Charism

What is Charism?

In the context of our school community, a charism is a special, grace-filled, spiritual inspiration or mission, given by the Holy Spirit, that defines the school.  It guides its way of life, primarily to build up the Church and serve others, rather than for personal gain.

Charism at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School

The charism of our school is based on Jesus being the Light of the World. 

‘I am the Light of the World, whoever follows me will have the Light of Life’. John 8:12

At St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, our ethos and values help children to come know Jesus and to have a relationship with him through prayer and action. Jesus provides the 'Light' which guides our faith, our actions and our lives. 

“I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) is the second of seven “I AM” declarations of Jesus, recorded only in John’s gospel, that point to His unique divine identity and purpose. In declaring Himself to be the Light of the world, Jesus was claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind.

Following Jesus is the condition of two promises in John 8:12. First, His followers will never walk in darkness, which is a reference to the assurance of salvation we enjoy. As true followers of the Light, we will never follow the ways of sin, never live in a state of continually sinning (1 John 1:5–7). Rather, we repent of our sin in order to stay close to the Light of the world. 

The second promise is that we will reflect the Light of Life. Just as He came as the Light of the world, He commands us to be “lights,” too. 

In Matthew 5:14–16 we see believers depicted as the light of the world. Just as the moon has no light of its own, reflecting the light of the sun, so are believers to reflect the Light of Christ so that all can see it in us. 

The Light is evident to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit.