Supporting spiritual formation of teachers in Catholic schools

x, 143 leaves ; 28 cm.This study, based on survey and interview data, seeks to understand how and why teachers in Catholic schools can be supported in their own spiritual development. The research describes and suggests ways to support and nurture spiritual formation for those who accept the vocation of teaching in Catholic schools. Employing survey and interview methods, this inquiry is philosophically rooted in four Lonergan precepts of human consciousness. Be attentive; be intelligent; be reasonable; be responsible. The study begins with attentiveness to the researcher's personal experience followed by an attending to the literature relevant to that lived situation. The formation of an intelligent inquiry into the questions arising from the named experiences deepens into a reasonable and responsible summary of the knowledge gained through the research. Teachers from a small urban/rural Catholic school district were surveyed. Of the 267 surveys distributed, 112 were completed and returned (42%). From those surveyed, five volunteers were selected to be interviewed, responding to nine questions regarding spiritual formation and the factors contributing to it. Recommendations that may nurture the spiritual development of teachers in Catholic schools are put forth in the concluding chapter of the thesis. These include recognizing teaching as ministry and supporting it as such; remaining attentive to the life questions of those in the vocation of teaching; leadership through example and witness; and nurturing the building of rich, authentic relationships in the school community