The Catholic Education Deus Caritas Est Award is our most prestigious student award.  It is presented to one secondary student from each school in the diocese. Each school is to nominate one representative who meets all or most of the criteria. The award is inspired by the encyclical “Deus Caritas Est”, recognising loving service lived out with a faith conviction. 

Each nominee will receive a Catholic Education Deus Caritas EST Award Medal and recognition certificate. They will be presented with a small bursary to either donate to a charity of their choice, or put towards the pursuit of their service goals. To preserve their service recognition, they will be named on a perpetual shield to be displayed in the school office.

The Deus Caritas Est award is open to all students in Year 12 in a Catholic Secondary school and is presented to one student per school.

Award winners must demonstrate the following attributes:

• A commitment to Jesus Christ: someone who by words and actions shows a love for God, Others and Self.

• A lived commitment to Christian living in how they interact and treat others – staff, other students and peers.

• A preparedness to be seen as a practising Christian; demonstrated by participation in the liturgical and prayer context of a Catholic School and the student’s church.

• A commitment to the life of the Church by involvement in things such as youth groups, social justice groups, charity events and happenings.

• Living life to the full – hopeful, compassionate, merciful and kind – the hallmarks of a Christian life lived in “Caritas” – complete love for God and others. They bring the Gospel Values to life in their daily interactions. In the words of theologian, Michael Himes: “If you want a vibrant community it must be built on self-gift”.

• A student with a generosity of spirit.

This year we would like to congratulate the following students who were presented with their award at the Catholic Education Week Mass which was held on Monday 25 July at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.