Solomon Islands Project M.A.S.T.
Summer 2007

Program for Catholic Teachers in the Solomon Islands
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Brothers Timothy Driscoll and Ryszard Decowski conducted workshops for Catholic teachers and youth leaders in the Dioceses of Auki and Gizo. Each year since 2003 Bro. Timothy and another Brother have traveled to the Solomon Islands to help Catholic teachers and youth leaders deepen their faith and develop a fuller understanding of their vocation and mission as Catholic educators and leaders.  

Six MAST workshops (MARIANIST APOSTOLIC & SPIRITUAL TRAINING) were held during June and July with over 250 participants. The theme for this year’s workshops was the World Youth Day theme which Pope Benedict XVI has proposed to the young people of the World: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses. (Acts1:8).” Sessions explored the ways in which the Spirit works through the Scriptures and the tradition of the Church to empower us as witnesses to the Kingdom of God. Teachers and other participants were encouraged to witness to their faith through their words and deeds, realizing the unique mission that Jesus has entrusted to each of us through our baptism into His Spirit. The powerful witness shown by Mary and great saints of our Church such as Anthony of Padua, Martin de Porres and Teresa of Calcutta provided inspiring examples of how the Spirit empowers men and women to grow beyond their fears and weaknesses in order to build up God’s kingdom among their brothers and sisters. 

Teachers deepened their understanding of the role of Catholic education by considering a study done by the Archdiocese of Seattle, “How to Identify the Essential Attributes of a Quality Catholic School” by Anthony Gnanarajah (Momentum, September/October 2006). These essential characteristics are the hallmarks not just of excellent Catholic schools, but of individual Catholic teachers who are powerful witnesses to their students of a mature Catholic faith. Through discussion and the preparation of presentation charts, the teachers outlined ways in which these attributes can be implemented in both immediate and long-terms situations. The eight essential attributes are as follows:

1. Strong Catholic Identity
2. Clear Sense of Purpose and Mission
3. Education that is Appropriate and Accessible to the local faith community
4. Academic Excellence
5. Continuous Improvement
6. Strong pastoral and professional leadership
7. Excellent staff committed to education as a vocation
8. Sound management of resources to create a faith-filled learning environment.

The Brothers are grateful for the warm hospitality shown to them as they traveled throughout Auki and Gizo dioceses and for the opportunity to share in the life and prayer of each community where a workshop was held. Many thanks to Bishops Christopher Cardone OP of Auki and Bernard O’Grady OP of Gizo for sponsoring the MAST programs once again and to the diocesan Education Secretaries, Benedict Mona Aefi (Auki) and Beata Jio (Gizo) for facilitating the arrangements for the workshops.