The Chaplaincy
With the development and expansion of the Sixth Form at St Augustine’s, the Governors and Head identified the need for a non-teaching Chaplain to support the work of the College and the RE Department in ministering to the students during their time in further education and continuing their personal spiritual development.
The need was further reinforced by the Section 23 OFSTED inspection in February 2001 when the Inspector in his report stated that one of the things the school needs to do to improve further is to, “Consider the appointment of a Chaplain without curriculum responsibilities to carry forward the excellent initiatives already being developed for spiritual and moral development”.
The increasing strain placed upon students with the current trilogy of public examinations in Years 11-13 exacerbates a whole range of problems. Underlying personal problems that detract from a student’s performance can suddenly take on major proportions. Their workload can become a crushing burden, their expectations curtailed and their self-esteem fall to an all time low.
To counter these problems, the Governors requested the Rt Rev Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton, to appoint a part-time Lay Chaplain, MICHAEL THORP to be responsible for providing pastoral care for Sixth Form students and continuing the development of their adult spiritual life.
The Chaplaincy exists primarily, but not exclusively, for Sixth Form students. Any member of the college community is welcome at any time. It is a place of prayer and support and a centre where anyone can focus and re-focus upon the love of Christ who is central to all aspects of our work in the Catholic School.The Chaplain
The Chaplain
Since my appointment in September 2001, it has been my privilege to share with many students in a one-to-one situation personal problems of any nature that have been a cause of disquiet in their lives.
These meetings are confidential and nothing discussed on these occasions ever goes outside the confines of the Chaplaincy Office without mutual agreement.
The official Chaplaincy hours are set out below. However, should anyone wish to see me at times outside these hours I will always endeavour to accommodate them at a mutually convenient time. I can be contacted through the Sixth Form Office.
The Chaplaincy Office is situated next to the Sixth Form Administrator’s office. As well as being a place for confidential discussions, any student or groups of students are always welcome to drop into the Chaplaincy Office at any time simply for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat.
In addition I meet with Sixth Form groups during designated RE curriculum times to develop an adult approach to prayer and personal spiritual development.
Whilst I remain at St Augustine’s it will be my endeavour to:
• Be a channel of Almighty God’s love and peace;
• Impart His Blessings and spiritual gifts to those in need;
• Involve God in all aspects of our daily lives;
• Support students in my care in any way I am able.
May God bless you all.
Michael
Lay Chaplain