‘Poustinia’
Our S-P-I-R-I-T Room
Nurturing Children’s Spirituality
“A powerful reaffirmation and exploration of the importance of childhood spirituality for the ministry and mission of the church, which will be welcomed by all working in this field.” Alister McGrath.
At St. Joseph’s, we see the importance of nurturing children’s spirituality as a part of their faith journey and so in developing a vision for our pupils we have adopted a guide to seeing, feeling and evaluating our practices and setting for their spiritual quality.
Rebecca Nye, in ‘Children’s Spirituality (Church House Publishing 2009), What it is and why it matters’, offers six criteria that lies at the core of evaluating good practice for spirituality in children’s work. She uses the acronym: S-P-I-R-I-T
Space – Providing a place of sanctuary or quiet, a holy space within the school lends itself to children understanding that “God is here”
Process – Giving children time to process their thoughts in moments of reflection
Imagination – Using children’s imagination when developing biblical stories and liturgical themes releases elements of creativity. Pope Francis calls this “Wasting time with God”
Relationship – Regular opportunities for students to pray for each other or share together enhances their relationship
Intimacy – Creating a safe and supportive environment is a gradual process for children to “come closer” to God
Trust – Spirituality is a process of trusting in God and in the childhood ability to demonstrate trust
*POUSTINIA (Russian) – Definition: A small, sparsely furnished cabin or room where a person goes to pray and fast in the presence of God’. To go into the poustinia means to listen to God.
Each classroom has a special sacred space which is dedicated to prayer and reflection. The religious objects and colours of the Sacred Space cloths are changed regularly, in accordance with the Church’s liturgical calendar. Pupils are encouraged to use these resources, when preparing their own focal point for weekly Candle Times.
In addition, we also have a ‘Garden of Grace’: a special prayer space which was created by our Pupil Chaplains as part of their Faith in Action award, with the help of Gardening Club members. Dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, the garden is visited by pupils who wish for some quiet time, and who are encouraged to pray a Hail Mary. Fr. Jeff blessed our Garden of Grace in a special service with our Pupil Chaplains.
We are privileged here at St. Joseph’s, to be situated so very close to our parish church. We are frequent visitors to the Church where we attend weekly Key Stage and whole school Masses, and hold special liturgies during Lent and Advent. Our older pupils are given the opportunity to visit for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.