Action research on the ministry of Spiritual Companion of staff members in three Catholic schools in northern New South Wales

Karan Varker (2011). Action research on the ministry of Spiritual Companion of staff members in three Catholic schools in northern New South Wales PhD Thesis, School of History, Philosophy, Religion & Classics, The University of Queensland.

       
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Author Karan Varker
Thesis Title Action research on the ministry of Spiritual Companion of staff members in three Catholic schools in northern New South Wales
School, Centre or Institute School of History, Philosophy, Religion & Classics
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2011-08
Thesis type PhD Thesis
Supervisor Dr Neil Pembroke
Dr Richard Hutch
Total pages 290
Total colour pages 44
Total black and white pages 246
Subjects 22 Philosophy and Religious Studies
Abstract/Summary ABSTRACT A notable issue which has emerged within the Australian Catholic Education System in recent times is the need to develop processes for supporting the spiritual formation of Catholic school teachers. In the Catholic Christian tradition spiritual formation concerns, in part, growth in personal understanding of and practice of Christian spirituality. Catholic Church authority suggests that one way of engaging in spiritual formation of Catholic school educators is through personalised accompanying which gives precedence to personal relationship, dialogue and attentive listening (CCE 2002, para. 62). This partly describes a ministry of a spiritual companion within the Australian Catholic school. This action research, carried out over three years, offers reasons and suggestions as to the need for and value of the spiritual companioning ministry of Catholic school staff members, particularly in relation to colleagues who are teachers. The approach used in this action research study is that of the spiritual companion as a reflective practitioner and it relates to the research focus question: What understandings, virtues, personal capacities, practical skills and action plans do I need to develop effective spiritual companioning of staff members in Australian Catholic primary and secondary schools? The literature review of the research concerns elements of Christian spirituality, the daily reality, issues, expectations, and responsibilities which affect teachers employed in the Catholic school, as well as ways of nourishing an everyday spirituality relevant to teachers’ lives. The place of spiritual companioning within Christian spirituality, which includes its origins, traditions and developments, is briefly discussed. Spiritual companioning in comparison to related functions within the Catholic school is also examined. To ensure that this ministry had a firm theological basis, during this research the spiritual companion, as a reflective practitioner, operated within the framework of pastoral theology and its related “pastoral cycle”. This is a cyclic approach which involves a process of observing, planning, acting, reflecting and reviewing. It includes critical correlation of scripture and theology with secular sources. Journal recording of significant incidents and the assistance of critical friends were significant, as was validation of the spiritual companioning process offered by colleagues through evaluation questionnaires. A provisional model for this spiritual companioning ministry has been developed and hypothetical qualities and qualifications are offered. After three years of critical reflection, of being present to and walking with colleagues in this ministry and in conversation with a network of persons involved in spiritual formation of Catholic school educators, I have realised that many Catholic school teaching and administrative staff members are seeking and are grateful for opportunities for spiritual formation and guidance. They recognise these also as means through which they might enrich their personal lives by engaging with their innate wisdom, keep balance in their busy lifestyles, and grow in an understanding of what it means to have an educational vocation in the Catholic school. Given these possibilities, as well as the desire of Catholic Education authorities that Catholic school educators be offered on-going and sustained spiritual formation (CCE 2002), it would seem that now may be a kairos, or favourable time, for the ministry of spiritual companioning of Catholic school staff members.
Keyword Spiritual companioning, Catholic School, spirituality
Additional Notes 22 25 30 34 39 40 42 43 48 49 66 76 87 105 107 109 111 117 138 156 170 174 176 194 197 198 202 203 205 206 207 209 210 211 215 216 217 217 221 239 240 243 253 284

 
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Created: Fri, 09 Sep 2011, 09:26:20 EST by Sr Karan Varker on behalf of Library - Information Access Service