Welcome to Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited
This site provides a pathway to curriculum materials and resources that will assist teachers in the design and implementation of lessons that prompt deep learning and enquiry. Feel free to explore and access an ever-evolving portal that will support the successful teaching of Religious Education in the Diocese of Ballarat.
150 Years of the Diocese of Ballarat
When we celebrate a birthday, we often reflect on the years that have passed, as well as wishing the person happiness in the present and blessings for the time ahead. Celebrating the anniversary of a diocese is something like that. A community anniversary provides an occasion to reflect on the past, affirm people in the present and look hopefully to the future. We can see these elements in the themes for 150th anniversary of our Diocese of Ballarat. The word “Community” highlights the fact that a diocese is essentially a community drawn together by Christ.
The word “Remember” refers us to the history of the diocese. In this remembering, we acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of that history, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full.
The word “Revitalise” calls us to invest ourselves in bringing new life to the community today. The word “Hope” encourages us to look forward to the future with confidence in God.
The Scripture verse chosen for our 150th anniversary year reflects various aspects of our vocation as a Christian community. The words are drawn from a passage in St Paul’s letter to the Romans in which the apostle lists qualities appropriate for a community inspired by Christ. As the years go by, the community will experience times of trial as well as times of gladness. Through it all, their trust in Christ will make them joyful in hope and patient in affliction. They will recognise that they need God’s help constantly and so they will be faithful in prayer day by day.
May this anniversary year be a season of renewal for our diocese, a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Bishop Paul Bird
