Chaplaincy Team

The first two terms have, as always, been busy for our Chaplaincy team. With ten chaplains continuing the excellent role they started last year supporting the prayer life of the school, five new chaplains have joined the team.

No time has been wasted in getting down to work, with the group leading lunchtime sessions for the younger children in the chapel, running the Fairtrade stall and supporting with the preparation and readings for our three school masses we have celebrated so far.

One of the most beneficial aspects of being a Chaplain at St Augustine’s is the opportunity to meet, support and learn from existing teams in other cluster schools. This autumn, we attended a day for young Chaplains led by St Gregory’s in Bath, where they were able to mix with Chaplains from different partnership schools. This was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and gave the team plenty of ideas to take back to St Augustine’s. We were also lucky enough to attend an event hosted by Prior Park College celebrating the beauty and wonder of God’s creation on the feast day of St Francis.

Without doubt, though, the highlight of the year has been the chance to be commissioned (or recommissioned) as Chaplains by Bishop Declan at Downside Abbey. It was a special service which really highlighted the importance of their roles in school and how much they are appreciated for their hard work. The team can now all proudly sport their chaplaincy badges alongside others on their uniform, again boosting their profile within the school.

I have been really impressed with the positive attitude shown by the team and their willingness to support the distinctive Catholic life of the school. This was also something picked up by the Diocesan inspectors who recently visited the school.

Plenty more is planned in the terms ahead to help the team continue their impressive start to the year!