More than 250 students attended a seminar covering the Second Vatican Council on May 3 at John XXIII College in Mt Claremont.
The Year 12 students came from a number of different Catholic schools around the State, some travelling from as far as Bunbury and Busselton.
Rector of St Charles’ Seminary in Perth, Monsignor Kevin Long, delivered a lecture to the students explaining what led to the Council and its consequences and significance in the life of the Church.
David Byrne from the Catholic Education Office said it was the first time such an event had been held and was part of the Archdiocese’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Council.
Mr Byrne said the aim of the seminar was to “provide some practical support” for Year 12 students in preparation for their end of year exams.
Religious Education and Faith Formation consultant Peter Higgins explained to students that the Council was an important event in the life of the Church.
“There was a very strong attendance at Mass at the time, so that was not the trigger,” he explained.
“But certainly there was a need to re-engage with the world.”
This year marks 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII in 1963.