A critical examination across Catholic school leadership : an evangelising mission of the Church or modestly an institution designed to provide learning spaces in the Maltese context

Abstract

The main purpose of this research study was to sociologically understand the mission of the Catholic school leader, with attention to constituents of sociological interest, such as societal changes, roles, status, norms, values, secularisation, particularly in the ever-changing Catholic organizations and identities. Recent sociological studies show the shift in the ways Maltese experience and relate to religion. The decline in Church participation has led Catholic schools to take on the role (amongst others) of promoting the Catholic faith. However, changes brought about by external factors and internal challenges have also led Catholic schools in a struggle to balance and promote their Catholic identity, whilst contributing to and securing their standing in the Maltese educational sector. The main aim of this research study was to sociologically scrutinise and understand what constitutes the role of a Catholic school leader. More specifically, the study asked in what way/s and to what extent do Catholic school leaders in Malta engage with the purpose of leadership entailed in their role? How do Catholic school leaders, education authorities and Clergy in Malta perceive the role of the Catholic school leader? What are the main dynamics of leadership in the daily running of Maltese Catholic schools? The research design used qualitative interviews with two groups; the Catholic school leader and Curia personnel; as well as qualitative focus groups, held with Catholic school staff members and Clergy. Thematic data analysis informed the scrutiny of the data from a sociological perspective, revealing the leadership styles used by the Catholic school leader and how these styles complement their roles. The research concluded that the Catholic school mission and the roles of the Catholic school leaders are in despair due to the increasing influence of secularisation, the declining religious order and a break in the Catholic community. Inconsistency in ethea, shared values and Catholic identities transpired in how Catholic schools should respond to social, educational and ecclesial changes, where the emblem of the Catholic school is no longer one of religious order, but of laity. Catholic school leaders are remodelling the Catholic ethos and its identity, consistently with societal change, while investing in significant interaction with social partners, such as educators’ professional and parental associations, broader civil society, media and state authorities. Recommendations include the need for an urgent review on the impact of rapid social changes the Catholic landscape is currently facing.