The Joy of Chaplaincy...
The Joy of Chaplaincy...
Encounter. Listen. Accompany.
Encounter. Listen. Accompany.
ENCOUNTERING...
ENCOUNTERING...
"God is in every person's life. God is in everyone's life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster... God is in this person's life. You can - you must - try to seek God in every human life."
Pope Francis
Pope Francis has spoken of a ‘culture of encounter’ as a common goal for the church. He is encouraging people from all walks of life to be fearless in the ways they look beyond themselves and reach out to others.
Pope Francis has spoken of a ‘culture of encounter’ as a common goal for the church. He is encouraging people from all walks of life to be fearless in the ways they look beyond themselves and reach out to others.
He has also said that “Faith is an encounter with Jesus” and “we must do what Jesus does: encounter others”. Doing what Jesus did, reaching out to others, listening, making room for questions, sharing the ups and downs of life together, that's the joy of chaplaincy.
He has also said that “Faith is an encounter with Jesus” and “we must do what Jesus does: encounter others”. Doing what Jesus did, reaching out to others, listening, making room for questions, sharing the ups and downs of life together, that's the joy of chaplaincy.
LISTENING...
LISTENING...
"We are called to encounter others and to listen to their existence, to their cry for help. To listen is already an act of love!” (Pope Francis)
Furthermore, he says “We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders. (EG #171)
Furthermore, he says “We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders. (EG #171)
ACCOMPANYING...
ACCOMPANYING...
"The art of accompaniment teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other."
Joy of the Gospel, EG#169
Pope Francis goes on to explain that “…spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom. To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the Father.” (EG #170)
Pope Francis goes on to explain that “…spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom. To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the Father.” (EG #170)
Chaplaincy Services:
Chaplaincy Services:
- Daily prayer for staff and students.
- Liturgical celebrations throughout the school year.
- Communal prayer services.
- Retreat experiences for students and staff.
- Faith formation sessions for staff for students.
- Spiritual accompaniment and grief support.
- School-wide social justice initiatives and sustainability projects.