At the heart of chaplaincy at SMC, is the understanding that every member of staff is responsible for chaplaincy; in developing children mind, body and soul, and supporting them throughout their time here in developing and nurturing their relationship with God.

Taking the Bishop’s vision for Catholic schools and his keenness that schools embrace a culture of daily encounter with Christ, SMC seeks to be safe space that allows those who enter its doors feel a sense of welcome and belonging.

We also believe it to be our mission to continue that given to the disciples at the Great Commission and, as such, recognise our role as evangelists, bringing the Good News of God’s great love to others – in school, in our homes and in the wider local and global community.

As a Christian family we acknowledge that each individual is made in God’s image and loved by Him. All family members are valued and respected as individuals so that they can be supported to fulfil their unique role in creation.

Mrs Kelly is a key part of chaplaincy at SMC.

She meets weekly with groups of children who can spend time in prayer with her at lunch times. She is also a huge support pastorally to both pupils and staff. Mrs Kelly, along with Becky, runs the Rainbows programme, to support children who may need it after a bereavement. Additionally, Mrs Kelly provides us with fantastic parish links and is the parish and school First Holy Communion coordinator.

 

Mrs K Kelly

Other key people in school regarding chaplaincy are: Miss McNicholas, Becky, Mrs Nestor, Mrs Maconachie and Mrs Adams, who all play a part in ensuring the culture of encounter with Christ is constantly live, visible and lived out.

However, chaplaincy is the mission of all our SMC family and this is evident in the beautiful and vibrant prayer life, pupils’ understanding and commitment to the Catholic life of the school, and the dedication of all to making Christ known and loved by our thoughts, words and actions.

Our Chaplaincy Mission

• to serve the personal and spiritual needs of our family members
• to promote the importance of positive relationships within a spirit of honesty, support and love

“In working with young people do not call them back to where they were and do not call them to where you are, beautiful as that place may seem to you, you must have the courage to go with them to a place neither you nor they may have been before”

Fr V.J. Donovan ‘Christianity Discovered’

Our staff also run the Rainbows Bereavement and Loss programme for children who are grieving a significant loss in their lives.

Their programmes provide an emotionally safe environment for children and young people to guide them through grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives because of a death, divorce, family separation or any other painful transition.

Their vision is quite simply for every child and young person in every school in Great Britain, grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives, to be understood and supported appropriately.

The Rainbows Programmes provide age relevant materials which form a structured 12 – 14 week programme to assist children and young people through their grief and loss. Rainbows supports self-esteem, trust, confidence and resilience, whilst promoting positive emotional development and healthy relationships.

All staff involved in the programme have had over 5 hours  training in how to deliver the programme at an age appropriate level for the children they are working with.

If you feel this would be something your child would benefit from please contact school.