Tags: Salesian Education
Kintsugi: Teachers as Broken Healers
Posted: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 09:10
Kintsugi is a Japanese art form in which breaks and repairs are treated as part of the object's history. Broken ceramics are carefully mended by artisans with a lacquer resin mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum. The repairs are visible — yet somehow beautiful. Kintsugi means "golden joinery".
Kintsugi is a way of seeing, that is only possible through the eye of contemplation. To contemplate... Read More »
The Mystical Heart of Education
Posted: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:44
Hands up who knows what the word 'education' means? I often start in-service training with this question. Quite often a room full of teachers will have no idea of the etymological meaning of the word—why would they? I didn't until I was told. Yet each one has the concept in their head, heart and soul. They have, in my humble opinion, a mystical knowledge of the meaning of education. By mystical... Read More »
Called to serve: called to teach
Posted: Thu, 09 Jul 2020 20:41
In this week's article, Catholic teacher Mike Bennett reflects on the vocation of teaching and his own experience of God's call to teach the young as a layman.
'The Priest' by Jimmy McGovern is a retreat in two hours. Like all of McGovern's work, it is real, grounded, rooted in the everyday experiences that so many of us can relate to. I watch it at least once a year if I can. For me, it is a story... Read More »
Every creature is a word of God and is a book about God
Posted: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:00
Continuing our series of articles by a Catholic teacher, this week Mike explores the glimpses of the divine we see in our schools and students.
"Every creature is a word of God and is a book about God"
These words come from the 13th century philosopher and mystic, Meister Eckhart. Like all mystics, he did not see God as confined to ancient scriptures or rituals, not that God cannot be found there; He... Read More »
Entering the Inner Room
Posted: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:08
Catholic teacher Michael Bennett reflects this week on helping the young find God in the silence of their own interior space. Photo: Students in the chapel at the 'Make Some Noise' Salesian Youthgather, 2018
My youngest son, Isaac, has a sharp mind, and a sharper wit! He questions everything, reflects deeply and is never quite happy to accept things as they seem to be. A number of years ago, his mum... Read More »
Sacred Journeys in the School Year
Posted: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:20
In this week's article on Catholic education, Mike looks at school life as a pilgrimage. Photo: Savio Salesian College students in Lourdes, 2017
I am missing the daily routine of school. The school day has a rhythm, as does the term and the school year. I have always either been at school or working in a school; at forty-six, I am used to the movement of the school day and how the clock ticks.
In this... Read More »
Educating through friendship and peace
Posted: Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:07
This week's article by Catholic teacher, Michael Bennett, looks at the importance of being a friend to young people. Photo: A Salesian summer camp in 2015
For nine years I was fortunate enough to serve the community of Bootle in Savio Salesian College. From the moment I was appointed, I knew I had found my spiritual home amongst the Salesian family. I was doubly lucky: not only had I landed in a Salesian... Read More »
The 'Dim Sum' approach to education
Posted: Thu, 28 May 2020 17:20
This week, Mike looks at the importance of truly reaching young people in building the foundation of good teaching and learning in a Catholic school. (Photo: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash)
I have been blessed by the fraternal love of the Salesians of Bootle, which led me to the wider Salesian family and ultimately to the Lasallian family. To work, worship and belong to these communities, whose essence... Read More »
‘Get a real job!’ - the reality of school
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2020 18:58
In his latest article on being a Catholic teacher, Mike reflects on engagement with reality. (Photo: Freephoto on Pixabay)
Being a proud Scouse lad, the lyrics of the Beatles I am sure are as much as part of my DNA as the double helix. Music and football are an instant conversation starter where ever I go. One of the most sublime lyrics of the Fab Four is 'Living is easy with eyes closed.' Can you name... Read More »
His mercy is gentle as silence
Posted: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 13:13
As we approach Divine Mercy Sunday, we present the second in our series of articles by a Catholic teacher working in Don Bosco's way, reflecting here on the 'Resurrection experiences' each school year offers. Photo: Shutterstock
Like everyone the current situation of lock down gives me more time than usual to think and reflect. When I have a few spare moments I log on to YouTube, as I am addicted to... Read More »