At St. Brother André Catholic High School, our mission, as a diverse Catholic family, is to educate each student in a Christ-centered environment. We strive to help every individual reach their full potential in a rapidly changing world through Gospel-inspired learning, in partnership with home, Church, and community.

Chaplaincy at St. Brother André CHS is a vital expression of our Catholic identity. It is, in the words of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, “the action of the liberating Christ in the heart of the school community, through a set of well-thought-out and meaningful interventions accomplished within the Church.” (Pastoral Letter from the Education Commission of the OCCB, March 2009)

The Chaplaincy Team at SBA seeks to serve both God and our school community by promoting the fullness of the Catholic faith and encouraging the spiritual growth and wellbeing of all. We welcome and support all students, staff, and families, and embrace individuals from all cultural, ethnic, and faith backgrounds. We strive to continue the Church’s mission to share the light of the Gospel with everyone.

Chaplaincy is a pastoral ministry that operates within our school. The purpose is to promote both spiritual and human development in a collaborative and compassionate way. This ministry is guided by four key principles:

• It serves the entire school community — students, staff, and families alike.

• It seeks to nurture and grow the Christian faith life of all.

• It is rooted in the mission and identity of the Church.

• It is shaped by and integrated into the educational environment in which it exists.

As school Chaplaincy Team Members, Ms. Balite and Ms. Comella provide spiritual leadership and pastoral presence, organize liturgies, retreats, and outreach events, and support students and staff during times of need. Please come by the Chaplaincy Office and Chapel to introduce yourself! 

The St. Brother André Chaplaincy Team works closely with the Faith Development Council (FDC) to provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore and deepen their faith, no matter where they are on their journey. We accompany students during times of growth and difficulty, offer prayerful support, and gather the school community for worship, reflection, and celebration. Through prayer, liturgy, service, and catechesis, we strive to respond to the presence of Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit among us.

Chaplaincy encourages our school community to live out the Gospel message: to evangelize, to build a more just and compassionate world, and to be witnesses of holiness. In this way, we hope to be “a light for the world and salt for the earth.”

Our school chapel, St. Joseph’s Chapel, is named in honour of the foster father of Jesus and the patron of our beloved St. Brother André. The chapel is open to all students and staff as a quiet place for personal prayer, reflection, or meditation. Prayer intentions gathered in the chapel are remembered during school Masses. The Chaplaincy Office, located within the chapel, is also open for pastoral care and support.

Our Catholic identity is strengthened through active partnerships with our local parishes: Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and St. Patrick's. These parishes walk with us in our mission to nurture faith, support the sacramental life of our students, and shape our school community through shared participation in ecclesial life.

Together, we celebrate the call to be made in the image and likeness of God, supporting one another in becoming faithful, loving, and hope-filled members of the Body of Christ.