Faith Matters

Opening Reflection

The Loreto schools’ Directors of Mission and I recently had the privilege of sharing in a retreat day facilitated by
Sarah Broscombe. The theme of the day was ‘Nourished by Freedom’. It was a wonderful day designed to support those in pivotal roles to nourish our own spirituality, that we may genuinely and with joy invite our communities to explore the gift of faith in day to day life. It truly was a day of formation, as we embraced the chance to slow down, step back, and listen to the voices of our own hearts; to reflect on what is asked of us, what inspires us and how we support ourselves to live our lives well – which enables us to fulfill our roles authentically.

Participation in a day like this can be daunting, but for many groups it is essential. For any senior leaders of Catholic ministries, retreat days should be powerful supports of faith-based leadership, but this can’t happen without openness to participating in formative experiences. Sometimes time isn’t made for formation because of a lack of understanding of what formation is and/or why it is important. Sometimes civil responsibilities dominate an agenda. These realities, for many ministerial public juridic persons, religious institutes and diocesan education offices, are great risks, as participation in formation strengthens collective mission and is integral to leadership of Catholic mission.

The importance of understanding what is meant by ‘formation’ and the need to embrace formative opportunities is crucial as lay leaders increasingly take on responsibility for governance of Church ministries. Openness to formative opportunities is fundamental to ensuring that those who exercise their baptismal dignity in church leadership are supported to grow and nourish their faith, their understanding of the particular mission they serve, and their capacity to practice authentic faith leadership. 

The Canonical Statutes of Loreto Ministries, specifically those listed in ‘Section Two: Purposes’, explain:

“As a Public Juridic Person, Loreto Ministries continues the mission of Jesus Christ and assumes responsibility for the education ministries transferred to it by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Institute), and responds to other needs, in accordance with the charism of Mary Ward, with particular care for communities experiencing poverty and disadvantage.” (CS 2.1)

“Loreto Ministries exists to ensure through its governance, policies and practices that each of the works for which it is responsible operates in conformity with the teaching, discipline and law of the Roman Catholic Church.” (CS 2.2) 

“Loreto Ministries will build on the educational traditions of the Institute.” (CS 2.3)

For Loreto Ministries to achieve these purposes, all senior leaders – Canonical Steward (Trustee) Directors, School Board Chairs and Directors, Principals and school-based Directors of Mission, as well as Loreto Ministries staff – must participate in intentional, on-going formation activities. Formation provides the key touchstones of accountability, not only to mission but also to discerning God’s call to teach and feed the least. It is critical to supporting the stewardship of our mission into the future.

Formation is both individual and communal - a personal quest for meaning enriched in dialogue with the gifts brought to the table by all: their professional experience, ethical and moral frameworks, and the desire to use one’s strengths in the service of others. In encounters with women and men, through example and teaching, and finally in self-gift, Jesus showed that God’s unconditional love for each one breaks through in unexpected places. The mystery of that love is at the centre of the Christian tradition and of our formation as human beings.

Formation in the Mary Ward tradition is grounded in everyday life. We come to a deeper awareness of the significance and richness of ‘the ordinary’ when we reflect on our lives and service in dialogue with the life and teaching of Jesus. Through the practice of Ignatian spirituality, we are invited to encounter and nurture our own humanity in the holiness of our daily lives and the challenges of our world. In this way, we create necessary space for the ‘who’ and ‘why’ of our work to inform the ‘what’ and ‘how’. 

Resources, experiences, programs and formation frameworks provide a common foundation for knowledge, experience and reflection which is essential for the work of formation to take place in both heart and mind. Senior leaders across the Loreto network are supported to enter the ongoing work of formation through dialogue, conversation, and the sharing of wisdom, experience and insights, and we are grateful to all who make time to participate in formative experiences. These experiences bring us back to the heart of our mission. Without them, our schools would lose their defining characteristic and essential purpose – to “affirm[s] the centrality of the person of Jesus. His gospel and our particular charism … a profound way of being … a positive force for transformation of lives … holistic growth … in a deeper understanding and living of the gospel.” (Mary Ward Schools Compass).