Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy is a distinctive feature of St Columba’s College, a Catholic School in the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Our School Chaplain is Mr Barry O’Sullivan, a member of the RE department. He has a strong background in School Chaplaincy and retreat work. He is supported in his role by the Ministry Team which has representatives from all elements of the wider School Community.
Residential retreat to Kintbury 2024
The purpose of the Chaplaincy is to support the spiritual development of students and staff and to offer pastoral support. There is provision for multi-faith prayer.
We celebrate the liturgical seasons with liturgies (services) before Christmas and Easter and on Ash Wednesday, and thanksgiving Masses at the end of each school year as well as at other times. Students have opportunities to lead and participate in and review liturgies – including reading, music, drama and art. We create prayer resources linked to the Gospel with a CST theme. These are used every day in school for tutor time and assemblies.
Students participate in a day retreat in Years 7, 8, 9 & 12 with their tutor and other staff. They are opportunities to take a step back and reflect on key elements of life, such as in the residential retreat at St Cassian’s Centre, Kintbury.
The Chaplaincy team offers support to students when they experience difficulties in their lives. Some are coping with a bereavement or loss, growing up challenges or are struggling with different issues. Support can be offered to the wider family too. All find a place where they can talk through their problems and are encouraged to find a way forward.
The Chaplaincy team co-ordinates courses which offer a more formal opportunity for those students in need of support. We work in partnership with external agencies, including STEP to offer these courses. The courses include
- Tough Stuff for those students in years 7 and 8 who might benefit from learning to understand their feelings relating to loss and help them develop strategies to cope.
- Haven is a six week course providing a safe space for those pupils who are struggling with stress and anxiety. This course is all about passing on practical tools to help manage and reduce anxiety levels.
Prep Chaplaincy Team – The Doves
Our Chaplaincy Team have adopted the name ‘The Doves’ due to our school saint St Columba. Every member proudly wears a special dove badge so that our school community recognise who they are.
Each Year in June we invite our P5 to write and apply for a position on our Team. During our first school mass in September, their badges are blessed and the children are welcomed as our new team. We meet each Monday and have roles designated in specific areas to help lead. The Doves work together to help lead the children across the whole Prep School. From leading in assemblies, to arranging charity events, organising playtime games during lunchtimes, to designing weekly posters and notifications, the life of a Columban Dove is certainly very busy but fulfilling!
