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 G.I.F.T Chaplaincy Team endeavour to fulfil the mission of our school, 'To Know, Love and Serve God'. In doing so, the G.I.F.T 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 G.I.F.T Chaplains have accomplished this is through leading pupils in prayer. G.I.F.T 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 G.I.F.T 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, G.I.F.T 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 G.I.F.T 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 G.I.F.T Chaplains have engaged with multiple activities that too have enabled pupils to go on a spiritual journey. During the months of October and May, G.I.F.T 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. Chaplains also engage with the Marian Stations of the Cross during the Months of October and May, reflecting on the passion, death and resurrection of Christ from the viewpoint of His mother.

Chaplains set the example to others by dedicating their time to the adoration of the blessed sacrament. Through silent and private worship, our G.I.F.T 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.

If you are interested in joining please attend Wednesday’s Religious Life meeting or speak to Miss Hampson.