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Spiritual Formation Frameworks in Catholic Schools Greg Sunter Mission & Formation Services Slide 2 Slide 3 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 4 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 5 Slide 6 Slide 7 Slide 8 Slide 9 Slide 10 Slide 11 Slide 12 Slide 13 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 14 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 15 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 16 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 17 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 18 School-based Formation Framework Identify the gaps/overlaps Do the current offerings provide a clear developmental pathway towards the purpose? Whats missing? Whats redundant or unnecessary? Mission & Formation Services | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 19 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 20 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 | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 21 Ongoing Support Mission & Formation Services: Jill Gowdie Steve Dunne Catherine Foley Greg Sunter Mission & Formation Services | missionformation@bne.catholic.edu.au | 3033 7620 Slide 22