pastoral planning template · pastoral plan development 2018-2019 page 1 of 8 pastoral planning...

Pastoral Plan Development 2018-2019

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PASTORAL PLANNING TEMPLATE

School Name: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School

9/4/2018

The mission of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School community is to: Be a faith centred, inviting, interactive, collaborative, safe community dedicated to

excellence in teaching and learning Communicate and model a Catholic faith that gives witness to the teachings of Jesus

Christ Commit to ensuring students establish a personal connection to the school Encourage students to develop values, skills, and confidence necessary in becoming

life long learners Embody enthusiasm, pride, respect as individuals and members of a larger diverse

community Value the contribution of students, staff, parents, the Parish and community at large.

Theme for the Year: ‘Living as Joyful Disciples’ :

In the section of Renewing the Promise entitled, “A Community that Forms Joyful Disciples,” we

read: “Our Catholic schools help to form joyful disciples as hearts and minds are opened to the

transforming love of God and to the flame of faith in action. On a daily basis, Catholic schools

demonstrate the joy of believing and witness the Good News to the communities that they

serve.”


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Retreats

Grade 9: “Virtue and Flourishing” Facilitated by the staff of

Camp Brebeuf in Rockwood. Through prayer, discussion, and

interactive outdoor activities, we will explore how God designed all of

us to flourish by growing in virtue. Outdoor activities include

cooperative games, low ropes, a nature walk, quiet time, and discussion.

Organized by religion class, and supervised by the religion teacher.

Grade 10: : “Seeing others in the light of Christ.” Grade ten religion

classes (one at a time) will spend the day at the ‘Good Shepherd Centre’

in Hamilton. The morning begins with prayer and an explanation of the

Christian mission to reach out to the poor and vulnerable. The rest of

the day is spent helping volunteers and staff sort donations of food and

clothing. Supervised by religion teacher, and school chaplaincy leader.

Grade 11: “”Just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did

it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Religion Classes cook and serve meals

at Regeneration Outreach in Brampton. Facilitated and supervised by

Regen Staff, chaplaincy leader, and religion teacher. Before and after

discussion will focus on our faith in Christ is the underlying motivation

for our works of charity, and, in turn, works of charity allow us to

encounter Christ in an intimate way.

Grade 12: ”Living as Joyful Disciples.” True joy springs from a

relationship with God, through Christ. Living out this relationship helps

us discover who I really am and how I can truly flourish – finding my

personal values and vocation. All grade 12s will gather at once for a

‘mega-retreat’ on May 28th at St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre (Oakville).

Supervised by homeroom teachers. Facilitated by chaplaincy leader and

gr12 leadership class. Activities include liturgy, guest speakers, picnic,

and games.


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Other retreats (e.g. student council):

Leadership retreat for VOICE club, Arc Crew, P.I.P, and Salesian Leadership

Retreats, Indigenous Spirituality retreat.

Activities of a Religious Nature with a substantial component of ritual and prayer

Staff Liturgies on all PA days Opening Mass -- September 20

Whole school in the gym Remembrance Day Ceremony -- November 9 Advent Liturgy of the Word – December 5

Assembly Schedule. Assembly A = Gr9&11 / Assembly B = Gr10&12

Special Advent Prayers twice a week in the chapel (optional)

Ash Wednesday Liturgy & Ashes – March 6th

Regular schedule. One grade level at a time in the cafeteria.

Special Lenten Prayer two mornings per week in the chapel (optional)

Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession (for interested students)

Holy Thursday Drama – April 18

Assembly Schedule. Assembly A = Gr9&11 / Assembly B = Gr10&12

Closing Mass -- May 30th

Celebration of St. Joan of Arc Feast Day Entire school walks to the parish church

Grad Mass -- Date TBA (for graduates only) Chapel Visits The chaplaincy leader will invite individual religion classes to the chapel periodically for short prayer services, meditation, and brief catechesis. These visits will also teach students how to pray in a variety of ways.


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Pastoral Activities

Thanksgiving Food Drive with parish Knights of Columbus

Christmas Baskets

Winter Wear clothing Drive in February Family Sponsorship (Student Council)

Inner City Walk (Optional social justice retreat, twice a year, group of 25 students, two

staff and one retreat facilitator supervise, walking an area of Toronto framed by Church St. in the west, Parliament St. in the east, Dundas to the south, and Gerrard to the North) Senior Citizens Outreach – VIVA Retirement Centre

Vocations Guest Speakers (Archdiocese) Chaplain visits religion classes (and invites them to the chapel) with a ‘Faith Basics’ catechesis & prayer series. Chaplain will also host class open

forum Q&A. Bereavement support for students & staff

Spirituality and Mental Health sessions: Chaplaincy leader, in cooperation with

Guidance Department, offers one or two sessions per year to students who wish to explore how the Catholic faith is a strengthening factor in good mental health. Student prayer group meets at lunch

VOICE club – ‘Venturing Out In Christ’s Eyes’ – a group of student leaders will

plan activities to promote personal virtue, full life, and the common good. Focus for 2018-2019: Mental health and wellness Spiritual Mentoring – Chaplaincy leader offers individual and small group sessions

to support development of healthy adolescent spiritual life.

Catholic Education Week: “Living as Joyful Disciples”

May 5 – May 11, 2019 is Catholic Education Week. Chaplaincy will work closely with Religious

Education teachers and the leadership class to highlight the importance of Catholic Education.

-Broadcast will highlight importance of Catholic Education.

-Leadership class will host lunch time activities.


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Catholicity across the curriculum

Department Departmental Activities and/or Events

Religion/Theology The Religion department recognizes the opportunities available within our curriculum to help form discerning believers through the study of the Beatitudes, Gospel Narratives, Catholic Church tradition as well as implementation of the virtues in their daily lives. Through prayer, retreats, social justice and popular media connections, we strive to ensure that our learners become collaborative contributors formed through the Catholic faith community at St. Joan of Arc.

Science Discuss environmental stewardship

Social Science The Social Science department will support the pastoral plan as it highlights the Catholic Graduate Expectations, the Board's Virtue program, and the sub-themes associated with the pastoral theme: Walking Forward Together. Through the Civics, History and Politics courses, students will discern their roles and responsibilities in active citizenship rooted in Christ. The Geography courses invite students to examine the importance of stewardship, as outlined in Laudato Si, as they learn about issues that impact our environment.

English Discussion of cycles of life-death, rebirth-suffering, resurrection as archetypes in literature and Biblical connections.

Technological Studies There is a common thread through all of the Tech Studies courses where we encourage students to recognize and give thanks for the gift and talents of working with their hands. The students are also emboldened to use this God-given ability to do good for others in our community and to work ethically and honestly so that the light of gospel values shines through each of them.

Guidance We recognize and appreciate that each student has God given talents, and thus we advocate for students who need a voice. Working as a Guidance team and with parents/guardians we hope to address our students’ unique academic, spiritual, emotional and psychological needs. Our mission is to help students feel empowered to pursue academic and personal goals in the classroom and through career exploration. We believe that with committed effort all students can meet success. In addition, we celebrate their dignity as human beings created in the image of God and strive to guide them to fulfill their potential as lifelong learners and individuals who will seek to better their community. Specifically, we encourage students to live out their faith by being active members of the school community and by giving back to the community through service to others.

Special Education Catholic Graduate Expectations are naturally infused throughout the General Learning Strategies (GLE) course, as students are called to examine and reflect on their own personal values, abilities and aspirations thorough out the units of study. In alternative education programs such as Planning for Independence and Communications the overall expectations of the Virtues program in integrated with the daily life of the students by asking them to reflect on “What Would Jesus Do?” As well as the Senior Communications teacher incorporates the Work Experience program, and through experiences in the workplace our special needs students can become a collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity, fulfilment and vocation in work which contributes to the common good. Our department organizes the annual ‘Autism Awareness Week’ activities.

Choose an item.


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School Environment reflective of our Faith

These religious icons, symbols and visible expressions of our Catholic identity are present in the school

environment:

-School Prayer in each class, Liturgical banners for each season in Matrix and Chapel, Prayer cloth and table in each class. -Catholic images and elements on regular television broadcasts. -Create a Marian grotto on school grounds. -Add the Dufferin-Peel CDSB logo to the side of the building. -Add the Papal flag to the chapel and front foyer. -Add rows of electric votive candles to the chapel -Purchase a processional crucifix. -Add more ‘risen Christ’ crosses to the classrooms.

Staff Faith Development

-After school series on developing and maintaining peace of heart and mind through trust in

God. Based on book by Father Jacques Philippe.

-After school series on getting the most out of your prayer time – especially by practicing Christian meditation and contemplation.

-Development of staff prayer group using visio divina resources from the St. John’s Bible.

-Individual and small group spiritual direction opportunities.

Collaborative School Culture

These activities are organized by the School Catholic Community Culture and Caring Action

Team:

-Bullying Awareness Week Activities & Wellness Fair. -Decorating school walls with posters containing inspirational sayings from Saints and the Bible.


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Parish Connections

Planned and existing initiatives that maintain and enhance positive relationships with the local parish

communities:

- Couples for Christ youth (High School Base) meetings -Pastor celebrates monthly mass in school chapel -Will use parish hall for some retreats. -School-wide mass at the parish once or twice a year.

Transitions

-Grade 9 retreat will address common challenges students encounter as they enter grade nine: e.g. “Who am I? How should I behave to be my best, do my best, and get the best out of school and life?” -Grade 12 leadership class will cooperate with the chaplaincy leader to plan a special day of reflection and celebration for the graduating class.

Vocations

Vocations to religious life and pastoral ministries promoted through:

Inviting a representative from the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese to speak to our grade 12 religion classes.

Vocations Awareness Day – Invite representatives from the priesthood and various religious communities to come for lunch, set up a booth in the matrix, and speak to kids.

Ordinandi Lunch

Chaplaincy’s Mission: Experiencing God’s Presence.

The psalmist writes, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11b). However, we

often have difficulty experiencing God’s presence, living as we do in an age of constant

distraction and busy-ness. As a Catholic school community, how can we help our students

and staff experience the transforming presence of God through the beauty, goodness,

truth, and love present in their daily lives (especially in their schools, families, friendships,

and the Church)? Above all, how can we help them encounter the fullness and perfection of

God’s presence to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ.


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Signature Page

Pastor

Superintendent

Principal

Vice Principal(s)

Chaplaincy Leader

Theology Department Head

Faith Ambassador(s) (as applicable)

Chair of Catholic School Council

pastoral planning template · pastoral plan development 2018-2019 page 1 of 8 pastoral planning...

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