Reflection, learning and sharing at CHoRE Networking Retreat

Chaplains, Heads of RE and Animators from schools across GB gathered in St Cassian’s, Kintbury, for the CHoRE Networking Retreat on March 2nd and 3rd.

In what proved to be a very successful event, those in attendance were given the opportunity to reflect on the events within the Lasallian Family and beyond, allowing them to share their thoughts in open and engaging discussions.

One of the many highlights was the input from Raymond Friel, Chief Executive of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), who delivered enlightening addresses on many issues facing our schools and centres.

Delegates were welcomed by Jo Millea, Director of Formation and Vocation Ministry, who, after an opening prayer and reflection, outlined the events of importance within the District in recent months.

These included the General Chapter, AIMEL and the District Mission Assembly, while particular attention was given to the Leavening Project. The gathering was given the opportunity to reflect and discuss some of the key issues of this project, including the questions of ‘Where is my brother, where is my sister?’, ‘To whom shall we go?’ and ‘In your community, who is on the periphery?’

Raymond Friel then delivered a very interesting and thought-provoking presentation entitled ‘Catholic Social Teaching and Integral Ecology’.

During the address, he traced the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching back to the Book of Genesis and how the values that are important today can be linked to those teachings.

Raymond reminded all that values such as dignity, compassion and social justice remain fundamental to Catholic teaching, and that Vatican II highlighted that education is very much about the overall formation of the young person.

He then spoke about the concept of Integral Ecology which is based on the desire for us all to view both the ecological and the human crisis through an integral approach, as a way for us all to work together to protect the earth, our common home.

There were discussions on how Catholic Social Teaching can be woven into all aspects of the school.

The evening session allowed the gathering to hear more about some of the great work being done throughout the District as schools shared examples of good practice.

Firstly, De La Salle St Helens school Chaplain, Sam Cantillon, spoke about formation for student leaders and how this is designed to be meaningful and to meet the needs of the students.

Anya Poole, from St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, provided an insight into the innovative ‘Touching Hearts/Teaching MInds’ programme which has been developed in the school. The initiative has the Lasallian values at its core and is designed to meet the needs of students and address their concerns.

Laura Young, from De La Salle College Jersey, spoke about the success of a Lasallian art competition which led to the professional production of a calendar. The competition helped students understand what being Lasallian really means to them and engaged students across all ages in school.

Friday morning saw another insightful contribution from Raymond Friel entitled ‘Gospel Inspired Curriculum: A call to action’.

He spoke about how religion is a stimulant for the things we do in life, rather than an opiate, and how Catholic Social Teaching invites schools to see things in a different way. He spoke about the importance of the concept of ‘See, Judge, Act’ and how teachers can encourage students to take action.

This was followed by group discussion on how these concepts could be incorporated into the curriculum.