The Chaplain, Rev Deacon Séamus O’Looskan, works within the school full time, following a Salesian method of working with young people, developed by the Patron Saint of Youth, St John Bosco. He is supported by Kieran Bottoms, Chaplaincy Apprentice and they are always available to talk to and to offer a listening ear. It may be to share a worry, have had a bereavement or need support.
The Chaplain works closely with the School’s Pastoral Team to provide pastoral care as well as opportunities to grow spiritually and develop personal understanding. This includes, the weekly Savio Club for Year 7, retreats at the Briars Retreat Centre for Years 7 and 9, Think Days at the Rosmini Centre for Years 7, 8 and 11, visits to the Holocaust Centre for Year 9, Retreat Days for 6th form and year Feast Days celebrating the patron saints chosen by the year group for their time in school. This year the Patron Saints are:
Year 7 St Maximilian Kolbe
Year 8 St Jose del Rio
Year 9 St Bernadette
Year 10 St Peter Claver
Year 11 St Mother Teresa
Year 7 will be able to choose their Saint when we are able to gather as a Year group.
In 2020 we began a House System and students choose their House Saints – S St Simon T St Telechamus P St Peter A St Agnes U St Ursula and L St Lucy.
The Chaplaincy also co-ordinates the Ananias Youth Leadership Academy bringing together the School Council, Parish Ambassadors, Wellbeing Ambassadors Peer Mentoring and the Lower & Upper School Awards.
The Chaplaincy can be entered off Lydia’s Corridor, opposite Room 108. Next to this is also Our Lady’s Garden and the Bosco Room.
Our new Chapel of the Nativity, with the Blessed Sacrament reserved, is in the Plaza Building. It is open all day for anyone who wishes to use it. A place to pray, or to sit quietly with your own thoughts. A place to shed a tear when news is not so good. A place to celebrate important events in our faith journey.