Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy at Cardinal Allen isn’t an exclusive club, it is something that weaves throughout every aspect of school life for every individual person. At Cardinal Allen, we have a full time School Chaplain, Sarah, who works with staff and pupils to communicate the Christian message of love and service, and values of justice, acceptance, tolerance, respect, and friendship to all members of our community. Sarah’s office is open to all for a quiet word or informal chat!
The School Mission team
The School Mission team is co-ordinated by Sarah, and is made up of two pupil representatives from each form, and a number of staff to support the Catholic life of the school in specific ways; whether through the day to day pastoral responsibilities, co-ordinating and running extra-curricular groups, supporting our efforts in working for the Common Good, developing prayer and liturgy resources, or serving and ministering at Mass.
Each member of the school community is unique in his or her spiritual needs, faith development, interests and motivation, and as a school, we are committed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to know, love and serve God in their own way. Conscious that not all members of our school community are familiar with the faith and practices of the Catholic Church, the School Mission Team work to ensure that each person feels included and welcomed. New staff are given an initial induction and are able to meet regularly with Sarah for support in fulfilling their role of supporting the Catholic life of our school. Sarah spends time with Years 7 and 8 pupils weekly in the classroom sharing and teaching the faith. This is a brilliant time of learning and growth, where pupils are encouraged to ask questions and discuss how the teachings of Jesus are relevant to our lives today.
Gathering together to pause, reflect and pray is integral to the rhythm of our school day. We begin every day with a prayer, pause at lunch time to say Grace, and end each day with a prayer. Each form engages in a 15 minute time of Collective Worship weekly, the theme of which is inspired by the previous Sunday’s Gospel. For Years 9, 10 and 11, this time of Collective Worship takes place in our school Chapel, with forms coming in on a three week cycle.
Our school Chapel
Our school Chapel is, in all ways, at the heart of Cardinal Allen. Members of our school community are always welcome to sit in the peace and calm sanctuary whenever they need. We reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel, and believe that Jesus is truly present at the centre of our community. We are fortunate to be able to welcome our local priests into school weekly to celebrate Mass. Coming together as a school community for Mass, whether as a small group in the Chapel, or a whole school in the Sports Hall, is a wonderful way to celebrate our faith. The Chapel is home to various weekly initiatives, such as a pupil led time of worship before school, a staff prayer group, creative prayer sessions, and Mass. Regular opportunities for personal and communal prayer and reflection allows for the spiritual lives of staff and pupils to be nourished as best as possible.
Our pupils are given the opportunity in Year 11 to go on retreat to our Diocesan Youth Centre, Castlerigg Manor. It is a fantastic week away for our pupils who have the chance to take time out of the chaotic world we live, and spend time in the idyllic Lake District, getting to know their peers better, reflecting and refocusing on what their priorities and goals are, or maybe should be. We are also able to offer our Year 10 pupils an in-school retreat, led by an external global organisation, NET Ministries. The pupils will have the chance to hear testimonies and church teaching in a dynamic and new way, and be encouraged to open up, question and share during small group discussions. We are able to offer a Catholic input on most of the “LIFE Learning” PSHCE days for our pupils, often inviting in an external speaker. Other external speakers include local clergy and Diocesan Seminarians who are invited in for “Grill the Priest” Q&A sessions, professional Catholic speakers such as John Pridmore, and charity workers from all walks of life.
At Cardinal Allen we are conscious of our role in the wider community. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, we put our faith into action and work together for the Common Good – to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world. We run various whole school initiatives including a termly Food Bank collection, a pupil led Advent fundraiser to support the local Baby Bank, and an Easter fundraiser for a global charity such as CAFOD or Aid to the Church in Need. Each year group also works closely with a charity to support throughout the year with pupil led fundraising events.
