At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the spiritual needs of students and staff while witnessing to the Gospel.
- Company: St Gregory's Catholic School, a vibrant community focused on faith and support.
- Benefits: Training opportunities, fitness suite access, generous pension scheme, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while deepening your own faith journey.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, Level 3 qualification in Care or equivalent experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
St Gregory's Catholic School is seeking a driven and enthusiastic practising Catholic to join our flagship Chaplaincy Team as a Lay Chaplain. The successful candidate will have a strong personal faith and the ability to support the pastoral and spiritual needs of staff and students. The Lay Chaplain will witness to the Gospel by sharing in the joys, hopes, and sorrows of the school community, while supporting and strengthening the faith life of our Catholic students and the wider school community.
School chaplaincy has developed from a primarily sacramental role into a ministry rooted in presence, relationship, and accompaniment. Contemporary Catholic chaplaincy is best understood through its everyday engagement with the school community - a presence in pilgrimage. This presence has three interconnected dimensions:
- Physical Presence — The chaplain is consistently available and visible within the school, offering time, space, and pastoral support to students and staff.
- Spiritual Presence — Through prayer, listening, and example, the chaplain witnesses to the importance of faith and the spiritual life within the school community.
- Symbolic Presence — The chaplain represents the Church within the school, encouraging all members of the community to grow in their relationship with God.
This ministry of presence accompanies students as they navigate some of the most formative years of their lives. The chaplain journeys with the whole school community, helping them deepen their relationship with Christ and preparing them to live out their faith beyond the school gates.
Responsibilities
- Provide pastoral and spiritual support to staff and students and witness to the Gospel within the school community.
- Support and strengthen the faith life of Catholic students and the wider school community.
- Maintain a presence within the school, making time and space available for prayer and pastoral conversations.
Qualifications
- A minimum of GCSE (Level 2) Grade C/4 in Maths and English
- A Level 3 qualification, or practice equivalent in Care, Children or Family Support
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Experience of leading liturgy and prayer
St Gregory's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; this position is subject to satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits and workplace
- Training opportunities are provided for all staff
- State of the art Fitness Suite for staff to use free of charge
- Access to Kent Rewards Scheme
- Flu vaccination reimbursement
- Eye test subsidy
- Generous Pension scheme for all staff - 22.5% employer contribution for support staff
- Employee Assistance Programme which offers confidential, practical and emotional support including financial guidance, legal enquiries, counselling, and additional support services
Lay Chaplain - Full-time/Part-time employer: St Gregory's Catholic School
Contact Detail:
St Gregory's Catholic School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lay Chaplain - Full-time/Part-time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school community! Attend events, engage with staff and students, and show your genuine interest in their lives. This will help you build relationships and demonstrate your commitment to being a supportive presence.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to share your faith journey. When you meet with the interview panel, be ready to discuss how your personal experiences have shaped your spiritual life and how you can inspire others in their faith.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your pastoral skills! Think of examples where you've provided support or guidance to others. This could be through volunteering, mentoring, or any relevant experience that highlights your ability to connect with people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and contributing to the faith life at St Gregory's.
We think you need these skills to ace Lay Chaplain - Full-time/Part-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your faith and experiences shape your approach to chaplaincy.
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting the pastoral and spiritual needs of our school community. Share specific examples of how you've done this in the past!
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. Highlight your qualifications and how they relate to the role of Lay Chaplain.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Gregory's Catholic School
✨Know Your Faith
As a Lay Chaplain, your personal faith is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your spiritual journey and how it shapes your approach to supporting others. Reflect on specific experiences where you've witnessed or shared your faith in action.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Think about how you can embody the three dimensions of presence: physical, spiritual, and symbolic. Prepare examples of how you’ve engaged with communities in similar ways.
✨Engage with the Community
Show your understanding of the school community's needs. Research St Gregory's Catholic School and think about how you can contribute to its unique environment. Bring ideas on how to strengthen the faith life of students and staff during the interview.
✨Prepare for Pastoral Conversations
Be ready to demonstrate your skills in providing pastoral support. Think of scenarios where you’ve offered guidance or support to others. Practise how you would approach sensitive topics, ensuring you convey empathy and understanding.