Anam Cara Educational Support

Anam Cara Educational Support is a creative ministry established by Frank and Sue McDermott following a change in direction from their full time roles in Catholic Education: Sue from her post as a Catholic school headteacher and Frank from his post as Director of Schools for the Diocese of Hallam.

This creative partnership offers an experience of 'Anam Cara' or 'soul friendship' through days of reflection for school and parish communities,
sabbaticals for headteachers and long serving members of staff, school visits,
a range of professional development experiences and  one to one confidential professional and pastoral support.
 
The real essence of 'Anam Cara' is to walk alongside colleagues in a spirit of positive and enthusiastic companionship, rooted in Christ.
 
Opportunities for Creative Support include:-
 

w Days of reflection, celebration and spiritual formation

 

w Visiting Church schools with practical feedback to staff and governors,

      affirmation and celebration

 

w   Supporting and developing the prayer life of the school

 

w Exploring our Celtic Christian heritage through days of reflection and

      pilgrimage

 

w Creating school quiet gardens

 

w Nurturing parish, deanery, home and school links

 

w Assisting the Church school's contribution to the common good and social

      cohesion

 

w Experiencing gentle days of pilgrimage, retreat and prayerful reflection for

      all staff

 

 

w Supporting schools to develop appropriate responses to bereavement and

     loss among children and young people

 

The Anam Cara

In the Celtic tradition there is a beautiful understanding of love and friendship. One of the fascinating ideas here is the concept of soul love; the old Gaelic term for this is anam cara. Anam is the Gaelic word for soul and cara is the word for friend. So anam cara within the Celtic world was soul friend. With the anam cara, you could share your innermost self, mind and your heart.

 

(John O'Donohue, Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World)

 

 

 

New Development

From Advent 2008, 'Anam Cara' is delighted to be linked to 'Begin with the Heart', a project created by Fr Daniel O'Leary to offer personal and professional nourishment to all involved in religious education and catechesis. It calls for a dynamic theology and a vital spirituality in all aspects of our educational endeavours.  Click on 'Begin with the Heart' on our menu to find out more.

Anam Cara Educational Support

                                                                                                                                                                                                 "no distinction between the sacred and the ordinary"