Spiritus

Diocesan Implementation

Phase 3

Phases of Diocesan Implementation

The three phases would typically be implemented sequentially. However, where Spiritus Leader Formation and Youth Ministry Programs have been offered to school leaders over several years, the phases could be actioned simultaneously.

Phase 1

Leader Formation

  • Project planning and briefing of leaders

  • Initial Formation

  • Ongoing Formation

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Phase 2

Implementation

  • Leader and Staff Formation

  • Formation for Youth Ministry

  • Post School Youth Ministers

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Training & Licensing

Spiritus Leader Formation Program graduates trained to be able to present SPIRITUS Program Parts 1-3 and to lead and facilitate school and system planning and implementation. Licensing arrangements enable dioceses to run the program themselves with ACU support.

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Why Spiritus Diocesan Implementation?

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People today listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if they do listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses. (EN, n41)

This oft-quoted observation of Saint Pope Paul IV in Evangelisation in the Modern World suggests the critical need for the ongoing evangelisation of teachers as witnesses.  The first Vatican document on the Catholic School in 1975 described this witness as of ‘the first importance’ and continuing formation as ‘indispensable’.

By their witness and their behaviour teachers are of the first importance to impart a distinctive character to Catholic schools. It is, therefore, indispensable to ensure their continuing formation through some form of suitable pastoral provision. This must aim to animate them as witnesses of Christ in the classroom…
(The Catholic School, n.78)

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Administration of Spiritus Diocesan Implementation

Accreditation

A number of dioceses recognise the Spiritus Leader Formation and Youth Ministry Programs as contributing to gaining and maintaining accreditation to lead and teach Religious Education in a Catholic school.

Teachers may apply for recognition and certification as a Spiritus Youth Ministry Educator. Training and formation programs include Introduction to Spiritus Youth Ministry, Called and Spiritus Equipping Schools.

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Spiritus Mission Network

The Spiritus Mission Network is a professional learning and formation network for school and other Church leaders. Schools implementing Spiritus Youth Ministry can apply to become members of the Network at no additional cost. The Spiritus Mission Network is a fruit of the partnership between Spiritus Youth Ministry International and the Australian Catholic University’s La Salle Academy. It is managed by CSYMI.

The Spiritus Mission Network includes access to:

  • Weekly staff Formed in Prayer resource

  • Newsletter issued four times per year

  • Called and Essentials for Faith Leaders Formation Series

  • ACU La Salle Voices and Visions program

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Testimonials

Spiritus Video Testimonials Part 1

Spiritus Video Testimonials Part 2

  • "The formation of teachers and leaders through the ACU La Salle Academy program, SPIRITUS, has had a significant impact, and I have witnessed and participated in this myself in Canberra as well as internationally in London and Rome. I described this program as being on the cutting edge of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the Catholic world at the moment."

    Archbishop Christopher Prowse - Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

  • "Inspiring, enthusing, challenging and thought provoking. Those words come to mind when I reflect upon the last few days (SPIRITUS)…I have learnt about the importance of witnessing to the faith and to talk about our encounters with Jesus Christ in an intentional and purposeful way with our staff and students."

    Michael Exton - Principal, St Ignatius College Geelong

  • "This whole (SPIRITUS) experience has been totally transformational (International Formation program London). I have been involved in Catholic education for 40 years and this has made a fundamental change in my life and has reinforced the wonderful joy of being a Catholic educator… I feel fully connected to the universal Church and the good news that the Holy Spirit is working and moving amongst us."

    Joan McCombe - Diocese of Down and Connor Northern Ireland

  • "The main part about it (International Formation Program London) has been the way it has bought people together from different parts of the world… this has meant something quite special. From a catholic leader’s point of view in a school it has been really exciting to see a joined up and organised vision for how we might be able to deliver more effectively formation for the pupils we work with and our staff. I feel encouraged and excited about the whole experience."

    Stuart McPherson - Principal, Worth School England

  • "SPIRITUS 2022 has not only given the participants the key to unlocking the New Evangelisation for our young people in schools and parishes, but the strength to push open the doors too. The Program was sensitively created to offer human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation. The days were full of deep discussion, fraternal sharing, prayerful reflection and a profound sense of hope and joy. We look forward to the fruits of this work and growing the network of faith-full Catholic leaders in the coming years."

    Barbara Coupar - Director Scottish Catholic Education Service

  • "SPIRITUS Aotearoa NZ was a pivotal opportunity for leaders and teachers to crystalise the challenge and opportunity of a New Evangelisation paradigm in NZ Catholic schools. The program presented a framework linking ecclesial documents on our evangelising mission as educators to contemporary pedagogies of evangelisation in Catholic schools and an empowering pathway for the meaningful evaluation of Catholic Special Character."

    Brendan Bergin - RE Advisor Diocese Auckland, New Zealand

Key References & Resources