College Chaplaincy

Pastoral care at the College

"Where there is love and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance."(St Francis of Assisi)

"By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:35)

In late 2006 the National School Chaplaincy Program was launched by the Federal Government with the objective of assisting schools and their communities in providing greater pastoral care, general religious and personal advice and comfort to all students and staff.

The program began at St Anthony’s in 2008 and since then it has become an important feature of College life. It has undergone several transitions as a result of High Court Challenges and changes in Federal Government. Following the most recent High Court ruling the program is now administered by the States and Territories and for the next 3 years will be known as The National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP). As our name reminds us, St. Anthony’s is a College in the Catholic Tradition, based on the charism of St Francis of Assisi of whom St Anthony was a follower. 

The College Chaplain works in collaborative partnership with the Parish, College Staff, Students and Parents in the following ways:

• By being a pastoral presence to all in the College Community, primarily by fostering positive supportive relationships and a climate of care in the spirit of the Gospel and the charism of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Being a “companion on the journey,” taking time to recognise and celebrate special days and events in the lives of individuals and of the local and wider community as well as the joys and sorrows of College life.
• Welcoming new families and assisting students to settle in to their new surroundings.
• Supporting students through classroom visits, informal playground interaction and attending College and class activities e.g. assemblies, prayers, liturgies, retreats, musicals, culminating days, and carnivals.
• Being available to parents to provide pastoral and emotional support during times of illness, bereavement or other family difficulties.
• Helping to connect individuals and families with appropriate professional care agencies.
• Supporting College staff in their work with the students and in their own times of personal and spiritual need.
• As a member of the College Religious Education Team contributing to the religious life of the College through religious leadership and by acting as a resource to students, staff and parents in matters relating to spirituality, prayer, liturgy and faith development.
• To assist in creating a culture of social justice that leads to positive social action.
• Through effective communication, being an advocate for the various individuals and groups in the College Community.