Called to be Teacher was the theme of a retreat for Catholic educators from 28 to 30 November at Montfort Centre.15 Catholic and Christian teachers and leaders from kindergartens, schools and polytechnics spent the weekend reflecting on their vocation and work as educators. The dynamics of the semi-silent retreat included prayer and reflection, contemplation and meditation and sharing. Retreatants were also invited to reflect using their creativity and imagination in kinesthetic and aesthetic exercises.
The retreat began with an appreciation of names and how each is the unique and gifted person God calls to be teacher. Retreatants then reflected on their respective calls to be a teacher and the journeys they have taken since responding. Using the life of St John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers, as a model, retreatants were also challenged to reflect on the inter-relationship of faith and teaching in their lives. An aspect of being teacher is recognizing one’s own vulnerabilities and expectations; reflecting on these helped them understand the importance of honesty and openness to mature as teachers. The retreat ended with an invitation to "imagine" God "re-moulding" them through the weekend to be his handicraft, the Christian teacher.
Retreatants found the weekend of prayer, reflection and fellowship enriching, insightful and fulfilling. Some of their comments are:
“Learning from one another’s sharing, listening to God’s prompting and knowing that my journey as a teacher is purposeful.” – Stephanie Mak
“The retreat helped me to see how God is recharging me with his grace.” – Natalie Loo
The retreat was valuable for “the time and space for quiet contem plation and reflection and getting the courage to ‘break’ the mould of oneself. It was a humbling experience.” It “helped us have a sense of the common mission and calling” and “provided a space to support each other.” – Germaine Kwan
“Being a Catholic teacher is a call from God. It is good to take time off to be with our Master, to listen to Him. God will give us strength to continue to persevere in our vocation to teach.” – Elizabeth Teo
“A source for thirst-quenching, soul-searching for burnt out teachers, especially at the end of the year.” – Lillian Law
This retreat was co-organized by ACCS and Catholic Teachers’ Movement (CTM). For more pictures of the weekend, please click the photo to your left.---------------------
This retreat is part of the Spiritual Wellness for Catholic Educators’ programme. The next event is a Day of Prayer and Recollection on the theme, Called to Teach and Care. It will focus on teaching as a ministry of forming the child. It will be held at Lifesprings Canossian Spirituality Centre from Friday, 6 March (7pm) to Saturday, 7 March (6pm). For more information, please call Shirley at 6858-7080.
