CHAPLAINCY: AUTUMN TERM 2022

Chaplaincy Update

Chaplaincy Message

Our theme this year is, “You will be my witnesses”. This instruction from Jesus to his disciples is found in the book of Acts and encompasses what it means to be a follower of Christ. Our faith must be visible and active, not just in our hearts. Throughout the school year we will explore how we are called to witness through our vocations, through our gifts and talents and through our encounters with others.

Our St Ursula Masses this term focused on responding to the world food crisis. The Mass was entirely devised by student members of the chaplaincy team and included a very powerful reflection. Student reps also attended the Jesuit Missions Sustainability picnic and spoke with our local MP Stephen Hammond about their concerns for the future of our planet.

During the season of Advent we have lived truly lived out the Spirit of Serviam:

• The Christmas fairs raised a total of £2810.60 for charities including The Common Good for CAFOD’s East Africa Appeal, Solidarity for CentrePoint, Stewardship for The Young People’s Trust for the Environment, and a school in Sierra Leone
• Our Christmas Jumper Day raised £127.60 for Jumpers for Jimmy
• Our Joint Carol Service raised £558.60 for The Passage Charity
• We sent over 120 Christmas gifts to the Catholic Children’s Society to support families across London

It has been a pleasure to coordinate the chaplaincy team this term; I have been so impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication to the prayer life of the school. However, we welcome the arrival of Mr Cunliffe our new school chaplain this month to take over the reins! Mr Cunliffe joins us with a wide range of Youth Ministry experience and a lot of enthusiasm for this new role!

There is much to look forward to this Spring Term, with highlights including: our St Angela Masses at Sacred Heart Church, which will include the commissioning of our new Chaplain by the Episcopal Vicar for Education, Fr Victor Darlington – parents are very welcome to join us these masses. Other things to look forward to are retreats, Sycamore, our faith formation programme open to Years 9 -13, the chaplaincy residentials to Desanzano House, and the Flame at Wembley arena, the largest Catholic youth event in England and Wales. For more details check out this link: CYMFed – Catholic Youth Ministry Federation.

Here’s hoping you all had a happy and Holy Christmas.

Kerry Connor
Assistant Headteacher, Catholic Ethos