iServi News | 21 October 2022 | Term 4, Week 2
Every year, the Australian Association for Religious Education (AARE) provides a special evening for all chaplains and religious educators in the primary, secondary or tertiary settings. They gather as professionals in order to celebrate their work, learn what is happening in Western Australia, network with others and honour their peers through the presentation of awards.
This year, the AARE dinner was held on Thursday 8 September at Trinity College. During the event Sr Chitra Justin OSM received an Award of Meritorious Service, witnessed by a room full of colleagues from Servite College, three of her Servite Sisters and Fra Oscar Aguilera OSM. Nominated by Youth Minister Mr Paul Crossley, Sr Chitra was presented with her award by AARE President Mr Chris Callus.
While Sr Chitra’s official duty is the College Retreat and Liturgy Coordinator, she is also actively involved in helping to coordinate the student youth ministry team and help mentor the youth ministers. More than just providing the resources used in our programs, Sr Chitra supports the classroom teachers and leads our students into greater participation in our liturgies and sacraments. Sr Chitra has a passion to prepare our students leading up to school retreats in order for them to more closely connect with Jesus and genuinely explore their faith.
In recent years, Sr Chitra has facilitated a staff retreat program. Being sensitive to the varying readiness of staff, she helped develop a number of different retreats for our staff to explore different charisms. During staff retreats, Sr Chitra assists staff to engage with and aid those who are less fortunate in life.
As General Member Superior of the Mother of Sorrows Servants of Mary, Sr Chitra is the leader of the Servite Sisters in Australia. She also guides and leads other Sisters from her community in running Kora Childcare for disadvantaged families. To add to her ministry, she has warmly welcomed our students to join in this valuable and much appreciated work. She has engaged our Year 9 students in a full day service learning immersion experiences and has made Kora available for our senior students to complete their cocurricular Christian Service Learning as part of their Endorsed Unit
Nothing seems a bother or trouble for her; even when she is tired and most others would give it away, Sr Chitra continues with her famous smile and calm acceptance. Held in highest regard by all at Servite College, she is our very much loved, Sr Chitra.
Congratulations on your award, Sr Chitra!
Mr Chris Callus
Acting Head of Religious Education
