Benedict Rules

A schoolteacher and chaplain, Vena Eastwood has for several years successfully used the Rule of St Benedict for the development of school communities. This is an exciting and practical means towards enhancing the spiritual development of pupils, teachers and staff. On each page of her book a small section of the Rule is presented, followed by a paragraph of points for discussion, which are completed by a simple prayer. A page or more a day may be easily incorporated into a religious education class or school assembly. Home schools will find this resource a systematic introduction to one of the world's spiritual treasures. For the teacher, Vena has given some good ideas about presentation in her introduction, and some pages about the use of Lectio Divina in education to complete the book. The text is plain and lucid so that both elementary and secondary students can benefit from this innovative approach to practical spirituality. Many people in all sorts of educational situations are going to be extremely grateful to Vena Eastwood for her pioneer study and for the dynamic way in which she presents it. I hope that many will be encouraged and stimulated to follow her in making the way of St Benedict a part of life. ESTHER DE WAAL A practical, Christ-based tool for the building of community. We will be using Benedict's wisdom to develop our student community. VINCENT WARD, HEAD OF 6TH FORM, ST THEODORE'S, BURNLEY This practical book is ideal for those who wish to offer Benedictine insights to their pupils. RIGHT REV DOM CHRISTOPHER JAMISON OSB, ABBOT OF WORTH