| | Profile of the School Chaplain | | | The School Chaplain
| | In response to the increasing social, cultural, educational, and spiritual demands on society and especially in the school context, the School Chaplains Association was established in 1976. The primary aim of the association has been the support of school chaplains throughout Ireland, who have and continue to provide the spiritual and moral support to staff and students in our secondary schools. And while the lifestyles for many pupils and teachers have changed over the past 30 years, the challenges and the opportunities which chaplains bring to their individual school settings are as demanding as they have ever been. | | The traditional role of the chaplain to a secondary school has been carried out by priests, and religious brothers and sisters. With the passing of years the role of the school chaplain has been taken up by lay men and women. This does not signal the end of the role of the priest or religious brother and sister, rather the relationship between the priest, religious, and lay person is extremely important, particularly in the context of the school-parish link. | | Presently, all chaplains in our secondary schools are appointed or nominated (subject to the approval of the Board of Management) by their diocesan bishop, religious superior, or local authority. The appointment is generally on a yearly contract (Temporary Whole-Time) or for a specific period of time (generally 3 or 5 years periods). With recent European Union legislation dating back to 2001, chaplains who fulfill the role and duties of same for a consecutive 4 years, may now apply to their Board of Management for the permanent post of chaplain in what is described as 'Contract of Indefinite Duration' (CID) | | The primary responsibility of the school chaplain is to provide the spiritual support to staff and students in their school. This involves bringing a 'faith-presence' to their role in the school. The chaplain works with the staff in carrying out this role within the school community, which extends to the wider parish community. This role varies from teaching religious education, organising prayer services/Masses, school retreats, meeting students on an individual basis, working closely with the pastoral care team in the school. | The School Chaplains Association consists of chaplains who pay an annual membership to the association. The association is served by an executive, who make representations to varies bodies on and behalf of chaplain members. This link is vital to the association, as it affords the opportunity to develop links and relationships with government and ecclesiastical bodies, teaching unions, and various associations who deal directly with the pastoral care of young people.
| The School Chaplains Association annual conference takes place every November. The conference provides the opportunity for new chaplains to become members of the association, and for chaplains to meet in support of each other. Some key elements of the annual conference include workshops on themes relevant to school chaplains, liturgies, guest speakers, and in-service.
If you would like to become a member of the School Chaplains Associations or would like to know more about the association, you may contact any of the executive members.
| | | | | | Cora Guinnane | St. Caimin's Community School, Co Limerick | | Kevin Murphy | Méanscoil San Nicolás, An Rinn, Dún Garbhán, Co. Phortlairge | | Aoife Daly | Boyne Community School, Trim, Co. Meath | | Niamh Donohue | Loreto High School, Beaufort, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 | | Allen Gilhooley | Colaiste Cois Life, Lucan, Co. Dublin | | R. Sean Mallon | Mount Anville Secondary School, Mount Anville Road, Goatstown, Co Dublin | | Olive Delahunty | St Catherine's College Convent Rd, Armagh, BT6048G, Northern Ireland | | Sr. Mercedes Coen | St. Clare's Convent, Keady, Co. Armagh BT60 3RW Northern Ireland |
| | |  If you require further information about the association, please contact any of the above executive members. | | | | (Article compiled by Fr. Arnold Rosney, Vice Chairperson of the School Chaplain's Association) |
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