The Catholic Leader - 21 April 2019 - Issue 5548

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April 21, 2019. Issue 5391
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EASTER JOY
By Mark Bowling
“BELONGING” is a strong, moti-
vating force for eight teachers and
staff from one Brisbane college who
will join the Catholic Church this
Easter.
“I honestly feel that I will be officially one of
‘us’ which to me is awesome,” 37-year-old, St
Columban’s College, Caboolture teacher Paula
Pellowe said.
Mrs Pellowe is one of the eight soon-to-be
Catholics who have completed eight weeks
of discernment and instruction guided by the
school’s assistant principal for religious educa-
tion and identity, Raechel Fletcher, and parish
priest Fr David Pascoe.
“I have long wanted to make it ‘official’ to be-
come a Catholic after wanting to join the Church
for quite a number of years,” 39-year-old Julie
Atkins, also a St Columban’s teacher, said.
Mrs Fletcher said forming trusting relation-
ships had been essential in leading the eight staff
members on their faith journey.
“This does not simply happen,” she said.
“Jesus was relational and present to his com-
munity at the time, and Father David has taken
an active role in our college in being present to
our community.”
Fr Pascoe said instruction for the college staff
was similar to an RCIA course (Rite of Christian
Initiation for Adults), but done “ in a school
context rather than a parish context”.
“It’s brilliant. I’ve never heard of that number
coming from a Catholic college at any one time
before,” he said.
“When Raechel approached me I thought
‘well here’s the movement of the spirit’ lets take
it from there.
“There are quite a few teachers in Catholic
schools who are not Catholic, but live the ethos
if you like.”
Mrs Atkins, a college religion teacher and
pastoral and wellbeing leader, said her admission
into the Church would help her “walk the walk
and talk the talk” with students.
Her husband is a Catholic and said she was
welcomed “warmly” into his strong Catholic
family.
“I have three children who are all Catholic
and attend Catholic schools at St Peter’s and St
Columban’s College, Caboolture,” she said.
“I love both of the schools and the parish and
how welcoming and approachable they are.”
She said her colleagues had also influenced
her decision to become Catholic.
“Their compassion for students and people
at the margins, and asking the questions, ‘what
would Jesus do?’,” Mrs Atkins said.
Eight staff from Caboolture college answer Jesus’ call
Easter blessings: The St Columban’s College teachers and staff becoming Catholic at Easter, from left, Paula Pellowe, Andrew Skinner, Richard Gradwell, Melissa Kane, Ashleigh Stegert, Julie Atkins,
Heather Depasquale and Juan Bessinger.