Profile of the School Chaplain
The School Chaplain
(‘Irish Times' Article January 13th 2004)
The School Chaplains' Association was established in the late 1970's in response to the ever increasing and demanding role the School Chaplain plays not only in the school environment but also in the wider community. The Association represents all the interests of School Chaplains. At present there are over 140 members of the association spread throughout All Ireland and the annual conference is held in November.
The School Chaplain has traditionally been a member of the clergy or religious community, appointed and/or nominated by their local Bishop or Superior . Presently, the number of clergy and religious in Chaplaincy is decreasing while the number of graduates with theological and pastoral training entering the realm of Chaplaincy is increasing.
The Chaplain is nominated by their local diocesean bishop, superior or local ordinary, and their nomination is subject to the approval of the Board of Management of the school of nomination. The Chaplain is employed on a Temporary Whole-Time basis in the school. In some cases this contract is given on a 3-year term. At present the primary aim of the Association is the appointment of Chaplain's on a permanent basis.
Chaplain's appointed to Community Colleges which have deeds of trust, are appointed on a full-time basis and enjoy all the rights and privileges which teachers enjoy. For example, the Chaplain may be a member of a union. The Chaplain may also apply for posts of responsibility within the school. Chaplains to other schools are generally served by the local clergy/religious from the parish team.
The primary role of the School Chaplain is that of a ‘faith presence' in the School context. They work closely with all members of staff in carrying out this responsibility and also extend this to the local parish community. This role is wide and varied ranging from teaching religious education, organizing retreats/prayer exercises for students, meeting students on a individual basis, taking an active part in all areas of school life. The Chaplain themselves follow a voluntary code of conduct of the SCA. The role of Chaplain is a professional one and a privileged responsibility.
The Association is privileged to work closely with many bodies in the Education field. Chief among these are the Joint Managerial Body in Catholic Schools , Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools , T.U.I., A.S.T.I., I.V.E.A, Education Office of CORI, Bishop's Education Committee. We are grateful for their support to Chaplain's
The School Chaplains' Association has an executive of 9 people who serve for a 3-year term. The following are the members of the executive.
Declan Shannon ( Moyne Community School , Longford)
Diane Brown (Colaiste Mhuire, Limerick )
Jim Evans ( Moate Community School , Moate, Co. Westmeath)
Arnold Rosney ( Shannon Comprehensive School , Shannon, Co. Clare)
Lorcan Kenny ( Roscrea Community College )
Amanda McCarthy ( Malahide Community School )
Sean Wright (Kells, Co. Meath)Padraig McDonald (Salesian College, Celbridge, Co. Kildare)Orla Duggan (Mayfield, Cork )
If you require further information about the association please contact any of the above executive members.
Article compiled by Fr. Arnold Rosney, PRO of the School Chaplain's Association