Chaplaincy and Wellbeing at the Heart of the College
INTEGRATED CHRISTIAN ETHOS IN LAGAN COLLEGE Our integrated Christian ethos is expressed in the commitment to be one community who learns and worships together based on the principles of equality, respect, reconciliation and service to others. One of the ways that this is expressed is through the daily example and work of the joint Chaplaincy. A Protestant and a Catholic Chaplain work together in leading shared assemblies, providing denominational and pastoral support for staff, students and their families, and working with students and staff for peace and justice in the community and wider world. The Chaplains plan and co-ordinate school assemblies, which provide opportunities to explore our differences and discover all that we share in common. Primarily, assembly themes follow the Christian year, whilst referring to festivals of other faith traditions and making connections with events and situations in Northern Ireland and the wider world. Special, longer assemblies are held to celebrate Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Holy Week. The Chaplains care for the needs of all students of Lagan College, of all denominations and faiths and of none. This includes supporting students and their families when specific denominational needs arise. For example, preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is organised each year by the Catholic Chaplain. The Chaplains coordinate their efforts with the pastoral teams in the school. They provide a ‘drop in’ facility for all students each day, during break and lunch times. Students can also make appointments with the Chaplains at other times when they need to talk issues through in a confidential, caring environment, especially at times of bereavement or family crisis. The Chaplaincy also works in partnership with the Religious Education Department, organising events and activities to support the curriculum. For example, the Chaplains organise visits to local churches of different denominations for Year 8 and an annual Year 11 Conference. They also co-ordinate the Mediation Programme and support students to live out our values of respect, equality, service and reconciliation. In addition, the Chaplains organize and facilitate a range of events and guest speakers throughout the year, that aim to provide space for dialogue, for learning about the experience of others and for reflecting on our shared experience of peace building and commitment to reconciliation as a Cross of Nails Community.
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