A goal for the school this year is to review how we complete prayer in the school. Prayer is conducted in a number of ways at Catholic Regional College St Albans, in the homeroom, at the beginning of the RE class and on special occasions we have the whole school prayer. On feast day Dale Marshall organised for every class to pray a Lectio Devina to reflect on what is to be part of a community.

The lectio commenced with the class forming a circle and settling into a state of calm. The following passage was then read twice:

Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his hardship, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I working extremely hard for,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

The students then reflected on the following questions.

• Why is it important to belong?
• What communities or groups do you belong to?
• Why is a school community important?

The teachers of Religion are currently completing professional development on centering Christian meditation. It is hoped that we can increase the practice around the school.