The priestly vocation of the Catholic college: Maintaining purpose in an evolving world

This study is written in the context of Catholic Education in the 21st Century within the Diocese of Cardiff. The study analyses how Catholic educational leaders can maintain a priestly vocation of service in an evolving climate of change and competition. The study focuses on the concept of ‘priesthood’ and the themes which contribute to the priestly vocation of Catholic education. Various sources of literature have been reviewed and referred to throughout. A small scale research project based within the Diocese of Cardiff analysed how the Heads of RE in the Diocese perceive that their schools measure up to the themes promoted in the literature review. A comparison of the findings has been made with my perceptions in the position of Programme Area Manager of Religious Education, in my own setting; a Catholic sixth form college. Practical recommendations based on the literature reviewed, data collected, and my participant observations are made and will be presented to my Senior Leadership Team in order to further promote the priestly purpose of the college. Within these recommendations, thought is also given to ways in which we may be able to share good practice and resources with the Catholic feeder schools within the Diocese. Whilst it is directed at one particular Catholic institution, I believe that the study will offer considerations about how to maintain Catholic ethos within 14-19 education in the Diocese of Cardiff specifically, and modern Catholic Education in Wales, more generally.