Seattle preparatory school - barmore

Thread: Personal&Religious

Subgroup: Individual, Group,&Community

Foci: Local

Program Title: Magis Meals

Contact Person/Office: Matt Barmore/Principal&Adult Faith Formation Coordinator

School : Seattle Preparatory School

Program Description: Faculty/staff are invited to the principal’s house for dinner – groups of 10 at a time. The evening generally follows the following program: social, contemplation of a scripture passage, shared discussion re: experience, images . . ., dinner.

Rationale: We are a faith community. This program strengthens both our faith and our understanding of community. It is informal, interpersonal, and off-campus – all of which are helpful to build community.

Leadership: Matt Barmore developed the program and currently implements it as the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator.

Implementation: In the first year, each faculty/staff member was invited to a specific one of the meetings. In subsequent years, it has been mandatory for all first-year teachers and voluntary for the rest of the faculty/staff. Participation is about 80 – 85%.

Processes and Resources: No special resources are required. Occasionally, different people will lead the contemplation exercise, but everyone involved is a member of the faculty/staff community.

Finances: The budget for the Magis Meal dinners is about $900 for 5-6 meals.

Rewards: No rewards. With the exception of first year employees, articipation is on a voluntary basis.

Time (When/Length): The program is offered yearly and is currently in its fourth year. Each evening runs from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Location (Space): The meals are held at Matt Barmore’s house. We believe that the home setting – off campus, home-cooked meal . . . – is an important element.

Accountability/Assessment: The program is only in its fourth year, but those who choose not to participate for two consecutive years are personally invited in the third year. There is no formal assessment of the program.