Professor Gerald Grace and the Concept of Spiritual Capital: Reflections on its Value and Suggestions for its Future Development

Gerald Grace (2002), borrowing from the sociological constructs of Pierre Bourdieu, speaks of the significance of the spiritual and cultural capital of religious orders in providing a substantial catalyst in the development of Catholic education in England and Wales This chapter endeavours to explore the extent to which spiritual capital is a critical issue for Catholic schools in the 21st century and ways in which such capital may be strengthened within Catholic school communities, building on scholarship beyond Grace. It will investigate the definition of the term, suggest links with other key concepts such as culture before surveying potential challenges and opportunities for 21st century Catholic schools.