Spirit-led Renewal
of Catholic Education

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What is Spiritus?

One Charism. One Mission.

Spiritus is an international apostolic work and charism serving the Church’s mission of evangelisation through the renewal of Catholic education.

Spirit-led, Christ-centred and grounded in the life of the Church, Spiritus forms Catholic school educators, leaders and young people as missionary disciples.

So that Catholic schools may become more vibrant centres of faith, witness and mission.

How Spiritus Achieves its Mission

Participation in the Spiritus mission occurs through four complementary forms:

  • Through which the charism is expressed and transmitted.

  • Through which dioceses, Catholic education systems, schools, universities, parishes, religious institutes, and other ecclesial communities participate in and advance the Spiritus mission.

  • Who are accredited and authorised to support the implementation and faithful transmission of the Spiritus charism.

  • Which fosters prayer, formation, collaboration, mutual support, and shared mission among those who participate in the life and work of Spiritus.

Two Formation Streams

Spiritus Leader Formation and Spiritus Youth Ministry are managed and delivered separately, but they share one charism, mission and identity within the Church. Each can operate independently, but Spiritus is most effective when both work together as part of a school-wide or system-wide approach.

For Leaders and Educators

Spiritus

Leader Formation

Helps Catholic leaders integrate faith, leadership and mission in their personal and professional lives.

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For Young People

Spiritus

Youth Ministry

Forms young people and emerging leaders for youth evangelisation within the life of the Catholic school.

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SPIRITUS

INTERNATIONAL

LEADERS

CONFERENCE 2027

Sydney · 17-19 May 2027

Spirit-Led Renewal of Catholic Education

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Learn more and register

Partnerships

Spiritus works in partnership with dioceses, Catholic education systems, schools, universities and other ecclesial communities.

Spiritus Leader Formation Impact at a Glance

380+

Participants in Leaders Formation Programs in 2025

97%  

Felt better equipped to lead the faith community in their school or system

100%

Reported growth in their vocation and ministry

92% 

Experienced transformative formation

  • "The formation of teachers and leaders through the ACU La Salle Academy program, SPIRITUS, has had a significant impact, and I have witnessed and participated in this myself in Canberra as well as internationally in London and Rome. I described this program as being on the cutting edge of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the Catholic world at the moment."

    Archbishop Christopher Prowse - Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

  • "Inspiring, enthusing, challenging and thought provoking. Those words come to mind when I reflect upon the last few days (SPIRITUS)…I have learnt about the importance of witnessing to the faith and to talk about our encounters with Jesus Christ in an intentional and purposeful way with our staff and students."

    Michael Exton - Principal, St Ignatius College Geelong

  • "This whole (SPIRITUS) experience has been totally transformational (International Formation program London). I have been involved in Catholic education for 40 years and this has made a fundamental change in my life and has reinforced the wonderful joy of being a Catholic educator… I feel fully connected to the universal Church and the good news that the Holy Spirit is working and moving amongst us."

    Joan McCombe - Diocese of Down and Connor Northern Ireland

  • "The main part about it (International Formation Program London) has been the way it has bought people together from different parts of the world… this has meant something quite special. From a catholic leader’s point of view in a school it has been really exciting to see a joined up and organised vision for how we might be able to deliver more effectively formation for the pupils we work with and our staff. I feel encouraged and excited about the whole experience."

    Stuart McPherson - Principal, Worth School England

  • "SPIRITUS 2022 has not only given the participants the key to unlocking the New Evangelisation for our young people in schools and parishes, but the strength to push open the doors too. The Program was sensitively created to offer human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation. The days were full of deep discussion, fraternal sharing, prayerful reflection and a profound sense of hope and joy. We look forward to the fruits of this work and growing the network of faith-full Catholic leaders in the coming years."

    Barbara Coupar - Director Scottish Catholic Education Service

  • "SPIRITUS Aotearoa NZ was a pivotal opportunity for leaders and teachers to crystalise the challenge and opportunity of a New Evangelisation paradigm in NZ Catholic schools. The program presented a framework linking ecclesial documents on our evangelising mission as educators to contemporary pedagogies of evangelisation in Catholic schools and an empowering pathway for the meaningful evaluation of Catholic Special Character."

    Brendan Bergin - RE Advisor Diocese Auckland, New Zealand

Expression of Interest

Contact us to learn more about implementing Spiritus Leader Formation and Spiritus Youth Ministry.