In the mid-1980's, after provincial funding for Ontario Catholic schools was extended to the end of high school, there began a rapid increase in the number of Catholic secondary schools. Concerned about the "Catholicity" of the secondary schools, the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops called for the presence of Chaplains in all the secondary schools and "the upgrading of chaplaincy work into a full ministry of pastoral service or care" (This Moment of Promise; and New Directions).
The OCCB Document, Pastoral letter on catholic secondary school chaplaincy, outlines the following four areas that comprise school chaplaincy: 1. that secondary school chaplaincy is exercised for the whole school community, students and staff; 2. that it seeks an increase in the christian faith-life of all; 3. that it is ecclesial in its nature and its goal; 4. that it is shaped by the educational setting in which it is carried out. taking these four points, we can further develop our understanding of chaplaincy in the context of our catholic schools and determine considerations both for chaplaincy leaders and for school leaders that will continue to sustain this essential ministry.
Since, the reality of Chaplaincy services has evolved to meet the demanding needs of our schools. With students entering our high schools from diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and family life. the pastoral care for each student encompasses a wholistic approach. chaplaincy at st. thomas aquinas is to be a resource for all faiths and none, caring about the person is first and foremost.
Through Chaplaincy, my aim is to share the respect and dignity God gives to each of us with each staff and student, as well as with the families from which they come. Often, the very things we are all looking for to live healthy, empowering lives comes from our faith tradition--we all long to be free from our insecurities, from judgment, from doubt and from fear. this freedom comes from being known by our God...To know god is to know ourselves better.
"When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to him, 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' Jesus replied, 'Come and see.'" (John 1: 38-9)
Ms. Rerecich Chaplaincy Leader St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School Oakville, ON L6K 2W1 905-842-9494, ext. 3031