Chaplains Corner

This week I had the privilege of attending a two-day retreat in Moss Vale with other Uniting Church in Australia (NSW-ACT Synod) School Chaplains. It was a life-giving time of rest, reflection, learning, and shared conversation about the ministry of chaplaincy in our school communities.

 

We stayed at Dormie House, surrounded by beautiful sunshine, open space, and the peaceful greenery of Moss Vale. The setting itself became part of the retreat experience. The stillness of the gardens, the fresh air, and the warmth of the sun invited us to pause, breathe, and remember the importance of renewal in the midst of the busy rhythms of school life.

 

Our retreat program was shaped around several psalms, each offering rich insight into the heart of chaplaincy. Psalm 139 reminded us that every person is deeply known and wonderfully made by God. In a school community, this speaks to the need for each student, staff member, and family to feel seen, valued, and heard. Chaplaincy offers sacred, safe spaces where people are listened to without judgement and reminded that their story matters.

 

Psalm 23 invited us to reflect on life’s pastures and paths. It reminded us that God leads with compassion, restores weary souls, and walks with us through green pastures and difficult valleys. This image resonates with chaplaincy as we accompany people through celebration, transition, uncertainty, grief, and hope.

 

Through Psalm 13 and Psalm 82, we considered the place of lament and longing. These psalms remind us that faith can hold honest questions, pain, and the desire for justice. In school life, chaplaincy often meets people in these tender spaces, offering compassionate listening, prayer when appropriate, and a steady presence.

 

Psalm 121 lifted our eyes towards hope: “From where will my help come?” It reminded us that our help comes from God, who watches over our coming and going. As chaplains, we nurture hope, belonging, courage, and connection, gently pointing beyond fear towards trust and beyond isolation towards relationship.

 

We also reflected on chaplaincy as a ministry of presence in public spaces. In a diverse school community such as MLC School, this means being present with humility, hospitality, courage, and care. Chaplaincy is not about imposing belief, but about offering compassionate spiritual and pastoral care that supports belonging, resilience, meaning, and connection.

 

I returned from the retreat grateful for the gift of collegial friendship with fellow UCA School Chaplains and renewed once more in the call to serve our MLC School community. In chapel services, classroom conversations, pastoral encounters, assemblies, prayers, blessings, and quiet moments of listening, chaplaincy continues to be a visible sign of care and hope. May we keep creating spaces where every person is known, accompanied, and encouraged to flourish.