Pastoral Ministry and Prayer

Be awake to all dangers. Stand firm in your faith

 Be brave and be strong 

And may everything you do be done with great love

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As a Chaplaincy Leader, I embrace a belief in the mystery of our faith which entails a sense of certainty and trust in the ‘grace factor’; immediate efficiency cannot be tangibly measured to validate the goals as a Catholic school. Also, “Faith is a free response of the human person to God”[i] as God reveals Godself in history. This requires trust in God’s plan for each and every one of us in God’s own time. We all have different levels of faith and therefore, I strive to meet our students and staff right where they are.  And, whatever the situation, I firmly believe that the gift of faith is not to be taken lightly for it deserves the entire commitment of the person and seen as a vital reality, nevertheless,  “the presentation [of faith] must always be in the nature of a gift: however warmly and insistently offered, it cannot be imposed”.[ii] I believe that I am being called to “radiate compassion and understanding that is wide enough to also embrace those who are different, wounded, ecclesially illiterate, politically incorrect…”.[iii]

Thus, my ministry takes many forms but I strive to offer students a time to pray (Tuesdays and Thursdays – Rosary in the chapel; morning prayer; meditation and prayer sessions at the teacher’s or student’s request), a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, or just someone to talk to. I also speak to classes and individuals and offer our Catholic traditions and Church teachings - the wisdom, the history, the rites and rituals - and give them a chance to reflect on them, ask questions, and put them into practice. Our chapel, and other areas of the school, is a sacred space to go to be with God and we offer signs, symbols to make the space inviting and reflective. I am sensitive to the call from every part of the world for a more just society, and I am committed to making a personal and meaningful contribution towards bringing God’s reign to fruition.