Chaplaincy
From the earliest days of Canterbury Cathedral, a school had been part of its Benedictine monastic life. The Chaplaincy at the King’s School, Canterbury is built on St Benedict’s concern about meeting the needs of people living in a community environment: namely, to establish due order, to foster an understanding of the relational nature of human beings, and to provide a spiritual rhythm of prayer and study to help develop each individual’s spiritual growth. Thus all Chaplaincy activity focuses on encouraging students to reflect on their relationships and responsibilities as members of a community as well as providing opportunities for prayer and worship.
The Chaplaincy team includes two ordained Chaplains and a graduate assistant who work across the Junior and Senior Schools and are available for any students at the International College. Whilst clearly being in the Anglican tradition, respect for the beliefs of every individual, openness and inclusiveness are fundamental to the work of the Chaplaincy.
The Chaplains support the students who run the Jewish, Muslim and Hindu societies and offer Confirmation classes to prepare students for Confirmation into the Church of England. Roman Catholic students are able to be confirmed through St Thomas’, the local Roman Catholic Church.
Communities thrive on rituals that allow them to express their core values, concerns and enable them to feel a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves, which is why whole school Cathedral services and assemblies form an important part of the King’s School experience. A variety of outside speakers as well as staff and students offer talks and reflections in these services.
The Rule of St Benedict centres around three key themes; humanity, hospitality and humility as exampled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Students are encouraged to recognise and reflect on these themes through the weekly rhythm of Cathedral and Chapel worship and assemblies. Sunday services take place in the Cathedral and many special occasions are marked throughout the year to which parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
The Chaplains also exercise a pastoral role in being available to staff and students of all religions and none, as friend and counsellor. The Chaplains are fully involved in the life of the school, teaching across a range of subject areas and are often found supporting on the pitches, applauding at concerts and plays and sometimes just enjoying a cup of tea and a chat in the Chaplaincy Lounge.
Chaplain: Rev’d Lindsay Collins
chaplain@kings-school.co.uk