Faith Matters GSM
The emblem of the GSM Faith Matters is the Australian Blue Bell.We cho
Bluebell for several reasons. It grows – like faith – all over Australia. We see it in the suburbs, in the country, in the roughest ground, on traffic islands, on farms and in our own back yards. It is tough, and yet appears fragile and beautiful. It simply requires a little encouragement – nourishment – to grow: a little soil for its roots to get a firm hold and some rain now and again. It reminded us of our Faith and we attached these words to the bluebell image. “Faith, like the Australian Bluebell, will bloom even in the hardest ground, when nourished." Our aim for Faith Matters is to provide opportunities in the parish for Faith ‘nourishment’. In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Faith Matters aims to enable people to grow as disciples of Jesus carrying out his mission in today’s world and serving the people of God. The phrase ‘educating in faith’ refers to a variety of educational and faith sharing activities for different groups of people in a variety of contexts. It is responsive to the age, maturity, life-context and life questions of people throughout life. Depending on context, education in faith may have as its priority such elements as theological knowledge, faith sharing, religious literacy, reflection on the scriptures and life, Christian action or some combination of these. Education in faith draws on the wisdom of the Catholic tradition while being open to a wider ecumenical and multi-faith world. The growth of Faith in adults calls us to a closer relationship with God and to fullness of life. It is reinforced and supported when learners are nurtured within a community of believers.