Alcuin Seminar RSVP

Learn more about Classical Christian Education!

Join us for an evening of discussion and learning together as we strive to appreciate and love Classical Christian education together! We’ll explore why we think this model of education is so valuable- the history, the model, and means!

Friday, April 11th at 6:30pm

Brianses’ House (543 Judd St, Honolulu, HI 96817)

  • Classical Education- An Education in Glory

  • Presentation & Discussion led by Father Mark Brians

  • Bring a simple pupu or dessert to share: nuts, cookies, fruit, etc. Wine will be provided. 

The Alcuin Seminars are quarterly discussions focused on deepening an understanding of education. There will be three seminars throughout the coming school year approximately every 3 months. These seminars are for anyone interested– parents and tutors from Saint Benedict Hall, and anyone interested in the community. This is great event to invite friends or family to. Everyone is welcome to share this opportunity with other interested friends!

(There won't be any childcare at these events.)

Who is eligible to join the Alcuin Seminars? 

Anyone! You can come to one or all of the three seminars. 

How much does it cost?

These are free events. 

Schedule 

Michaelmas Seminar: Friday, October 25 at 6:30pm at the Tiptons’ House (83 Namala Place, Kailua)

  • Raising Monarchs- Classical Education in Hawaii 

  • Discussion on integrating Classical Christian Education in Hawaii- a history and approach. How did the Monarchs approach education? Why did they start schools? What kind of vision for education did they have? What can we learn from them?

  • Discussion led by Deacon Ben and Kelly Maunakea-Payne

  • No articles or reading needs to be done ahead of time for this seminar. 

Epiphany Seminar: Friday, January 24 at 6:30pm at the Darts’ House (828B Oneawa St, Kailua)

Lenten Seminar: Friday, Friday, April 11th at 6:30pm at the Brianses’ House (543 Judd St, Honolulu, HI 96817)

  • Classical Christian Education: A Pedagogy of Glory

  • Discussion led by Fr. Mark Brians

*Chapters and articles will be provided ahead of time for free. 

Why Alcuin? 

In the late 700s, Western Europe was experiencing a cultural and intellectual darkness. Yet in Charlemagne’s court a young scholar and deacon named Alcuin was quietly advancing a Classical Christian education at his school.  He brought the classical disciplines of the trivium and quadrivium into harmony with Christian theology. The Palace School under his care grew as an educational center for both young clergy and scholars in a jovial and vibrant atmosphere. His community and friends at Charlemagne’s court became the foundation for the Carolingian Renaissance that later influenced the development of Western Civilization. Our seminars seek to embody the same vision for education that integrates our theological commitments as Christians and the wisdom of the ages found in the classical tradition.  We envision this to be explored best in the context of a joyful community. 

What does a typical Alcuin Seminar Discussion Night look like? 

  • Meet at 6:30pm at someone’s home on their outside lanai

  • Bring a simple pupu or dessert to share: nuts, cookies, fruit, etc. Wine will be provided. 

  • Presentation overview of the reading that is provided ahead of time, and then discussion and questions about further application of what this might look like for our own thinking and approach to education. 

  • Finish at 8:30pm