverty. In the same year, Francis’ followers quickly grew and the Franciscan order was established in 1209 by Pope Innocent III. “The college aims to emulate the charism of St Francis by creating and encouraging:  There is a diverse range of opportunities for students and teachers to immerse themselves in the Franciscan charism at St Anthony’s Catholic College. Some of these include: · The ministries (Environmental, Youth, Celebrations etc). · The sporting houses (Giles, Clare, Agnes, Francis). · Staff ‘Franciscan Spirituality’ professional development afternoons.  Areas to focus on: · The role of students and staff being present to the presence. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The importance of liturgy within College life. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msobidifontsize: 11.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">· <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The challenge of educating students with no prior Catholic education in relation to the Church’s mission. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msobidifontfamily: Symbol; msobidifontsize: 11.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">· <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Educating students about how the charism of St Francis can be applied to everyday life. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * __<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Situational Analysis (Introduction) __**<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is a Charism? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The Charism of St Anthony’s Catholic College **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">An atmosphere that is fraternal
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A sense of solidarity and belonging among all persons at the school
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A community of self-disciplined persons
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A place of pardon and peace
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A community of service within the larger social community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A human environment of beauty” (St Anthony’s Catholic College, 2008, retrieved on the 14th of August, 2008).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The Presence of the Franciscan Charism within the College: **