Raymond’s New Book: God’s Story, the Vision, Values and Mission of the Catholic School in the 21st Century (working title)

I’m delighted to announce that my new book proposal with the working title God’s Story: the Vision, Values and Mission of the Catholic School in the 21st Century, has been accepted by Redemptorist Publications with the aim of publishing the book in September 2025.

The world is changing rapidly, with many challenges, including a threat to the very future of life on planet earth, and growing inequality and poverty, and violence between nations. There is also good news, examples everywhere of God at work in our world, bringing people together in hope.

Our Catholic schools are places of hope, and great joy. Our young people have a heart for justice and the common good. They face many challenges, which previous generations of young people did not know, especially in the digital world.

Catholic education has changed over the years and is changing again. From an era when Catholic schools were primarily intended to educate poor Catholic children in the industrial east end of Britain’s towns and cities, now our schools are places of rich diversity, with a focus on the formation of young people for the common good, for the building of a better world.

The new Religious Education Directory in England and Wales frames Catholic education as a story, the story of God’s love for humanity. My new book will explore the underlying theology for this new approach, designed to give staff and leaders in schools confidence with the ‘why’ of their mission.

The new Catholic Schools Inspectorate has produced an inspection framework which places the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching at the heart of the work of the Catholic school. Drawing on my experience of working with many Catholic schools, I’ll provides ideas for embedding Catholic Social Teaching in the governance, curriculum and social outreach of the school or multi academy trust.

Grounded in over thirty years of experience in Catholic education, my new book will aim to bring the story up to date, with helpful references to recent Church teaching and practical suggestions. This book will provide the governors, leaders and staff in Catholic schools with much needed food for reflection and encouragement for the mission.