Nurturing Holistic Growth: Fostering Faith and Wellbeing

A practical guide for teachers and parents to engage in faith-based conversation with young people.

Mrs Jacinta Wells | Acting Director of Faith and Identity

In line with our Jesuit heritage and inspired by the spirit of Mary Ward, Loreto Normanhurst is dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of each individual child, a philosophy known as "cura personalis" or caring for the whole person. When applied to education, this principle acknowledges the importance of fostering the complete growth of a person, encompassing their mental, physical, and spiritual aspects.

Teaching the whole person demands a sincere commitment to fostering genuine and authentic connections at the core of the classroom experience. By recognising and tapping into the emotional, academic, and spiritual dimensions that are inherent in the learning journey, we provide students with a richer opportunity to explore their identity, values, and their role in the wider world beyond the confines of the school.

In the context of Loreto Normanhurst, the principle of "cura personalis" holds significant importance, fostering an educational environment that places compassionate and authentic relationships at the core of the teaching process. As a result, educators prioritise not only assisting students in their academic pursuits but also promoting personal growth, with a specific emphasis on spiritual development and wellbeing.

However, guiding young individuals in nurturing their spiritual health and maturity can present challenges. Effectively engaging students in conversations about God, spirituality, and the role of faith in their overall growth can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced educators. Nonetheless, it is crucial for mentors, parents, and teachers to commit to these challenging discussions to wholeheartedly support the holistic growth of each child.

One particularly valuable approach for empowering young people to connect with their faith is the "5 Ways to Wellbeing Model." This framework focuses on enhancing overall wellbeing and encourages positive behaviours that enable individuals to thrive and flourish. While this model is not exclusive to a religious context, it can be particularly useful when approaching faith-based conversations. It provides a practical series of steps that can be encouraged and promoted to help young individuals establish a connection with God, their community, and their own spirituality.

Step 1: Connect with God and Others

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." – John 13:34

The first step is all about building connections. It involves fostering a relationship with God and with others, recognising that these connections provide community support and a sense of strength and purpose through the knowledge of being loved by God. To develop this relationship with God, students might engage in practices such as prayer, active listening to others and to the voice of God through those around them, and being fully present in the moment, acknowledging the presence of God in all things. Deepening this connection may involve regular church attendance, participation in prayer services, or reflective practices like the Ignatian examen.

Step 2: Be Active

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." – 1 Corinthians 6:19

For some students, a more tangible way of connecting to God is through physical activity they enjoy, thus honouring and caring for their bodies as part of their spiritual wellbeing. Scripture emphasises that humans are made in the Image of God, underscoring the importance of physical health. Being active also allows individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of God's creation through activities like walking, cycling, or running, fostering a sense of awe for the world around them. Encouraging connections, whether through reflection, prayer, or physical engagement with God's creation, remains crucial to spiritual maturity.

Step 3: Keep Learning

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." – Proverbs 2:6

At Loreto Normanhurst, a commitment to lifelong learning and the recognition of the value of embracing new experiences and opportunities are fundamental cornerstones. Consequently, being open to new aspects of one's faith and enthusiastically participating in Religious Education classes can also deepen one's understanding of God and the Catholic tradition. For young people, we must walk alongside them as they explore what it means to live a life of justice and peace. This can include encouraging students to expand their knowledge of social and ecological justice issues, and considering how they can contribute to positive change in these areas is also a positive way to engage with one’s faith.

Step 4: Take Notice

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." – Psalm 46:10

For some students, spirituality is discovered by taking notice of the world around them and finding inspiration in the wonder of God's creation. By noticing the world around them, students can derive joy from simple things and practice mindfulness, focusing on the present moment to foster a sense of calm and spiritual renewal. Scriptures remind us that God "restores the soul," (Psalm 23) allowing us to reset our minds and acknowledge God's constant presence. Students can engage in practices like lighting candles, saying prayers, or participating in meditative exercises to create space for God's presence and guidance.

Step 5: Help Others

"Love your neighbour as yourself." – Mark 12:31

For many students, practical engagement is a powerful way to connect with their faith and spiritual identity. Community service and helping others encourages students to be generous with their time, words, and presence. It promotes acts of kindness, such as expressing gratitude, offering a smile, extending a helping hand, and understanding their role in the broader community. Generosity lies at the heart of the Catholic tradition, with Jesus urging us to love our neighbours and put our faith into action. Through community service and social justice initiatives, students can genuinely contribute to the world while also developing a commitment to discipleship. By contributing to initiatives such as the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, students can be reminded that they are living out Catholic Social Teachings in their everyday lives.

Above all, it is essential to keep the conversation open, even when it is challenging. Spiritual development requires nurturing, cultivation, and practice. By seeking to promote faithfulness through a variety of methods, we can support our young people in growing more holistically and fully, knowing that God is always present with them on their journey and that Jesus is “with you always, to the very end of the age."- Matthew 28:20.