Identity and Faith

As a part of the life and mission of the Catholic Church, St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace seeks to animate the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition.

Through the provision of quality Religious Education and Gospel-centred formation initiatives, we aim to develop young men who seek a personal knowledge of Christ, the humility to serve and the wisdom to act for compassion and justice in our world.

Our Mission

St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace is guided by the compass of our College crest that features the three symbols of the Celtic Cross, the Star and the Book of Learning.

	Knowledge The Celtic Cross is a symbol of our Irish Catholic heritage. For Blessed Edmund Rice, it was a symbol of his knowledge that God was a loving presence in his life. Edmund came to know Jesus through his own suffering and accepted the responsibility of carrying his own cross by committing his life to the raising up of the poor through education. Through Edmund's example, we learn that knowledge for it's own sake is valuable, but it is what is done with it that truly matters. A Gentleman of Terrace is a person who demonstrates knowledge of College values, expectations and traditions through action and example.
	Humility The Star symbolises the light of faith created by knowledge of the Gospels. For Blessed Edmund Rice, it was a symbol of the difference he wished his mission for education to make in society. He wanted his students to become people of compassion and humility. Humility is a traditional Christian virtue. It concerns the courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks that are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved, giving credit where credit is due and not unfairly glorifying one's own self. A Gentleman of Terrace is a person who demonstrates humility in modelling respect for difference, leadership through service and responsibility for actions.
	Wisdom The Book of Learning symbolises the wisdom that knowledge and humility may lead to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who, as the Greek letters Alpha and Omega depict, is the beginning and end of all things. For Blessed Edmund Rice, it was a symbol of the purpose of education - the liberation of hearts and minds to empower people to action differences for the common good of society. A Gentleman of Terrace is a person who demonstrates wisdom in aspiring to excellence and engaging wholeheartedly in the life and mission of the College.