Prayer, Spirituality and the Governing Board
Rooted in Christ: prayer, discernment and the spiritual formation of Catholic school governors.
The question for governors
How does our relationship with Christ shape the way we listen, challenge, support and decide?
A board needs knowledge, judgement and practical skills. Its Catholic mission also invites members to grow in faith and bring prayerful attention to the people and decisions entrusted to them. This reflection connects personal formation with the board’s shared work.
Do You Love Me?
Do You Love Me? is a 2014 practical guide to Catholic prayer and spirituality from the Bishops’ Conference. Its six chapters draw on John 21, where the risen Jesus encounters Peter. Everyday experience, Gospel reflection and voices from the Christian tradition support a reflective approach to growing in relationship with Christ.
Suggested reading: Begin with John 21:1–19 and one chapter of the guide. Read slowly, allowing time for silence rather than treating the resource as information to complete.
Questions for Catholic school governors
Choose two or three questions that connect with your current priorities. Listen to leaders’ context, ask what the evidence shows and agree practical support before returning to the impact.
1. Does prayer shape our work?
Your roleKeep Catholic mission visible in the way the board conducts its business.
Ask leaders and ourselvesHow do we connect prayer with the decisions before us? Do we allow space to listen and reflect when an issue is complex?
Evidence to considerMeeting practice, governor reflection and examples of how mission informed a decision.
SupportPlan meaningful prayer and short formation opportunities. Give someone responsibility for preparation without making participation depend on confidence in public prayer.
2. Are governors supported in formation?
Your roleReview the board’s formation and development needs.
Ask leaders and ourselvesWhat helps new governors understand the spiritual purpose of their role? What ongoing formation would deepen our confidence and commitment?
Evidence to considerInduction, development plans and confidential feedback about opportunities offered.
SupportInclude formation in the annual programme. Use diocesan support and accessible opportunities that fit members’ circumstances.
3. Do we listen with humility?
Your roleModel respectful challenge and careful consideration of evidence.
Ask leaders and ourselvesWhose voice have we not heard? Can we distinguish a strong personal preference from the needs of the school and its mission?
Evidence to considerThe quality of questions, contributions to discussion and reasons recorded for decisions.
SupportEncourage preparation, patient listening and space for different views. Seek further information when the evidence is incomplete.
4. How do we support staff formation?
Your roleSeek assurance that leaders have capacity to sustain the school’s Catholic purpose.
Ask leaders and ourselvesWhat formation is available to all staff, including support staff and new colleagues? How do leaders know it helps staff contribute confidently to school life?
Evidence to considerFormation plans, staff feedback and leaders’ evaluation of practice.
SupportResource time, expertise and appropriate opportunities. Respect different starting points and avoid making personal disclosure part of evaluation.
5. Is prayer life thoughtfully supported?
Your roleOversee the quality and resourcing of the school’s prayer and liturgy provision.
Ask leaders and ourselvesHow do pupils experience prayer? How are staff and pupil leaders prepared? What do leaders learn from listening to children and families?
Evidence to considerAnonymised feedback, leaders’ evaluation, planning and development priorities.
SupportSupport appropriate training, resources and chaplaincy links. Use the current Prayer and Liturgy Directory and diocesan expectations for provision.
6. Does formation lead to service?
Your roleEvaluate whether formation strengthens governance and practical care.
Ask leaders and ourselvesHas reflection changed how we challenge, support or prioritise resources? How do we sustain leaders when decisions are difficult?
Evidence to considerExamples of improved board practice, agreed support and follow-up on actions.
SupportChoose one manageable improvement and return to its impact. Give leaders time for reflection as well as accountability.
Keeping the purpose and responsibilities clear
This is a formation resource rather than a framework for measuring someone’s personal faith. Governors oversee provision and board effectiveness; leaders organise daily school prayer and formation. Respect freedom of conscience and confidentiality. Apply current diocesan and education guidance within the board’s remit or trust scheme of delegation.
Use proportionate, anonymised evidence for board formation. Formal complaints, individual cases and confidential concerns should follow their designated procedures.
Read. Reflect. Decide. Return.
Before the meeting: share the suggested reading and invite members to bring one question.
- Pause and pray — 2 minutes. Use the prayer below and allow a short period of silence.
- Reflect — 3 minutes. What in the reading challenges an assumption or deepens our understanding of mission?
- Apply — 5 minutes. Choose an upcoming strategic decision. After reflecting on John 21, ask what attentive listening, faithful service and care for others would require of the board. Identify what further evidence or advice is needed.
- Agree and return — 5 minutes. Record one question, one practical action within the board’s remit and a review date. Identify the evidence that would show a difference.
A prayer for our shared service
Risen Lord Jesus, you call us to follow you and entrust others to our care.
Help us make time to listen. Deepen our faith, soften our impatience and guide our judgement.
Bless our pupils, families and staff. Teach us to challenge with honesty, support with generosity and serve with humility.
May our prayer bear fruit in wise decisions and faithful care for our school.
Amen.
Continue your formation
This reflection complements the wider Governing with Hope collection by focusing on governors’ own spiritual formation and the way faith informs their service.