Description
The 2026 Jubilee Year of St Francis invites Catholic communities around the world to rediscover the witness of St Francis of Assisi — a model of peace, simplicity, compassion, and ecological awareness.
This School Formation Package provides leaders with a complete, high‑quality resource to guide staff through two 1‑hour formation sessions grounded in Catholic identity and Franciscan spirituality.
The sessions explore key moments in Francis’ life and conversion, including his encounter before the San Damiano Cross, his joyful kinship with creation, and his commitment to peace and humility. Through Scripture, Franciscan texts, prayer, video stimulus, and guided reflection, staff are invited to consider how Francis’ values can shape their presence, relationships, and professional practice.
The second session introduces ecological conversion through the lens of Laudato Si’, encouraging staff to reflect on their worldview, habits, and relationship with creation. Participants explore themes of wonder, gratitude, moderation, and integral ecology, and consider practical ways ecological conversion can shape whole‑school culture.
Accessible, engaging, and deeply grounded in Catholic identity, this package supports leaders to facilitate meaningful formation that is both spiritually rich and practically relevant. It is suitable for all staff across Catholic education systems and may contribute to accreditation or professional learning requirements.
What staff will learn
Staff will deepen their understanding of:
- The significance of the 2026 Jubilee Year of St Francis
- How Francis’ spirituality shapes Catholic identity and school culture
- Ecological conversion as a spiritual and communal journey
- Practical Franciscan‑inspired actions for peace, simplicity, and ecological awareness
- Ways to integrate ecological responsibility into leadership, relationships, and daily practice
Session overview
Session One: Discipleship, Saints & the Life of St Francis
This session introduces staff to the role of saints in Catholic identity and explores the life, spirituality, and conversion of St Francis. Staff reflect on Francis’ humility, joy, and kinship with creation, and consider how these values can shape their presence and practice.
Key themes:
- Why saints matter in Catholic identity
- Key moments in Francis’ life and conversion
- Peace, humility, simplicity, and joyful discipleship
- Francis’ relevance for contemporary Catholic schools
Session Two: Ecological Conversion & Catholic Identity
This session explores ecological conversion through Laudato Si’ and Franciscan spirituality. Staff reflect on their relationship with creation and consider how ecological conversion can shape whole‑school culture.
Key themes:
- Creation as kin — Brother Sun, Sister Moon
- Wonder, gratitude, and relationality
- Moderation and responsible use of goods
- Integral ecology and Catholic identity
- Practical ecological actions for school communities
What’s included
- Two fully designed 1‑hour staff formation sessions
- Complete facilitator notes with clear instructions and narrative guidance
- Matching slide deck for both sessions
- Reflection prompts for individual and group engagement
- Video suggestions to deepen formation
- Scripture, Franciscan texts, and prayer resources
- Practical applications for Catholic school settings
Frequently asked questions
Is this course suitable for all Catholic education systems?
Yes. The course is designed for educators across all systems. It may contribute to accreditation or professional learning requirements — contact Little Earthies to discuss your context.
How long does the course take?
Approximately 2 hours, completed over two one hour sessions.
Who is this course for?
Teachers, leaders, RECs, support staff, and anyone seeking meaningful formation for the 2026 Jubilee Year.
Can schools enrol multiple staff?
Yes — this formation package allows for any number of staff to engage.
How long do I have access?
As this is a downloadable resource, you will have access indefinitely.
Do I need prior knowledge?
No — the course is accessible for all staff.
