GIFT Chaplains
What is the GIFT Chaplaincy Team?
Our Lady's GIFT Chaplaincy Team is a community of pupils from all year groups that strive to spread the Christian faith and Word of God across the school community, allowing all pupils and staff to Grow In Faith Together. The GIFT Chaplaincy Team dedicate their own time to evangelise the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel values enabling pupils to deepen their faith and connection with God.
What do the GIFT Chaplaincy Team do?
Our Lady's GIFT Chaplaincy Team endeavour to fulfil the mission of our school, 'To Know, Love and Serve God'. In doing so, the GIFT Chaplains meet regularly on a weekly basis creating new ways in which they can lead and contribute to the Catholic Ethos of our school.
One way GIFT Chaplains have accomplished this is through leading pupils in prayer. GIFT Chaplains have produced and shared prayers on numerous occasions, allowing the school to join together in collective worship.
Adding on to this, chaplains plan and participate in Masses that are celebrated by Fr Nicholas. Chaplains engage with the liturgical worship through leading Biblical readings and Prayers of the Faithful, allowing them to not only learn scripture but also connect through the Mass, as they receive the Eucharist and spiritually exercise their emotions through prayer.
Our Lady's GIFT Chaplains have also helped lead whole school worship for special occasions such as the Christmas, Easter and end of year Masses. In taking part in whole school worship, GIFT Chaplains are setting the example to others on how to positively take an active part in worship within our school community.
Alongside this, many of our GIFT Chaplains also serve during Mass, as they are given the option to train as altar servers, again allowing our pupils to take an active role within worship and leading others by example.
Outside of Mass, the GIFT Chaplains have engaged with multiple activities that too have enabled pupils to go on a spiritual journey. During the months of May and October, GIFT Chaplains complete Rosary Walks around our school grounds, reflecting on the faith, discipleship and charity Our Lady devoted to Christ and actively encourage their peers to do the same.
Including this, our chaplains planned and delivered the Marian Stations of the Cross to all pupils in KS3 which allow the pupils to understand the passion, suffering and death of Christ from the point of view that Mother Mary would have held. Chaplains are deeply moved and feel connected to Mary during these spiritual dedications to our Blessed Mother.
Chaplains set the example to others by dedicating their time to the adoration of the blessed sacrament. Through silent and private worship, our GIFT Chaplaincy Team allows themselves to truly witness the sacrifice God made for us, as they join with other members of our school community offering petitions of love and thanksgiving during this sacred time.
Pupil Voice
"I joined chaplaincy because it enables me to deepen and share the love of God that He has for me. I enjoy taking part in the Rosary walks and leading other in how to follow our school mission, to Know, Love and Serve God"
-[Pupil GIFT Chaplain]
"GIFT Chaplaincy gives me the opportunity to share my faith with others. We share the word of God through different activities and help read during Masses. Being a Chaplain at our Catholic school is good because we can fulfil our school mission statement and help others to follow in Jesus' footsteps by demonstrating His actions".
-[Pupil GIFT Chaplain]