News Release

Religious Learning Enhances Secular Learning

 

The Sydney Hebersham Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their annual seminary graduation on the 11th November 2018.  Sixteen high school students graduated after completing four years of seminary.  Approximately 150 members of the Church and families of the graduates attended the ceremony.

Councillor Stephen Bali MP, Mayor of Blacktown, was in attendance and congratulated the graduates for learning about Jesus Christ. He emphasised the importance of religious learning, stating, “God ought to the be the centre of our lives as this can help us become selfless, especially as we make sacrifices and volunteer our time in service to others." 

The Mayor indicated that the lack of education contributes to the challenges we face in society. He pointed out that through religious learning a person can enhance secular learning.

Sione, a seminary graduate, said, “Seminary has helped me understand the importance of studying the gospel early [in the day] to have spirituality throughout the day.”

Sarah King, a teacher and parent of a graduate shared her viewpoint that seminary puts young people with the same faith together as well as putting them with a teacher who has a desire to share gospel teachings. 

Alofa, also a seminary graduate, shared these thoughts, “Learning the gospel in seminary has helped me complete my studies at school and helped me generally in life. Feeling the spirit every morning from my teachers was important to me as I participated in Seminary.”

Seminary in the Church is religious instruction for youth ages 14 to 18. After graduation from seminary, many young adults choose to attend institute which is religious instruction for those ages 18 to 30. Anyone in those respective age ranges may attend seminary or institute whether they have had prior instruction or not. 

Donnavan, an Institute student, invited the graduates to continue their gospel learning by participating in Institute.  He quoted President Monson (former President of the Church) who said that at Institute “friends will be made, the spirit will be felt, your faith will increase as will your ability to avoid temptation.”

Stake President Kome Purcell, echoed the sentiments of Mayor Bali by urging the Seminary graduates to continue a life of learning. President Purcell invited the students to continue learning by attending Institute and putting Christ at the centre of their lives. He admonished the graduates and the congregation to put their trust in the Lord.

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