Newsletter 4: 21 March 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Last week at The Hermitage in Mittagong, Marist principals from across the country gathered together for the first time in this way since 2019. 60% of participants were either new to the role of Principal or were leading a different school in 2019. MSA Regional Director, Dr John Kyle-Robinson provided the key note and led conversations exploring the question:

How do teachers in Catholic secondary schools experience the New Evangelisation?

The topic was the basis of John’s highly acclaimed research over a period of 10 years. John’s scholarship identified the richness and importance of the word evangelisation, citing the different nuances and emphases of Popes, from John XXIII to Francis today. Research literature from across the globe was synthesised, validating observations and aligning with lived experiences we share here in Australia. Importantly the findings and recommendations of the research provided stimulus for animated discussion, debate, inspiration, and encouragement for our dedicated school leaders. From the vast richness of the research findings and recommendations, John highlighted the following:

…..the primary agenda of the New Evangelisation is understood as witness.

“Witnesses” are personally committed to Jesus and cultivate a spirituality informed by the values of the Gospel. Consequently, they implement the New Evangelisation by living Christian values authentically and, when appropriate, inviting colleagues and students respectfully to share spirituality. Their understanding of evangelisation is nurtured from personal authenticity. They neither abdicate their responsibility in presenting the Good News, nor are they concerned with conversion. Their witnessing is an expression of their identity. For them, evangelising is not preaching but living authentically. This pragmatic spirituality is particularly relevant for contemporary Christians: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses” (Pope Paul VI). If this challenge is to become a reality, then the spiritual formation of teachers is a prerequisite initiative. Overwhelmingly, this research affirms the commitment of the many teachers in Australian Catholic schools who endeavour authentically to “make the Kingdom of God present in this world” (Pope Francis, 2013).

This research clearly affirms the integrated nature of our work and activity in Catholic schools. We Marists do not disassociate spiritual formation from professional learning.

Spiritual formation fosters a greater awareness of God, and of opportunities every day to make Jesus known and loved through learning and teaching.

The Conference provided many opportunities and highlights for collaboration and constructive creativity. In a rich discussion on school improvement and efficacy, the Principal of Marist College Canberra, Mr Matthew Hutchison, shared the following story which emphasises the enduring nature and influence of education.

Whilst waiting at an airport recently, a conversation commenced with a woman seated nearby. After a few minutes, she noted that her 40 year old son had attended Marist College Canberra. When asked if she was happy with the outcome of his Marist education, she paused for a moment and replied with a grin, "It's too early to tell!"