Guest Editorial: A journey through Catholic teachings and values

Mar 16, 2024

In the heart of every Catholic organisation lies a mission - a testament to the Church’s lasting commitment to spread the Good News. Yet, the effectiveness of this mission is profoundly influenced by the calibre of its leaders. As recent graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture from the Australian Catholic University, we’ve embarked on a journey of reflection, learning how essential leadership is within our faith communities. The cornerstone of effective leadership, we’ve discovered, is not rooted in authority or power, but in service and humility, exemplified by none other than Jesus Christ. Our exploration has led us to share our insights, hoping to illuminate the path for current and future leaders in our faith communities.

Jesus’ approach to leadership was revolutionary. His interactions, such as the compassionate encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), illustrate His method of servant leadership. He met people where they were, listened to their needs, and guided them towards spiritual enlightenment without judgment. His method was transformational, centred on building trust and fostering relationships that encourage and enable others to grow in their faith and understanding. This narrative is not just a historical account; it’s a blueprint for leading within the Catholic ethos.

Servant leadership, intertwined with transformational leadership, provides a model that is both nurturing and visionary. It encourages leaders to inspire and motivate, to articulate a future that reflects the teachings of Christ while attending to the immediate needs of their communities. Such leadership doesn’t just aim for goals but looks to create an environment where every team member feels valued and understood, echoing the inclusivity Jesus practiced.

However, the path of leadership is fraught with challenges, requiring leaders to introspect and ensure their actions generate more light than darkness. This inner reflection is critical, for a leader’s influence can uplift or diminish the spirit of their followers. Emulating Jesus means embodying love, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the Holy Spirit's guidance, ensuring that our leadership fosters a community that mirrors the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.

For those called to leadership within Catholic organisations, ministries, or parishes, the mission extends beyond administration; it is a call to live out the principles of love, justice, solidarity, and respect for life that form the core of our faith. The Church’s social teachings compel us to advocate for the dignity of every person, particularly the weak and marginalised, demanding a societal shift towards greater equity and compassion.

Effective Catholic leadership demands a balance of qualities: self-reflection, prayerful discernment, vulnerability, openness to diverse perspectives, attentiveness, incisiveness, and a responsible, well-communicated decision-making process. These attributes are not just functional skills but are manifestations of a deep spiritual commitment to serving God’s people.

As we embrace our various leadership roles, we are reminded that our actions, inspired by the Holy Spirit, must always strive to reveal the unseen and to know the unknown. Leadership in the Catholic context is not just a position but a vocation - a sacred calling to serve with the heart of Jesus, ensuring that through our leadership, we reflect His transformative love and mercy to all.

In this journey, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit accompanies us, guiding and inspiring us to lead with integrity and compassion. We embrace this call with open hearts, committed to being leaders who not only envision a future in the likeness of Christ’s teachings but also actively work towards making it a reality in the here and now. — By Amanda Pumala (ArchKL Chancery Office); Cheryl Kristine (Archdiocesan Office for Human Development) and Eppy Nyirun (Stella Maris International School Damansara)