Archdiocesan Early Career teachers spent two days at the Galong Retreat Centre taking time to reflect, explore Faith and connect with others. The Porta Fidei Retreat is a Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) initiative that is part of the Faith formation pathway for Early Career Teachers. The event was run by a team of teachers, religious and System leaders within the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, presenting opportunities for Faith exploration, collaboration and mentorship.

The National Catholic Education Commission identified that one key area of focus for teachers in Catholic schools is personal Faith formation.  As a System, we continue to identify and prioritise the need for staff to take time out of their busy schedule to connect with their Faith and experience a loving God who is active in our lives. This deep connection has a profound impact on our understanding of vocation and provides new insights into the classroom for teachers.

The themes of the retreat focused on Faith as an experience of God’s love; the Kerygma; renewal of Faith; and teaching as a vocation. Teachers participated in a variety of activities including group discussions; talks; presentations; journaling; music; prayer and sacraments. 

Many participants felt that the Porta Fidei Retreat gave them the opportunity to renew their relationship with God and reaffirmed their commitment to Catholic education. “The experience has given me some new ideas about how I can renew my Faith journey,” said one teacher. “It has reinforced the importance of being a welcoming, caring and dedicated teacher for my students.”

“We are encouraged by our Archbishop’s challenge to provide the opportunity for our staff to take time out for the formation of our ‘heads, hearts and hands,’” said Bernadette Rayner, one of the team members who coordinated the retreat with Margaret Pollard, Senior Officer School and Family Services; Nathan Galea, Catholic Identity Project Officer; Luke Maher Religious Education Coordinator at St Vincent’s Primary School, Aranda; and Beth Doherty, Teacher at St Clare's College. “I want to thank our Early Career teachers for the enthusiastic commitment that they have made in teaching and caring for the young people in our Archdiocese.”