The Formation of Catholic Leaders

No one can progress along the path of authentic spirituality alone; we need support, including formation and spiritual accompaniment, both as individuals and as a community. (p.17, Final Document, Synod 2021-4)

The fifth part of the Final Document of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ is titled “So I Send You,” looks at caring for the formation of all, of the People of God, all as synodal missionaries. This final Part presents a vision of formation that is deeply rooted in the Gospel, centered on synodality, and oriented towards equipping disciples for mission in the 21st century. It appreciates the formation of missionary disciples as a core aspect of the Church's mission, rooted in the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

143. One of the requests that emerged most strongly and from all contexts during the synodal process is that the formation provided by the Christian community be integral and continuing. Such formation must aim not only at acquiring theoretical knowledge but also at promoting the capacity for openness and encounter, sharing and collaboration, reflection and discernment in common. Formation must consequently engage all the dimensions of the human person (intellectual, affective, relational and spiritual) and include concrete experiences that are appropriately accompanied. (Synod 2021-2024)

In the document, formation is an ongoing process grounded in Christian Initiation and nurtured through the Eucharist. Catechesis is seen as a crucial element, requiring a dynamic and engaging approach that connects with people's lived experiences and fosters dialogue. The text recognises the diverse contexts in which formation occurs and highlights the need to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world.

Shared Understandings

A review of several frameworks and statements concerning formation from around the world will be able to identify commonly held understandings of the aim, key principles, goals, elements and processes of faith formation.

There is a common appreciation that formation should aim to be a deeply transformative experience, grounded in the Catholic faith, that empowers individuals and communities to actively live out their mission, grow in their relationship with God, and contribute to a more just world.

Summary of key principles for formation for mission and ministry, as described in the documents reviewed, include:

Christ-centeredness: Formation should be explicitly Christological, scripturally rich, and grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church. It should invite individuals into a personal relationship with Jesus and encourage participation in the Eucharist and faith community.
Personal and Communal Growth: Formation should focus on the growth of both individuals and the community, acknowledging that spiritual development occurs in company with others. It needs to connect with each person's unique life story and offer ways to connect with the Spirit.
Intentional, Ongoing, and Reflective Process: Formation is an ongoing journey, not a one-off event, and should be purposeful, strategic, developmental, and sequential. It should be characterised by prayerfulness, reflection, and celebration of the Eucharist.
Respectful and Experiential: Formation should be respectful of individual backgrounds, needs, and roles, building on personal stories and everyday realities. It should emphasise experiential learning to reveal hidden treasures.
Relational Culture: Formation should foster a climate of love, compassion, and respect for the dignity of each person. It should emphasise the importance of authentic interpersonal relationships and community.
Theological and Ecclesial Grounding: Programs should be theologically and ecclesiastically well-founded, providing an understanding and experience of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Developmental and Transformative: Formation should be developmental, leading to personal transformation. It should nurture spiritual awareness, theological understanding, vocational motivation, and capabilities for mission and service.
Vocation and Mission: Formation should promote personal vocation and responsiveness to mission. It should develop the willingness, confidence and capacities of participants to serve the evangelising mission of Catholic education.
Accompaniment: Formation should be characterised by accompaniment, which involves removing one's sandals before the sacred ground of the other. This pace must be steady and reassuring, reflecting closeness and compassionate care.

Key components of a formation framework should include:

A Focus on Story: Including the historic context and narrative of key figures and the history of relevant ministries and schools.
Emphasis on Spirituality: Integrating prayer, reflective practices, spiritual conversations, Ignatian discernment, and teachings from scripture and the Gospel.
Exploration of Scope: Addressing leadership, ethics, justice, and contemporary challenges. This includes a focus on the values of the Gospel, leadership as service, and transformation.
Integration of Head, Heart, and Hands: Formation should engage the whole person, with a systematic and critical synthesis of culture and faith, and of faith and life.
Opportunities for Formal Study and Spiritual Programs: Offering a range of courses, retreats, and opportunities for reflection, prayer, and engagement with scripture.
Inclusion of Complementary and Informal Programs: Providing various opportunities to be immersed in Catholic ethos, spirituality, prayer, scripture, and the religious life of the school.
Integration of Mission: The intention of formation is to enable deeper faith relationships, greater engagement in service to others, a culture of dialogue, stronger commitment to teaching and parenting, and a deeper call to missionary discipleship.