CHAPLAINCY REPORT 2022 Mass, Prayer, Lectio Divina and the Communities of Saints John, Luke, Teresa of Calcutta and Francis of Assisi The Abbey Church has once again become the focal point for pupils at the start of the academic year. It was wonderful to be able to begin the academic year with Mass in the Abbey Church on the first day and a short service the night before for new pupils who were accompanied by the senior pupils in their House. It has been a challenge for the choir, servers, and readers after a long absence. The pupils have responded well and it’s encouraging to see their commitment and their desire to get involved in the singing, reading, serving and organization of the Sunday Mass. Jennifer Rainey, the Head of English, has helped with the training of the readers. All the Houses have had their House Mass and Reconciliation Service. The different House Masses have been strong moments in the life of the House, with the St Luke’s Community taking a lead role in the organisation. The time of the Tuesday morning Old Chapel Mass has been moved to 5.10pm in the evening in the hope that it would attract more. We had a Mass for the Chileans around their National Day (18th September) and a mass on 11th November for the Polish. All Souls Day, 2nd November, was marked with a moving Prayer Service in the Abbey Church in the evening. We prepared for the service by having an altar in the Main Hall, making it possible for pupils and staff to leave a note with names of deceased relatives and friends. These names were read out and prayed for. At the end of the service a number stayed to pray silently and to light a candle in St Oliver’s Chapel.
86 The Raven 2022
St John’s Community The members of St John’s Community are the pupil Lectio leaders. They meet every week for Lectio under the direction of the St Scholastica Community. Vicente Tagle from the St Scholastica Community writes: The St John’s Community has kept strong in terms of motivation from the students. In total there are 19 leaders. Before half term, they delivered a very powerful Hymn Practice talk, prepared by the whole community, but delivered by two Lower Sixth Formers. The attendance has been variable as they face many academic and other pressures. We have Lectio groups running in all year groups of boys, but we haven’t managed to find groups for the First Form, Fifth Form and Sixth Form girls. By this date there will be two more members in the St Scholastica Community to assist with this. We currently have around 60 students involved in weekly Lectio groups across the School. Generally speaking, the groups are working well and have a strong community
