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^Put ney, M. E. (2008). Catholic identity and mission. In //Identity and Mission in Catholic Agencies//. St Pauls Publications, Strathfield, NSW

Our most rev. Bishop Michael Putney, in his paper //Catholic Identity and Mission,// speaks to us about Catholic identity and how we can engage in the mission of the Church. Bishop Michael provides his own personal proposal, in which he speaks about ecumenical and interreligious relationships. He identifies the difference between each, and in discussing these he defines Catholic identity. In this article, Bishop Michael reminds us of the importance of **not //downplaying// our Catholic identity** in ecumenical dialogue (p. 27) and he suggests that only until one is **//fully anchored in their own identity//** **should one begin to engage with other Christian communities (p.27).**

The key element of this article, explored by Bishop Michael, is the concept of Catholicism, Catholic spirituality and spirituality. Bishop Michael addresses this emerging postmodern concept of **//a new openness towards the spiritual (p.34 et al Gallagher). //** He puts forward the question: **//How we can best communicate in a secular context so that we attract people to Christ and his gospel//? (p.33**) opposed to mere individual spirituality.

He provides us with a framework, as missionaries, and metaphorically speaks of **the church becoming pregnant for the future, although aged, as Abraham and Sarah became pregnant later in life (36).**

In reflecting on charism in our Catholic schools, and in our continued reflection of what it means to be Catholic, it is important to continue to embrace our Catholicism as an essential element of who we are as missionaries of the Church. Whilst we must also develop a deeper understanding of Catholic spirituality and truly nurture unique spirituality, divinely given to all, it is imperative to continue to rebirth our Catholic essence; in coming to realize the complete fullness and power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Bishop Michael concludes that as institutions of the church, in defining our mission and our identity, we need not only to look at ourselves but more importantly **//look at our context and come to understand who we are dealing with in our mission, who is ‘other’ to us (p.36).//** His plea is to not surrender to secularism but to **//confront and converse, convict and collaborate, dialogue and defend, and, one hopes, attract and convert (37).//**

It is so important for us to continue to represent our Catholicism within our schools based on our beliefs, our history and traditions. Embracing our Catholic identity and embracing the ‘other’ remains achievable, and should be found at the forefront of all that we do as Catholic educators. Carmen Bennett August 2009