A Church of England high school with a Salesian Catholic chaplain was the perfect venue this week for the Salesian Chaplaincy Network to explore being 'Salesian anywhere'.

After four years with the Savio House community, Sam is now the first ever chaplain at St Michael's C of E High School, Crosby. She and Jess, a chaplain at a non-Salesian RC school, shared their experience bringing Don Bosco's ethos and approach to their work outside a Salesian setting.

Following a tour from our superb student guides, including some time with the animals on the school farm, the meeting began with prayer led by Sandy.

Jess took us through a 'Salesian Health Check' - challenging us to see how far we are Salesian in our own work, being present to young people, 'wasting time' with them, sharing the Salesian charism with colleagues as well as students.

Sam asked us to consider our own lives at work and beyond in terms of Don Bosco's window - home, school, playground and church, and outlined how she tries to bring the Salesian approach into each area. She outlined how the students have been involved in defining the values their school lives by, and how these values are encouraged and developed.

Sam pointed out that we tend to think Salesian work is only done where Salesians are based. However, following today's experience, we will all be much more aware that Salesian methods are being used to support young people and enrich their lives beynd Salesian settings, by people committed to being Salesian anywhere.

The day ended with Mass, celebrated by Fr Martin Coyle SDB.

We were very grateful for the hospitality of Sam and St Michael's, and very impressed by the school and the students we met.