Chaplaincy
St. Anne’s Chaplaincy is a vibrant and welcoming part of our Catholic community, nurturing the spiritual development of our students while providing guidance and support in their faith journey. Through prayer, liturgy, retreats and social action, our Chaplaincy ensures that our Catholic ethos is lived out every day in a way that reaches every member of the school community.
OUR CHAPLAIN: Mr La Barbera
Our Lay Chaplain is committed to supporting the spiritual development of every student. With years of experience as a Youth Worker at Westminster Diocese and as RE Teacher, Mr La Barbera plays an active role in helping students navigate their faith journey, particularly through retreats, liturgies and personal guidance.
Mr La Barbera supports students with the following:
- Spiritual Guidance: The Chaplain provides spiritual care for students, staff and families, offering a space for reflection and conversation, particularly for those going through grief, anxiety or personal challenges.
- Faith in Action: Leading students in living out their faith through acts of charity and social justice, working with local charities and raising awareness about social and global justice and poor communities (CAFOD, Catholic Children's Society Westminster).
- Pastoral Care: The Chaplain works closely with our pastoral team, ensuring that the spiritual needs of all students are met, promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for all faiths.
- Deanery and Diocesan Connections: Attending deanery meetings, fostering relationships with local parishes and ensuring that the school remains connected to the wider Catholic community.
The Chapel and Sacred Spaces
Our Chapels are at the heart of our spiritual life and are sacred spaces for reflection.
They offer a space for students to pray, meditate and encounter Christ. On both campuses, it is a place of peace, particularly during lunch break when students are welcome to come and pray. Students may also visit the Chapels during Form Time, or as part of an RE lesson
We also offer Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms: respecting the diversity within our school, a prayer room is available for students of other faiths to use.
RETREATS
Retreats offer a chance for students to pause, reflect and deepen their relationship with God. Each retreat is tailored to the specific year group, providing them with an opportunity to engage with different aspects of Catholic life and values.
Year 7: New Beginnings
Key Focus: Welcoming students into the school’s Catholic community, emphasising the importance of prayer, belonging, and faith.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…” and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 "One body with many members..."
- Activities: Group activities that encourage personal reflection and connection, communal prayer, and introductory Mass.
- Liturgy: Introduction to simple forms of liturgy, such as a school Mass or a prayer service centred around community building. We conclude our retreat with a form liturgy in our school Chapel.
Year 8: Love One Another
Key Focus: Deepening their understanding of Christian love and service to others.
Scripture: John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
- Group Discussions: Reflecting on the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships.
- Role-Playing: Scenarios to practice conflict resolution and forgiveness.
Year 9: Called to be Saints
Key Focus: Drawing inspiration from the lives of saints and learning how to live virtuous lives.
Scripture: Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
- Activities: Research on different saints, reflecting on how their virtues can be applied to daily life, and interactive discussions on faith in action. Also, for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, discussions on choosing their Confirmation Saint.
- Liturgy: A liturgy where saints are honoured, and the virtues they exemplified are discussed in depth.
Year 10: Images of Christ
Key Focus: Understanding and deepening their relationship with Christ as they approach important academic milestones.
Scripture: John 8:12 “I am the light of the world.”
- Activities: Reflective sessions on art and visual representations , and discussions on Christ’s role in their lives.
- Adoration Sessions: Guided adoration to deepen personal connection with Christ.
Year 11: God the Father
Key Focus: Preparing for the transition beyond school, focusing on discernment of God’s calling and mission in their lives.
Scripture: Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.”
- Activities: Reflection on personal goals and vocation, writing letters to themselves about their faith journey and future.
- Liturgy: Mass focused on the guidance of God the Father, emphasising trust in God’s plan.
- Adoration Sessions: Guided adoration to deepen personal connection with Christ.
Sixth Form: Living in Christ
Key Focus : “Living Your Vocation” – Discerning God’s calling in their lives, especially as they prepare to step into adulthood and the next stages of their academic and personal journeys.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10 "Speak, Lord, for your Servant is listening..."
- Activities: Understanding their role as young leaders in the Church and society, as well as organisations which they can support and volunteer with.
- Reflecting on Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and how to live out faith in the modern world.
- Active Roles of Responsibility:
- CAFOD Young Leaders
- KS5 Liturgy Team
- Eucharistic Ministers
In addition to these opportunities, more interactive retreat formats are also available. One example is ‘The Happiness Show’ by RISE Theatre—an immersive, live theatre experience offering dynamic drama and engaging presentations for our Year 8 and Year 9 students.
