Education for Eternity

By Canon R. Post, ICKSP, Principal of the St Benedict’s Academy

Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

It is noteworthy that the preparatory Psalm of Holy Mass weaves together two key ideas: sacrifice and joy. Supernatural happiness is the only sufficient motive to inspire the sacrifices necessary to live out the faith.

At Saint Benedict’s Academy, it is our firm hope that a profoundly Catholic education will instil within children the spirit of sacrifice and of joy. The reality of sacrifice is present in many ways—we see the sacrifices made by our generous benefactors, the sacrifices of volunteer teachers working to communicate to children the beauty of nature and of grace, and we are edified by the sacrifices of our families, many of whom have moved or travel long distances each week to keep strong within their children the precious light of faith.

Staff and pupils: ‘Each day begins with prayer and a short catechetical talk’ balance, love of the truth, and Christian

Nevertheless, we hope that this spirit of sacrifice will also foster joy. As priests of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, we are confident that our holy patrons, St Benedict, St Thomas Aquinas, and St Francis de Sales will go a long way towards fostering in young Catholic men and women a sense of the riches of a spirituality drawn from charity.

Sadly, we can observe all too easily that so many children who pass through schools come out with their faith badly damaged or entirely lost. Even families who do their very best to instil the Catholic faith in their children often experience the tragedy of apostasy.

Gregorian chant with sister

What is needed then, now more than ever, is a Catholic education which seeks to foster in children a sense of their supernatural vocation. God has called each of his children, adopted in the waters of baptism, to be eternally happy with Him in heaven. Only by responding joyfully to this call do we have the possibility of fulfilling our potential now, while also receiving a foretaste of the happiness of eternal life.

It is our desire that Saint Benedict’s Academy will serve this finality. Each day begins with prayer and a short catechetical talk; likewise, class always begins and ends with prayer. The presence of three Canons of the Institute and two teaching Sisters also creates an environment in which responding to the call to priesthood or religious life will not appear alien to the children. Finally, we have the extraordinary treasure of the Mass of Ages, particularly on Fridays and Feast Days when our students and religious Sisters sing a Missa Cantata. It is a great joy to see the enthusiasm with which the boys look forward to their turn on the Mass serving rota.

A lesson in progress

Our Academy is still in its infancy; this January will mark our second anniversary. However, like the mustard seed of the Gospel, we think that, if it be God’s holy will, Saint Benedict’s will grow rapidly and offer a sure refuge for many Catholic families. Already we have seen significant growth this year with the addition of four new families, while we continue to receive frequent enquiries for the years to come.

Following the Holy Mass each Friday, the children of the Academy approach the altar to recite a Litany to the forty English martyrs and venerate the relics of St John Southworth and Blessed William Howard. Certainly, it is a fitting end to the week. While we may not be called upon to shed our blood, we all need the grace of the martyrs’ intercession to remain faithful in a world ever more hostile to Christ and His holy Church.

• Saint Benedict’s Academy accepts children aged 5-18

• Subjects taught at the academy include Catechism, English, Maths, Science, History, French, Latin, Greek, Music and Art.

• Saint Benedict’s follows a part-time, hybrid model, combining the education given at the academy with homeschooling.

• There is a cohesive, classical curriculum which seamlessly blends the education received at the academy with that received at home.

• Run by the ICKSP, Saint Benedict’s offers families the traditional Mass and Sacraments

• The Academy benefits from the presence of teaching priests and religious sisters

• Enquiries may be addressed to saintbenedicts@icksp.org.uk or Canon Post 07856 720900

Science class