The language and traditions that shape Catholic school life

Everyone is welcome at a Brisbane Catholic Education school, where students are known, supported and encouraged to make a difference in the world. 

Catholic schools have their own language and traditions that shape daily school life, and we know these may be new for some families.

Our Catholic school glossary is here to help you feel informed and confident as you explore our schools during Open Week. Catholic schools welcome families of all backgrounds who share our values. Our staff are always happy to explain traditions or answer questions as you explore the school community.

1. Who is Jesus
   • Jesus Christ is at the heart of Catholic life and faith.
   • Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and God made visible in human form.
   • Through His life, death and resurrection, Jesus reveals God’s love and invites all people into a life of hope, forgiveness and belonging.
     
     
2. What Catholics believe
   • Catholics believe in one God and try to live with kindness, compassion and integrity.
   • Faith is lived through learning, community, service and care for others.
   • Catholic schools welcome families of all backgrounds and beliefs.
     
     
3. Prayer in Catholic schools
   • Prayer is how people speak with and listen to God.
   • It can include silence, reflection, spoken prayers, music, or shared moments of gratitude.
   • In Catholic schools, prayer is woven into daily life and helps students develop calm, gratitude and awareness of God’s presence.
     
     
4. What is a charism
   • A charism is the special spiritual focus or gift that shapes a Catholic school.
   • It usually comes from the story or mission of the saint or religious community that founded the school.
   • A school’s charism influences how students learn, serve others and live out their values.
     
     
5. Key Catholic seasons

Advent – The four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and reflection.

Christmas – Celebrates the birth of Jesus (25 December).

Lent – A 40-day period of reflection and preparation before Easter.

Holy Week – The week before Easter, marking key events in Jesus’ life.

Easter – Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, the most important date in the Catholic calendar.

Pentecost – Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, 50 days after Easter.

Feast Days – Special days celebrating Saints or important events in the Church, e.g., St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day on 8 August.

6. Key Catholic terms

• The word Gospel means “Good News”. In Christianity, it refers to the message of Jesus and the four books of the Bible that tell His story: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
• The Eucharist is the centre of Catholic worship. Catholics believe that during Mass, bread and wine become the real presence of Jesus Christ.
• A saint is someone recognised by the Church for living a life of deep faith and love for God and others. Many Catholic schools are named after saints whose example inspires the school community.
• Mission refers to the calling of Christians to live and share the message of Jesus through service, compassion and justice.
• Catholic Social Teaching is a body of teachings that guides Catholics in building a just and compassionate society. It focuses on principles such as human dignity, care for the poor, solidarity and care for creation.
• Mass is the central act of Catholic worship where the community gathers to pray, listen to Scripture, and celebrate the Eucharist.
• Sacraments are special celebrations of faith, such as Baptism and Confirmation.
• A liturgy is the formal prayers and rituals of the Church.
• A parish is the local Catholic community connected to the school’s church.
• A chaplain is a pastoral staff member who supports wellbeing and faith life.
• Social justice means putting faith into action by caring for others and the wider community.
• Catholic Identity is the values, beliefs and traditions that shape school life.

Open Week 2026  

Discover the BCE difference! During Open Week, parents and future students are invited to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates, and find out more about BCE schools in their region.

BCE Open Week runs from 27 April to 3 May. Discover a BCE school here.