EDMUND RICE TRADITION
The spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice lives on in every classroom, every act of service, and every young man who strives to be a beacon of hope and action in the world.
St Patrick’s College proudly stands in the Edmund Rice Tradition, a legacy of faith, compassion, and transformative education that began in 19th century Ireland and continues to shape lives across Australia today. As part of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), our College is committed to delivering a liberating education, grounded in Gospel values, inclusive community, and a deep sense of justice and solidarity.
The Story of Edmund Rice
Born in 1762 in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, Edmund Rice was a man of unwavering faith and vision. Following his early education, he moved to Waterford, where he apprenticed under his uncle, Michael, supplying goods to the ships that passed through the port. Over time, Edmund became a successful businessman, marrying in 1785. Tragically, his wife passed away in 1789, leaving him to raise their daughter with the support of his step-sister, Joan.
Through reflection and discernment, Edmund was deeply moved by the lack of Christian education for the boys of Waterford, especially the poor and outcast. He lay the foundation for a revolutionary approach to Christian education, a vision that would soon expand across the world.
His pioneering efforts led to the formation of two religious congregations, the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers, who carried his mission forward. Edmund devoted his life to leading the Brothers and shaping their work until his passing in Waterford in 1844. Recognising his extraordinary contributions to faith and education, he was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1996, marking the first step toward sainthood.
Today, the Christian Brothers remain committed to education, leadership, and social justice, serving communities worldwide. They stand alongside the poor and marginalised and continue to provide inspiration and direction for St Patrick’s College.
Edmund Rice Education Australia
Since 1872, Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition have shaped young Australians into leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Today, more than 40,000 students across the nation receive an education grounded in faith, learning, and service.
Established in October 2007, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) is a vital part of the Edmund Rice Network, the Catholic Church in Australia, and associated Catholic Education Commissions and Offices. EREA delivers a liberating education, rooted in Gospel spirituality, inclusive community, justice and solidarity. St Patrick’s College proudly belongs to the entity known as EREA Colleges Limited.
To explore more about Edmund Rice Education Australia, visit www.erea.edu.au.
The EREA Charter
Introduced in 2011 and renewed in 2018, the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition defines the unique identity of EREA schools in Australia. It serves as a guiding framework, ensuring that each school remains faithful to its mission and values.
The Charter is built upon four Touchstones; pillars that uphold the essence of an Edmund Rice education.
The EREA Touchstones
As Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, we aspire to be faithful to these four Touchstones:
