Salesian Spirituality Training programme

Background

The Salesian Spirituality Programme has been written in response to a request made by our young people. They expressed the need for more training. They wanted to learn more about our Salesian Spirituality and the specific way we work with young people. They wanted to develop their understanding of our Salesian Charism, learn the fundamental principles and practises used by Don Bosco and Mary mazzarello to be able to then transfer the knowledge and skills learnt into their daily lives, especially when working with children and young people.

The Salesian Sisters of the GBR Province embraced this challenge and have put together three, eight-week training programmes exploring Salesian Spirituality at different levels:

Level 1:    Basic Training

  • Don Bosco
  • Francis De Sales
  • Mary Mazzarello
  • Salesian Youth Spirituality
  • Salesian skills for working with the Young
  • Salesian approach to Young People
  • Friendship among the Young
  • Salesian Prayer

Level 2:    In-depth Training

  • Daily Living
  • Bonta
  • Salesian Presence
  • Friendship
  • Evangelisation
  • Community
  • Salesian Family
  • Preventive System

Level 3:    Specific Training

  • New Shepherds
  • Sowing seeds of Education
  • The role of Mary in Salesian Spirituality
  • Evangelisation in the letters of Mary Mazzarello
  • Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness in 21st Century
  • Letter of Don Bosco – 1884
  • Sanctity Today

Each level is made up of eight 2 hour sessions. Each session is explained in detail making it easy to follow and deliver. Anyone hoping to use the programme must do the ‘Facilitator’s Induction Training’. This 3 hour session provides the opportunity to become familiar with the programme, be confident with the material and so be able to offer quality training. The hope is that this programme will reach as many as possible of our young people, co-workers, volunteers, staff and lay people enabling them to access and take part in the training programme and consequently influence their work with children and young people. This programme was written for anyone aged 17+. It would be important that those interested in taking part in the training programme should begin with Level 1 regardless of their age, experience and involvement with us as Salesians. Level 1 provides a basic foundation needed before being able to ‘build on’ it and moving onto Levels 2 & 3.

Sessions

Each session has been set out with a defined structure, format and time-scale. All the notes, course materials and resources for the input/session are provided in the hope that it is ‘user-friendly’. Each group is different and so it is understood that some of the material may be adapted from time to time depending on the needs and dynamic of the group.

At the back of the Programme there is a section providing a wide range of ‘warm-ups’ and Icebreakers. These are by no means exhaustive and are provided as a resource to ‘draw on’ for the beginning of each session.

Methodology

The methodology behind the programme is simplistic and creative. It draws on a variety of different ‘teaching styles’ and facilitates different styles of learning. (Visual, Kinesthetic, Auditory). Each session is ‘self-explanatory’ with each method clearly explained. It is understood that the facilitator will have an awareness of specific needs of the group and make provision to support those in the group with any disability ensuring that they too gain full access to the programme.

Some of the different methods used to deliver the sessions are:

  • Direct input
  • Group work
  • Experiential
  • Reflection
  • Journaling

Accreditation

The programme has been acknowledged and approved by the Open College Network. Each Level is a standard recognised ‘unit of work’ worth 2 credits.
 
For further information about the Salesian Spirituality Training Programme please e-mail Sr Connie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it