Chaplaincy at De La Salle
Chaplaincy is at the heart of the Catholic and Lasallian life of De La Salle School. It helps our whole community to recognise the presence of God in our daily lives and ensures that our faith is not simply something we learn about, but something we actively live.
The Role of Our School Chaplain
Our School Chaplain provides spiritual and pastoral support for students, staff and families. Working alongside school leaders, staff, local clergy and the wider Diocese of Brentwood, the Chaplain helps everyone within our community to encounter God and to grow in faith.
The Chaplain’s role includes:
- supporting students and staff through prayer, conversation and compassionate pastoral care;
- leading and developing collective worship, liturgies, retreats and opportunities for reflection;
- helping students to prepare for and participate in Masses and other celebrations of faith;
- supporting those experiencing bereavement, anxiety, difficulty or times of change;
- encouraging students to become involved in charitable work, social action and service to others;
- strengthening our relationships with local parishes, the Diocese of Brentwood and the worldwide Lasallian family;
- helping everyone, regardless of their faith or background, to feel welcomed, valued and included
Chaplaincy and Our Lasallian Mission
Inspired by the life and work of St John Baptist de La Salle, we believe that education is a sacred mission and that every young person is entrusted to our care. Our Chaplain helps us to place our five Lasallian core principles at the centre of school life:
- Faith in the Presence of God
- Concern for the Poor and Social and Ecological Justice
- Respect for All Persons
- Quality Education
- Inclusive Community
Through prayer, worship, service and daily acts of kindness, Chaplaincy helps these principles become visible in our relationships, our decisions and the way we treat one another.
The Impact of Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy provides a welcoming and safe space in which people can talk, reflect, pray or simply find a moment of peace. It reminds us that every member of our community is known, loved and valued by God.
For our students, Chaplaincy offers opportunities to develop spiritually, grow in confidence, serve others and explore the deeper questions of life. For staff, it provides encouragement, prayer and pastoral support in their vocation as Lasallian educators. For families, it strengthens the partnership between home, school and parish.
Ultimately, Chaplaincy helps us to become a community in which faith is lived through action: where people support one another, stand alongside those in need and work together for justice, peace and the common good.
In the words of our Lasallian tradition:
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.