Cornerstone : Encountering the Spirit of Christ in the Catholic School

This book asserts and explores the centrality of Christ as the cornerstone of the Catholic school. It is a scholarly invitation into reflection, discussion, integration, collaboration and action for service within the Catholic school, in the Spirit of Christ.

The metaphor of cornerstone invites the response as to how the life and message of the living Jesus is mediated through the visible lives of his followers; while the sub-title ‘Encountering the Spirit of Christ in the Catholic school’ reminds us that it is through the Spirit of Christ that the community of the Catholic school draws its life and imagination. This is an imagination that seeks to become present and responsive to the Spirit of Christ in ways that are authentic, comprehensive, personal and practical.

Those practical responses are explored in six chapters that combine faithfulness to the Catholic tradition with contemporary insights into the nature of education, how we learn as individuals and communities and how the Spirit of God enlightens our endeavours as Catholic leaders, teachers and educators. The book is sensitive to and reinforces professional practice shaped by a Catholic Christian meaning system; explores this meaning system through spirituality, mission and leadership; and develops ministry as the integrating quality for service and communion within the Catholic school.

It integrates contemporary themes from Educational Philosophy, Theology and Spirituality and will be welcomed by all who share a concern for Catholic School Mission and Identity, Catholic School Leadership, Religious Education, Ministry, Evangelisation and Formation.

‘This book is a shining light that will become a beacon of hope and possibilities for Catholic leaders and educators who are grappling with challenges and problems within contexts of disruption, uncertainty and rapid change…’

Professor Emeritus Patrick Duignan