The Lighting the Way Graphic is made up of a number of elements that illustrate an understanding of Spiritual Formation. This understanding is the basis for a framework, based on the Emmaus Paradigm that gives focus to adult spiritual formation. The programs offered within this framework build on a rich tradition of opportunities for staff employed in Catholic system schools. The slides that follow explain each element. Designed and created by Elle Holder-Keeping, Josh Charadia & Suz Marden

The background element of light is foundational to the graphic, symbolising the presence of God, the light of Christ, throughout all creation. Spirituality is meeting God in all that life is. Patricia Livingston

Spirituality is not something added to our humanity. It is the very essence of what it means to be human. Kevin Treston The element of the road indicates that spiritual formation is a dynamic lifelong journey that occurs over time and through experience. This type of formation is personal integrating all aspects of our living, the mind, the body and the soul. It occurs within the experience of daily living through listening, prayer and awareness, with growth coming primarily through grace.

“While the shape of a spiritual life is in the end a matter of unique mystery between God and the individual person, spirituality in the Christian tradition is developed in company.” (Jill Gowdie) Spirituality can be described as the way a person lives what they believe. It is life lived from the inside out, an inner dynamic that permeates our experience and relationships. The people on the road signify that we develop our spirituality in relationship; with God, with ourselves, with other people and with all creation. In the Catholic Tradition, Sacraments celebrate these relationships and follow two basic movements: listening and loving. we listen and celebrate God’s initiative and desire to be in communion with us. The pattern is the same: God’s initiative, then human response; first our listening, then our loving.

Spirituality is what we do with the fire within us. The lantern symbolises the call to Light the Way for others. Spirituality is our way of being in the world, of how we see the world and how we act. Spirituality permeates our experience our role and our service to others so we can participate more fully in life and contribute to the ongoing mission of the Church. Formation opportunities aim to develop the spirituality of staff who in turn encourage, lead and enhance the spiritual formation of students through authentic witness.

Christian spirituality in the Catholic Tradition is at the core of what happens each day in Catholic schools. It is grounded in the Paschal Mystery: the life of Jesus, his death and resurrection. Spirituality is shaped whether consciously or unconsciously by a social context and a religious culture. The Southern Cross depicts the distinctly Australian Catholic context and religious culture in which staff and students develop their spirituality. Building awareness and understanding of the rich Catholic Tradition, which is at the heart of daily practice in Australian Catholic schools, is an important part of staff formation.

To teach means not only to impart what we know, but also to reveal who we are by living what we believe. John Paul 11