“Education gives us knowledge, but as Catholic institutions we are called to go further – to form hearts, build character and help young people become good and responsible individuals.”
Fr Nathan Verallo
What does a mission-focused and synodal parish-school partnership look like in practice?
At the Sandhurst Formation Institute, Fr Nathan Verallo PP (Wangaratta) and Kim Butler (Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd) will explore the essential relationship between mission and synodality and what it means for the way we live and work together in parish and school communities, sharing practical examples and insights from parish and school life.
As parish priest of Christ the King Parish, Wangaratta, where he works with five schools, Fr Nathan brings first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges of building strong parish-school relationships.
The seminar will explore how parish and school communities can work together in a spirit of co-responsibility, supporting the formation of the whole person – including faith, character and discernment.
For Fr Nathan, synodality is “a collaborative way of life”. He sees it as a way of working that is attentive to local circumstances and open to the productive conversations and challenges that can strengthen a community.
He also emphasises the importance of relationships, particularly the presence of priests in schools: “Priests’ visible presence in schools builds rapport, recognition and trust.”
And when it comes to parish initiatives, Fr Nathan encourages communities to first look at what they already have: “Strengthen existing practices before introducing new programs.”
Fr Nathan and Kim will discuss why context matters, sharing examples rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model. Participants will have the opportunity to consider what is working in their own parish and school, and where there may be opportunities to strengthen collaboration.
Come along and explore what Mission and Synodality could look like in your local community.
Return to Sandpiper e-News 128 (14 August 2026)