The role of the School Chaplain

In our Catholic school, the chaplain's role is to nurture the spiritual and pastoral care of the school community, promoting the Catholic ethos and supporting students and staff in their faith journey through prayer, liturgy, and catechesis. Our school chaplain is Mrs Susanne Gibbons.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care:

• • The chaplain serves as a spiritual guide, offering guidance and support to students and staff.
  • They create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can grow in faith and love. 
  • They are available to listen, counsel, and offer prayer and support during times of need. 

Promoting the Catholic Ethos:

• • The chaplain is a key figure in supporting and developing the school's Catholic mission – to Be Inspired by Christ, Service to Others and Excellence for ALL.
  • The chaplain works with students and staff in school, to ensure that the school's Catholic life is vibrant and meaningful – through activities such as fund-raising, school masses, retreats and the Christmas Carol Service.

Nurturing Faith Formation:

• • The chaplain supports students undertaking sacraments such as Confirmation, helping students to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. 
  • The chaplain organises and lead prayer services, liturgies, and other faith-based activities such as retreats to Aylesford and Canterbury Cathedral.

The School Chapel

The school chapel is a welcoming place to all staff and students in the school. The chapel is open daily and frequently used by staff and pupils. The Blessed Sacrament is present. The chapel contains Stations of the Cross and Catholic Bibles, and is decorated to be a holy place – for reflection on the Glory of God. Staff and pupils welcome the use the of the chapel for private prayer opportunities. The Holy Mass is also said in the chapel on a termly basis, for staff and students.