Chaplaincy is journeying alongside people wherever they find themselves.
The word ‘chaplain’ comes from the old French and Latin word for ‘cloak’ and is attributed to St Martin of Tours who tore his cloak in half to give one half to a beggar. Chaplaincy is sharing what you have, and caring for those with less.
Chaplaincy in schools is an incredibly varied role. School chaplains work in a range of schools from church schools, to community schools, both Primary and Secondary. In schools where they have little contact with a faith community often the school chaplain may be the only contact those within the school have with a church. In some schools, there may be an employed full-time chaplain, in other schools, the local church community may offer chaplaincy to the school.
School chaplains support the whole school community, from the pupils, to the staff, to parents and carers and to the wider community. This may include leading assemblies and opportunities for collective worship, preparing activities for reflection or offering space for prayer. It might mean offering pastoral support to pupils or staff at difficult times. As with any chaplaincy, relationships are key.
In the Diocese of Ely, we are training people who volunteer with a chaplaincy role in their local Church of England school, in partnership with their parish church.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please click here to find out about our Authorised Chaplaincy Assistant course in partnership with Ridley Hall.
Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”