Chaplaincy

Chapel
Our school Chapel, built at the heart of our school in 1997 by the parents of St Thomas More students, holds immense significance as it serves as the central point of our faith and spiritual life. 

Throughout the school day, the Chapel remains open, providing students with opportunities to pray, reflect, and seek guidance. Students can visit during various times, including before school, during break and lunchtime, and after school. These flexible timings ensure that students can engage in spiritual practices at their convenience, fostering a sense of personal connection with their faith.

We offer a diverse range of sessions to cater to students' spiritual needs and interests. Prayer groups, Bible studies, meditation, and mindfulness activities are just a few examples of the enriching experiences available in the Chapel. These sessions not only provide spiritual support but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of our students.

Students gather in the Chapel with their Form groups, aligning their discussions and prayers with the liturgical year. By understanding why specific prayers are dedicated to various times of the year and exploring various forms of prayer, students gain a deeper understanding of their faith. This knowledge enables them to share the richness of prayer with their families and gradually take the lead in guiding prayer sessions within our school community.

Once every half term, we invite a local parish priest to conduct Mass in our school Chapel. This offers students a unique opportunity to actively participate in the coordination of the Holy Mass, allowing them to deepen their connection with God and receive communion in a sacred space. Furthermore, this practice establishes strong ties with local parishes, fostering a sense of unity within the wider faith community. 

We believe that as a community of God, it is essential for us to work together to make our world a better place. The Chapel serves as a physical representation of this unity and shared purpose, inspiring students to embrace their roles as compassionate and responsible individuals. By nurturing their faith within the Chapel's walls, we empower our students to extend their spiritual values beyond the school and positively impact the world around them.

Our School Chaplain
My journey at St. Thomas More began long before I assumed the role of a chaplain at the school. As a former pupil, the school not only moulded me into the person I am today but also instilled in me a deep commitment to supporting young people on their journeys of faith.  

Once I left the school, I found myself dedicating my time to support the church. I supported the choir and assisted in coordinating various shows for Christmas, Easter, and the summer showcases. These projects were driven by dedicated members of the parish who generously provided these opportunities for young people.

In response, I turned my attention to the Catechism for First Holy Communion, something I initially believed I might not be able to contribute to significantly. However, I soon realised that the first step is simply showing up consistently and sharing one's own life experiences. We all have something valuable to offer, no matter how seemingly small it may be. I have personally embarked on a diverse journey, working in various fields ranging from the catering and hospitality industry to schools, and even briefly in the film industry. However, this journey brought me back to my roots, revealing that my true calling is to support young people on their own journeys. 

I am just an ordinary local member of the community, who attended the same school as our students and followed the conventional path of A-levels, university, and a variety of professions. Yet, these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and they have given me a unique perspective to connect with and guide our young learners. 
Miss Michalakis