Molly Bennett retires
May 01, 2009
Molly with the art she creates
Molly with several Certificate group photos
January 2009 Certificate group with Molly at right
Simply put, Certificate students love Molly Bennett
As an elementary school teacher in Oakland, California, Molly Bennett was most interested in the spirituality of each of her students. When she was later hired as a Christian educator at a Berkeley Episcopal church in 1980, Molly was given the keys to the parish classroom and not much else in the way of training or support.
"I did not know anything about Christian education - some of my ideas worked out but lots of stuff was a waste of time. I realized that what I liked might not be what teens and young adult parishioners were looking for," said Bennett who will retire from Seminary of the Southwest in June after ten years of teaching. A farewell party for the veteran educator will be held May 1 from 5 to 7pm on the Southwest campus.
What Bennett experienced in California led to the launch of the seminary's Certificate Program in Youth Ministry and Christian Education in 2000. After directing Christian education at All Saints' Church in Austin for 14 years, she was hired to develop training programs for youth ministers and educators at the seminary.
She and five other members of the seminary community created the Certificate program so lay leaders could come together twice a year for one-week sessions on campus. The program offers instruction, discussion, theological reflection, practical ministry skills, worship and spiritual formation. Seminary faculty teach the program's courses and the students form a crucial support network they had previously not enjoyed.
"A lot of the program's success is due to our faculty who welcome Certificate students with open arms. They fan the flames of student's eagerness to learn so they can fulfill their mission to teach our faith," Bennett said. The sessions take place in January and June when regular seminary semester classes are not being held. "The campus is theirs alone and it enhances the sense of shared community. That Certificate network of support is available year round to ask questions and receive advice from fellow students throughout the country," Bennett said.
Simply put, Certificate students love Molly.
"Molly makes you feel like the most important person in the world - she cultivates time and space for you. She's the rare person who welcomes you - just as you are," said Beth Wyndham, a Certificate graduate from the Diocese of Dallas who is now enrolled in the seminary's divinity degree program.
"In humble friendship, Molly probes the hearts and minds of her students and leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves and God's creation. While she might claim to have humorously stumbled upon this ability, we won't let her deny the impact she has had on our lives and the life of the seminary," said Jeannette Hargreaves, who continues in the Certificate program while being a master of arts in religion seminarian and youth minister at St. Richard's Church in Round Rock, Texas.
"The Certificate program was fun and I learned so much. Molly will be greatly missed but her time here has made a lasting footprint on this seminary," said Jean McGraw who also is enrolled now as a master of divinity degree seminarian.
Certificate graduates now work in 23 Episcopal dioceses, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Republic of Panama. The program costs $1,800 for two sessions a year and includes tuition, lodging and meals, in addition to professional certification.
Dr. Jana Strukova, Assistant Professor of Christian Education and Formation at Southwest, will assume program directorship after the June 7-13 Certificate session concludes.
Bennett is looking forward to creating more multi-media art in her retirement years, as well as enjoying more free time with grandchildren.
