ABOUT 800 students, teachers, parents and friends representing Catholic education communities from across the state gathered in St Stephen’s Cathedral on July 23 when Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane officially launched Catholic Education Week 2007.
The liturgical celebration reflected the theme for Catholic Education Week – Communities to believe in and drew on the parable of the sower as a challenge to all involved in Catholic education to sow seeds of faith, of love and of learning in their Catholic school communities.
Soil from each of the five dioceses of Queensland was brought forward by representatives and mixed together to symbolize the diversity of Queensland’s 286 Catholic schools and other agencies, but also the strong sense of a state-wide community that exists.
In closing the liturgy, Archbishop Bathersby prayed: “As we continue to build communities to believe in, may the hand of God create in us new thoughts, words and actions for the Mission.”
QCEC executive director Mike Byrne said the launch was a wonderful way to mark the beginning of Catholic Education Week 2007.
A highlight of the launch was the presentation of the Spirit of Catholic Awards by Queensland governor Quentin Bryce to recognise outstanding contributions to Catholic education.
