DOMINICAN HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY

San Clemente Catholic College is blessed to be the beneficiary of a wonderful founding Dominican charism or spirituality. The following is from our school records:

“San Clemente was founded by the Dominican Order of nuns in 1917 in a building in Kerr Street, Mayfield. In 1919 following the purchase of property formerly known as "Redcliff", "a stately home in spacious grounds", the school was moved to its present site and continued as a secondary school for young ladies under the administration of the sisters of St. Dominic. 

During the sixty years from 1917 San Clemente High School, as both a boarding school and day school, became well known for the ladylike behaviour of its students and for the high standard of achievement of its graduates in both civic and business affairs.

At various times the buildings were modified and extended to accommodate the growing school population.

In 1976 San Clemente High School became the first Catholic High School in the Maitland Diocese to be staffed entirely by lay people.

Another milestone in San Clemente's history was reached in 1983 when boys were enrolled in Year 7”. The next transition for our school is a move to a comprehensive Year 7 to 12 school with our first Year 11 cohort commencing next year … 2026!

But what is this Dominican charism (spirituality)?

The hallmark of Dominican charism (spirituality) is preaching, a point that is made obvious to us in the fact that St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers (OP) in the 13^th century. The order celebrated its 800^th anniversary in 2017.

St Dominic based everything he did towards authentically imitating Christ. Our college motto ‘VERITAS (Truth) is a continuation of this.  He knew in his own age, which was characterised by false teachings and heresy, that only a well-educated person who lives humbly, charitably, and uprightly could best transmit the life of Christ to the world.

Integral to this Dominican spirituality is what is referred to as the Four Pillars: Prayer; Study; Community; Service. Therefore, the placement of prayer first in his life, his poverty and austerity, his insistence on study and a thorough education, his emphasis on community life and service all have a purpose: everything that a Dominican does must prepare his soul for preaching well the truth of Christ to the world.

We will look at each of these ‘pillars’ and how we attempt to live these out at San Clemente Catholic College in subsequent newsletters.

Michael Fuller Ministry Coordinator

Sacramental Program Invitation