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Outline the history of Catholicism globally leading up to 1788
The Catholic Church began in Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
- The catholics were irish convicts
Terra Nullius
Land that is legally deemed to be unoccupied or uninhabited.
How was ‘Terra Nullius’ used to justify colonisation?
Since it was said there was no one living there, it was justified to take over “empty land”.
The difference between Acknowledgement of Land and Welcome to Country.
Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful recognition and can be given by anyone.
Welcome to Country is a formal and official ceremony performed by a Traditional Custodian.
Key features of Catholicism brought to Australia by early settlers
Until the Catholic Relief Acts gradually took effect here, the practice of the faith was illegal, and Catholics were compelled to attend Anglican services. Samuel Marsden, Anglican chaplain and magistrate (“the hanging parson”) would order Catholic convicts to be flogged.
The experiences of early Catholic convicts
A fifth of Catholic convicts could be described as victims of political oppression
the rest were 'proper' criminals as petty thieves forces to crime in order to live.
Much of their catholicity might have been folk culture, shared story and a bond of loyalty.
Signs of faith on convict ships were only ever seen amongst Catholics, who were observed quietly 'counting their rosary beads, crossing themselves (sign of the cross) and reciting their prayers from a book.
Key figures in Australian Catholicism- Father James Dixon
He was a convict priest who celebrated the first catholic mass in australia
Other key figures arrived in australia to respond to the pastoral needs of the community.
Significant events/contributions of prominent early Catholic figures in Australia
The first Mass was celebrated in Australia in 1803 by Father Dixon, a convict priest.
In 1820 Fathers Therry and Conolly were the first priests to minister officially to Catholics in the country.
In 1832 William Bernard sailed for Sydney, empowered to act as the Catholic vicar-general.
How WW2 impacted catholicism in australia- makeup of the church
The makeup of the Australian Catholic Church changed dramatically in the 2nd half of the 20th Century (1950 - 2000)
This was due to migrants who came from Australia from war affected countries all around the world
After WWII (1945), the Australian Government began a large scale immigration program- populate or perish, aimed to encourage population growth.
Significant changes within the Catholic Church post-WW2 in australia
During the early 1950’s, the Australian Catholic Church grew rapidly in part due to the postwar ‘baby boom’.
Many new parishes were established, the numbers of religious brothers and sisters expanded and due, to the education they had received in Catholic schools, Catholics were making advancements in all the professions and businesses.
There were was high level of attendance at Sunday Mass
The influence of post-war European migration on Catholic demographics
There was a large increase in the number of Catholics in Australia
More the one million Catholics came from Italy, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Malta, Croatia, Hungary and many other places.
How the church responded to migrant communities
By building new schools and infrastructure for migrant families
Challenges faced by migrants integrating into Australian society and the church
Australian society
Might not be able to speak english, and have to learn it in schools
Cultural differences, Australian culture may seem strange and different to migrants
Migrant children may have found it difficult to connect to their peers because of this
The church
European migrants had different catholic traditions to the Irish-dominated Catholic practices and many migrant children may have felt distanced from their peers because of this, e.g. they prayed to different saints
Church’s role in supporting migrant communities
The Church provided immigrants with a sense of belonging in a new and unfamiliar country.
It reminded them of their faith and roots, offering reassurance and connection.
The Church helped them maintain ties to their culture while adapting to a new environment.
It created a supportive and accepting community for comfort and guidance.
Purpose and historical context of the Second Vatican Council
Purpose of vatican II
to modernize and renew the Catholic Church to better address the needs of the modern world.
Historical context
vatican II was held from 1962-1965
It stemmed from:
The rise of secularism( separating church from state)
declining Church influence
societal changes after WW2 (e.g., post-war recovery, globalisation)
Key changes introduced by vatican II
Changes in the liturgy - People were more involved in masses as they became more engaging; priests faced the people in the church, priests speaking in languages the majority of the community understood (e.g. they speak Spanish in Spain)
Lay participation- The laity (regular churchgoers- people who are not priests or bishops), could now participate more actively in the church
Religious freedom - People were no longer shamed for believing in a different religion, they were now respected and accepted.
The impact of changes brought on by Vatican II on the Catholic church in Australia
Mass in English and priests facing the people made it easier for Australians to understand and participate in Mass, especially for younger generations.
Regular churchgoers took on more active roles in the Church, like reading at Mass or helping with religious education, making the Church feel more inclusive.
The Church became more accepting of different religions, fostering a more tolerant and respectful atmosphere in Australian society.
How Australia’s multicultural population influences the Catholic church
Mass in different languages to cater to a variety of ethnic groups
The Church prioritizes inclusive pastoral care, supporting migrants, refugees, and First Nations communities through targeted programs.
Catholic schools focus on intercultural education, fostering an understanding of diversity within the faith.
Key cultural groups and their contributions to Australian catholicism
Irish Catholics: Played a foundational role in establishing Catholic schools, churches, and social justice movements in Australia.
Indigenous Australians: Integrated Aboriginal spirituality and traditions into Catholic practices, fostering reconciliation and environmental stewardship.
Post-war Catholic Migrants: Introduced diverse cultural traditions, devotions, and community practices that enriched the Church's identity in Australia.
Initiatives/programs that promote inclusivity within the Church
The Plenary Council- A formal meeting of bishops and Catholic Church representatives to discern what God is asking of us in Australia at the present time
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
Multicultural Pastoral Care in the Archdiocese of Brisbane
Harmony Week (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne)
Examples of multicultural liturgies/events
Bilingual and Multilingual Masses
Harmony Day Masses
Indigenous-Led Liturgies
the role of Catholic sisters establishing Catholic education in Australia
Recognizing the dire need for Catholic education, female religious congregations from Europe answered the call to support the Australian Catholic community, particularly after government funding for Catholic schools was withdrawn.
These women frequently taught in makeshift classrooms, such as church halls or even outdoors.
For example, the The Sisters of Saint Joseph established a network of practice schools, where novices could gain experience in teaching.
How female religious congregations established the church in Australia through health and social services
Female religious orders, including the Sisters of St Joseph, came to Australia to address the growing needs of people living in poverty due to white settlement.
Early religious congregations, including the Sisters of St Joseph, founded many of the hospitals and social service agencies that continue to serve communities today.
Josephs corner
Joseph's Corner is based in Yarraville, Hoppers Crossing and Laverton.
Joseph's corner aims to provide support to families in stress and crisis, free of charge.
Their mission is to work with the community to assist in dealing with the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use.
Define forgiveness
To stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offence, flaw, or mistake.
Purpose of forgiveness/ why forgiveness is important personally
To release resentment and promote healing, allowing individuals to find peace.
strengthens relationships.
Why forgiveness is important societally
Because it promotes social harmony, reduces conflict, and encourages understanding and empathy among individuals.
How forgiveness can affect the emotional, mental and spiritual lives of victims
Emotional: Forgiveness can ease feelings of anger, resentment, and hurt, leading to greater emotional peace and well-being.
Mental: It can reduce stress and mental burden, allowing individuals to focus on positive thoughts and healing.
Spiritual: Alignment with spiritual values like love and mercy, and make your relationship with God stronger.
How forgiveness can affect the emotional, mental and spiritual lives of perpetrators
Emotional: Forgiveness can lead to emotional relief, reducing feelings of guilt, shame, and regret, allowing for personal growth.
Mental: Forgiveness can ease mental distress by helping perpetrators let go of the burden of wrongdoing, allowing them to reflect on their actions.
Spiritual: Forgiveness allows them to show penance for their sins, by doing this they are deepening their relationship with God
Process of forgiveness
acknowledgement of the hurt inflicted and the pain caused
letting go of the negative feelings and the desire to seek retaliation
showing compassion towards the offender
making a conscious decision to forgive the offender
moving on.
Process of reconciliation
taking full responsibility for one's actions and being genuinely remorseful
making satisfaction for the wrong committed
seeking forgiveness from the victim.
5 Psychological and physical health benefits of forgiveness
You feel more in control of yourself
Lower resting blood pressure
Lower chance of depression
Help interpersonal relationships flourish
Lower resting heart rate
how does forgiveness lead to health benefits/wellbeing
Because forgiving reduces the stress hormone cortisol
Forgiveness vs reconciliation
Forgiveness is the process of letting go of negative emotions towards your offender- done by the victim.
Reconciliation is the process of restoring harmony and repairing a relationship after a conflict or disagreement.
How forgiveness paves the way for reconciliation
Forgiveness paves the way for reconciliation by allowing the victim to let go of negative emotions, creating space for trust and understanding between both parties.
Importantly, reconciliation cannot come about unless the victim is willing to forgive the offender
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The individual confesses their sins to a priest with honesty and genuine remorse, acknowledging their wrongdoings and expressing a desire to turn back to God.
The priest, acting on behalf of Christ, declares that a person’s sins are forgiven after they have confessed and shown they are truly sorry for their sins.
the parable of the Prodigal son
A younger son asks his father for his inheritance early and leaves home, wasting it on reckless living.
He ends up penniless during a famine and is forced to work feeding pigs, realising his mistakes and feeling deep regret.
The son decides to return home, confess his sins, and ask his father to accept him as a servant.
The father welcomes him back with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast, showing unconditional love and forgiveness.
The older son feels resentful, believing the father’s celebration is unfair given his own loyalty and hard work.
The father reminds the elder son that forgiveness and rejoicing over the lost being found is a cause for celebration, emphasising compassion and mercy.
Key themes and messages of the parable of the Prodigal son
Forgiveness: The father's unconditional forgiveness and love towards his son who made a mistake demonstrates the power of mercy and reconciliation, no matter how far someone has strayed.
Redemption: The younger son's return and his willingness to admit his mistakes show the importance of acknowledging one's wrongs and seeking change.
Compassion and Mercy: The father teaches that true joy comes from showing compassion and celebrating the return of the lost, emphasizing mercy over judgment.
How the parable of the Prodigal son reflects catholic teachings of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Forgiveness: The father’s unconditional forgiveness of his son reflects the Catholic belief that God offers forgiveness to all who repent(feel remorse for their actions), no matter their past actions.
Reconciliation: The restoration of the father-son relationship symbolizes the Catholic teaching that true reconciliation heals relationships and brings people back into harmony with God and others.
What is the Jubilee
The Jubilee Year in Christianity is a year of 'universal pardon'.
Impact of the Jubilee
It gives Christians a chance to reflect on their lives, confess their sins, and deepen their relationship with God.
Jubilee highlights the need to care for the poor, forgive debts, and restore fairness in society.
Describe the 'door of mercy'
The Door of Mercy refers to a special door in a Catholic church that is designated as a symbol of God's forgiveness and mercy, it is typically opened during Jubilee years.
The need for indigenous reconciliation
We need reconciliation to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and to value justice and equity for all Australians.
RAP
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal commitment to reconciliation, done by schools and early learning services.
Some actions it includes are: Acknowledgement of Country, teaching about racism, and incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture into the curriculum.
Purpose and significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
It celebrates the endlessly forgiving mercy of God
It brings about the reconciliation with God which it signifies.
It celebrates the change of heart of all those who turn back to God after sin.
Process of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Examination of Conscience: Reflect on your sins.
Introduction: Begin by making the Sign of the Cross and state how long it has been since your last confession
Confession: Tell the priest your sins honestly and clearly. No need for too much detail, just what you did wrong.
Penance: The priest will give you a task (like a prayer or action) to show your repentance and response to God’s mercy. Remember to do it after confession.
Act of Contrition: Pray aloud to show you’re sorry for your sins. Example: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart…”
Absolution: The priest prays over you and formally forgives your sins on behalf of God.
Conclusion: The priest dismisses you with a blessing (e.g., “Go in peace”). You thank him and do your penance immediately, if possible.
Restorative justice
Restorative justice is a process where victims, offenders, and sometimes other community members meet to discuss the harm caused by a crime, aiming for accountability and healing.
The purpose of Restorative justice
The purpose of restorative justice is to allow victims to express their feelings and find answers, while offenders take responsibility for their actions and work with the community to repair the harm done.
The steps in the process of restorative justice
Acknowledgement: The offender accepts responsibility for their actions and recognizes the harm caused.
Repair: The offender and victim agree on actions to repair the harm, such as compensating for something that was lost or harmed, or apologies.
Reintegration: The offender is supported in returning to the community, ensuring healing for both the victim and offender.
How forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to restorative justice
The victim must be willing to forgive the offender in order for the process to take place
The offender must be willing to show remorse for their actions in order for the process to take place
Where restorative justice can take place
Schools, the legal system and rehab programs