The topic of staff formation was very interesting in light of the System Leadership Day. One point that I feel we must continually revist is the statement in the Educators Guide to Catholic Identity Pg 27 is that'ultimately religious formation is God's work.' If this is true what are the implications for us - leadership, staff, parents and children. The answer I am sure is not to be passive however the invitational aspect of formation is essential - by this I mean that in providing certain staff formation experiences that we are mindful that the process and transformational potential of the experience is up to the individual. This is further emphasized by the quote from Pope Francis:
"...AN evangelizing community is also supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, not matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be."
I found the graphic on Pg 31 also interesting that there is a sphere of Elective Experiences for staff on a voluntary basis. Another statement int he Guide (pg31) was also thought provoking -
"to be effective across a career in Catholic education it is important that teachers accept some personal responsibilty for their own religious formation".
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I agree with you that it is up to the individual as to what they gain from a formation experience. We all come on the journey with varying degrees of personal experiences. on p32 it states that this experince is a necessary condition for nurturing knowledge. I also like the quote around focusing first on the heart not on the mind.
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An 'I wonder.... I had was whether we have enough sacred space in the school apart from the classrooms eg foyer, hall ???
So well said by the two of you - As an REC I also wonder if leading the staff to opportunities for formation needs to be developed further by myself. I know CEDP has started to send resources and it is only an email away however getting the timing and the balance correct is also very important
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