Spiritual Formation Frameworks in Catholic Schools Greg Sunter Mission & Formation Services

Key Components Grounded in research – contemporary spirituality and spiritual formation, adult learning, theology, ecclesiology, evangelisation, change facilitation. Theological underpinning – Jesus, Communion, Mission Narrative phases of spiritual formation – My Story, Our Story, The Story Mission & Formation Services | |

Key Components Holistic engagement approach – Head, Heart, Hands Reflective praxis Capacities of Christian Communities – Presence, Prayer, Principle, Welcome, Ritual, Journey, Purpose, Commitment, Fidelity Mission & Formation Services | |

Application to student formation With a differently articulated purpose, the basic elements of the model are equally relevant for student formation and staff formation. The narrative phases (My Story, Our Story, The Story) are essential for student formation. The holistic engagement approach (Head, Heart, Hands) is relevant and appropriate. Neither of these elements prescribe a specific methodology, but provide underlying principles and approaches. Mission & Formation Services | |

Design Principles Design Principles underpinning BCE Approach to Spiritual Formation Design Principles underpinning Catching Fire Staff Formation programs Principles of Practice for facilitators Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Identify purpose Audit current student offerings Identify the gaps/overlaps Reconfigure or realign activities Formation or inservice for staff Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Identify purpose Identify a clear purpose State the values & characteristics that will be developed by the school formation program Purpose will be informed by school charism, mission, values, existing statements/metaphors, BCE Spiritual Formation Framework Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Audit current student offerings – e.g. camps, retreats, reflection days, social justice programs, activity days, charity fundraising, newsletter communications, cultural activities, leadership programs In what ways do these activities contribute to the articulated purpose? How might they better contribute? Are they sequential, logical, strategic? Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Identify the gaps/overlaps Do the current offerings provide a clear developmental pathway towards the purpose? What’s missing? What’s redundant or unnecessary? Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Reconfigure or realign activities How might some of these activities be reconfigured or realigned so that they are seen by those responsible for them as contributing to the overall formation of students? Not just a stand-alone or subject-specific activity. Requires buy-in across all staff and clear direction from leadership. Mission & Formation Services | |

School-based Formation Framework Formation or inservice for staff Simple awareness-raising Common understanding about the school approach to formation of students Collective formation around the purpose / values / characteristics that underpin student formation Skill-specific and role-specific professional learning Mission & Formation Services | |

Ongoing Support Mission & Formation Services: Jill Gowdie Steve Dunne Catherine Foley Greg Sunter Mission & Formation Services | |