Part of the
Integration Agreement between the government and the Bishops of the Catholic Church, accepts the claim that there is such
an element as a ‘Special Character’ at St Joseph’s School, as well as the other Catholic and Special Schools in New
Zealand which are part of the agreement. The implication following the recognition of such a Character is that its
implementation will continue. If it does not, then the reason for having such a status would cease to exist. As a school,
St Joseph’s would be no different from any other of the good State Schools throughout the country. St Joseph’s School is
not merely a 'Christian’ School, it is specifically a 'Catholic' School. This means, that as well as observing the broad
requirements of Christian behaviour, such as a belief in the supernatural, the acceptance of Christian moral standards,
the unique value of the individual, and an understanding that the meaning of life is only comprehended by a belief in a
future life, must permeate the day.
But as well as this, the specific beliefs of the Catholic Faith,
such as the unique value of the Mass and the Seven Sacraments, the acceptance of the Catholic Church and its teaching
authority, must also be part of the atmosphere of this, and any Catholic School. The means by which this ‘Special
Character’ is sustained is in the first place, by the teaching of the Religious Curriculum. This is a systematic treatment
of the teaching of the Catholic Church over the years of the children’s attendance. Standards are required by the teachers
for this task, and are measured by requirements set down in each diocese.
Although mere knowledge is
itself not the same thing as goodness, the attainment of basic religious information gives, at the least, the information
required, so that children may, in due time make decisions about their future religious directions based on this
information they have received.
Preparations for special occasions, such as the visit of the Bishop for
Confirmation, and First Holy Communion, are shared with the parents, who are regarded in this case as parishioners, as
well as school parents. Each month the Parish Bulletin is sent the names of those children who will serve at the altar on
the Sundays of the month. The Proprietor’s Representatives attend the children’s masses, join with the children in reading
with them, and take an interest in them. These are the future hope of the School and of the Church.
Just
as a school measures its own heart by what it is doing now, not what was done last year, so the upholding of the Special
Character remains a constant goal. The implication following the recognition of such a Character is that its
implementation will continue. If it does not, then the reason for having such a status would cease to exist. As a school,
St Joseph’s would be no different from any other of the good State Schools throughout the country. St Joseph’s School is
not merely a 'Christian’ School, it is specifically a 'Catholic' School. This means, that as well as observing the broad
requirements of Christian behaviour, such as a belief in the supernatural, the acceptance of Christian moral standards,
the unique value of the individual, and an understanding that the meaning of life is only comprehended by a belief in a
future life, must permeate the day.
But as well as this, the specific beliefs of the Catholic Faith,
such as the unique value of the Mass and the Seven Sacraments, the acceptance of the Catholic Church and its teaching
authority, must also be part of the atmosphere of this, and any Catholic School. The means by which this ‘Special
Character’ is sustained is in the first place, by the teaching of the Religious Curriculum. This is a systematic treatment
of the teaching of the Catholic Church over the years of the children’s attendance.
