Chaplaincy

🌿 Chaplaincy at Lanesboro Community College

At Lanesboro Community College, every student’s journey matters — academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are privileged to have a full-time lay Chaplain, Mr. Robert O’Dwyer, whose presence brings care, compassion, and guidance to our school community.

Operating under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy and within the LWETB ethos, our Chaplaincy is an integral part of school life, supporting the holistic development of each student.

🕊️ What Does a Chaplain Do?

A Chaplain is more than a spiritual guide — they are a listening ear, a support system in times of difficulty, and a presence that celebrates achievements alongside the school community.

Students often turn to the Chaplain when they are:

• Worried or anxious
• Upset or lonely
• Facing personal challenges or loss

All meetings are discreet, where each student is treated with sensitivity, understanding, and respect.

🤝 Role & Community

The Chaplain’s ministry is one of presence, care, and compassion. Mr. O’Dwyer walks with students, staff, and families through all aspects of school life — celebrating successes and offering support during challenges.

Rooted in the values of Christ and the Sisters of Mercy, and guided by the LWETB ethos, the Chaplain provides pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and community outreach.

The Chaplain strengthens links between school, home, parish, and the wider community, fostering inclusion, respect, and belonging, while encouraging participation in social and community initiatives.

🤝 How Students Can Connect

Visiting the Chaplain is simple:

• Drop into the Chaplain’s office to get an appointment card.
• Ask any staff member to arrange a meeting with Mr. O’Dwyer.
• All first-year students meet the Chaplain individually during their first term.

The Chaplain’s Office is a safe and welcoming space for reflection, conversation, and support.

✨ Supporting Faith, Reflection & Community

The Chaplain enriches school life by creating opportunities for:

• Prayer and reflection in the Prayer Room, open to all faiths and none
• School liturgies, assemblies, retreats, and special services such as Opening of the Year, Graduation, and Remembrance Services.
• Community outreach, linking students with parish and local organisations.

Through these activities, the Chaplain fosters a sense of belonging, respect, and service, helping students grow as compassionate, engaged citizens.

🌱 Helping Students Navigate Adolescence

Adolescence can be challenging. The Chaplain supports young people to build resilience, confidence, and self-awareness through:

• One-to-one meetings
• Classroom engagement
• Collaboration with the Pastoral Care and Student Support Teams

Whether a student is dealing with bereavement, personal struggles, or transitions, the Chaplain offers a trusted, confidential space to be heard and supported.

💫 Why Chaplaincy Matters

At Lanesboro Community College, Chaplaincy reflects our commitment to care, compassion, and inclusion, guided by the values of the Sisters of Mercy and the LWETB ethos.

It’s about more than faith — it’s about creating a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Chaplaincy Policy & Annual Plan

Chaplaincy Policy & Chaplain’s Yearly Plan

School Context: Rural Post-Primary School
Patrons: LWETB & Sisters of Mercy Chaplain: Mr R. O’Dwyer

Chaplaincy at Lanesboro Community College

At Lanesboro Community College, every student’s journey matters — academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are privileged to have a full-time lay Chaplain, Mr. Robert O’Dwyer, whose presence brings care, compassion, and guidance to our school community.

Operating under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy and within the LWETB ethos, our Chaplaincy is an integral part of school life, supporting the holistic development of each student.

1. What Does a Chaplain Do?

A Chaplain is more than a spiritual guide — they are a listening ear, a support system in times of difficulty, and a presence that celebrates achievements alongside the school community.

Students often turn to the Chaplain when they are:

• Worried or anxious
• Upset or lonely
• Facing personal challenges or loss

All meetings are discreet, where each student is treated with sensitivity, understanding, and respect.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for further details.

2. Chaplaincy Vision & Ethos

Chaplaincy in the school seeks to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing of the whole school community. Rooted in the Mercy tradition and aligned with the inclusive, multi-belief ethos of the ETB, chaplaincy promotes:

• Respect for all beliefs, cultures, and worldviews
• Compassion, care, and hospitality
• Social justice and service
• Personal growth, resilience, and reflection

Chaplaincy is pastoral rather than doctrinal, offering presence, listening, and support to students and staff of all faiths and none.

3. Aims of Chaplaincy

• To support the pastoral care system of the school
• To provide a safe, confidential space for students and staff
• To promote spiritual wellbeing and reflection
• To honour the Mercy ethos through action, justice, and compassion
• To mark key moments in the school year through inclusive rituals and celebrations

4. Role of the Chaplain

• Provide pastoral support to students and staff
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership team, Student Support Team (SST), Home School Community Liaison (HSCL), School Completion Programme (SCP), Guidance Counsellor, Special Educational Needs (SEN) team & Religious Education (RE) team.
• Support students experiencing bereavement, anxiety, family difficulty, or transition
• Facilitate reflection, prayer, and mindfulness appropriate to a diverse school community
• Coordinate religious and spiritual events
• Support student leadership and social justice initiatives

5. Yearly Overview of Chaplaincy Activities

(Note: This is subject to change as school year evolves)

The Yearly Overview consists of a monthly plan for key Chaplaincy activities and each month has a focus. Please refer to Appendix 2 for further details.

6. Key Areas of Focus Throughout the Year

Pastoral Care

• One-to-one listening and support
• Crisis response in collaboration with management
• Support for vulnerable students

Inclusivity

• Respect for all faiths and none
• Use of inclusive language and symbols
• Student voice and choice

Mercy Ethos in Action

• Social justice initiatives
• Care for the poor and marginalised
• Compassionate school culture

Staff Support

• Informal check-ins
• Support during times of stress or loss

7. Collaboration

The chaplain works closely with:

• School Leadership
• Student Support Team (Pastoral Care Team)
• Religion (RE) & Wellbeing Departments
• Student Council
• Local parish and community supports (where appropriate)

8. Evaluation & Review

• Ongoing reflection on chaplaincy effectiveness
• Feedback from students and staff
• Annual review with school management & adjustments made in response to emerging needs

Chaplaincy Policy & Annual Plan

Signed ___________________________________ Date _________________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed ___________________________________ Date _________________________

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

Appendix 1:

Chaplaincy at Lanesboro Community College (Webpage)

🌿 Chaplaincy at Lanesboro Community College

At Lanesboro Community College, every student’s journey matters — academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are privileged to have a full-time lay Chaplain, Mr. Robert O’Dwyer, whose presence brings care, compassion, and guidance to our school community.

Operating under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy and within the LWETB ethos, our Chaplaincy is an integral part of school life, supporting the holistic development of each student.

🕊️ What Does a Chaplain Do?

A Chaplain is more than a spiritual guide — they are a listening ear, a support system in times of difficulty, and a presence that celebrates achievements alongside the school community.

Students often turn to the Chaplain when they are:

• Worried or anxious
• Upset or lonely
• Facing personal challenges or loss

All meetings are discreet, where each student is treated with sensitivity, understanding, and respect.

🤝 Role & Community

The Chaplain’s ministry is one of presence, care, and compassion. Mr. O’Dwyer walks with students, staff, and families through all aspects of school life — celebrating successes and offering support during challenges.

Rooted in the values of Christ and the Sisters of Mercy, and guided by the LWETB ethos, the Chaplain provides pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and community outreach.

The Chaplain strengthens links between school, home, parish, and the wider community, fostering inclusion, respect, and belonging, while encouraging participation in social and community initiatives.

🤝 How Students Can Connect

Visiting the Chaplain is simple:

• Drop into the Chaplain’s office to get an appointment card.
• Ask any staff member to arrange a meeting with Mr. O’Dwyer.
• All first-year students meet the Chaplain individually during their first term.

The Chaplain’s Office is a safe and welcoming space for reflection, conversation, and support.

✨ Supporting Faith, Reflection & Community

The Chaplain enriches school life by creating opportunities for:

• Prayer and reflection in the Prayer Room, open to all faiths and none
• School liturgies, assemblies, retreats, and special services such as Opening of the Year, Graduation, and Remembrance Services.
• Community outreach, linking students with parish and local organisations.

Through these activities, the Chaplain fosters a sense of belonging, respect, and service, helping students grow as compassionate, engaged citizens.

🌱 Helping Students Navigate Adolescence

Adolescence can be challenging. The Chaplain supports young people to build resilience, confidence, and self-awareness through:

• One-to-one meetings
• Classroom engagement
• Collaboration with the Pastoral Care and Student Support Teams

Whether a student is dealing with bereavement, personal struggles, or transitions, the Chaplain offers a trusted, confidential space to be heard and supported.

💫 Why Chaplaincy Matters

At Lanesboro Community College, Chaplaincy reflects our commitment to care, compassion, and inclusion, guided by the values of the Sisters of Mercy and the LWETB ethos.

It’s about more than faith — it’s about creating a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Appendix 2:

Yearly Overview of Chaplaincy Activities

(Note: This is subject to change as school year evolves)

September – Beginnings & Belonging

• Induction and welcome of First Year students
• Classroom visits to introduce the chaplaincy role
• Support transition for students new to the school
• Opening of school year reflection/assembly/Opening Mass in St. Mary’s Church
• Staff wellbeing check-ins

Focus: Belonging, community, new beginnings

October – Care & Wellbeing

• Participation in Mental Health Awareness initiatives
• Pastoral support for students experiencing exam-related stress, particularly senior students
• Promotion of self-care, resilience, and help-seeking behaviours
• Preparation for an October retreat or reflection day (where applicable)

Focus: Care of self and others

November – We Remember

• Remembrance prayer or reflection for deceased members of the school community
• Support for students and staff experiencing bereavement or loss
• Reflection on the Mercy values of compassion, dignity, and justice, inspired by the life of Catherine McAuley
• Involvement in Bí Cineálta (Anti-Bullying) Week, promoting respect and kindness within the school community
• Support for charitable and social justice initiatives, honouring memory through action

Focus: Remembrance, compassion, dignity, kindness

Yearly Overview of Chaplaincy Activities (continued)

December – Advent & End-of-Term Reflection

• Advent reflections (inclusive and age-appropriate)
• Support Christmas liturgy/service in collaboration with RE department
• End-of-term reflection for students and staff
• Outreach/charity initiatives

Focus: Hope, generosity, light

January – New Beginnings

• Support student goal-setting and wellbeing
• Junior and Senior Cycle classroom visits
• Staff reflection session (if appropriate)
• Exam support for mock preparation

Focus: Growth, resilience, fresh starts

February – Relationships & Wellbeing

• Support Friendship/Relationships Awareness initiatives
• Collaboration with SPHE/Wellbeing team
• Support during mock exams
• Preparation for Lenten season

Focus: Respect, empathy, healthy relationships

Yearly Overview of Chaplaincy Activities (continued)

March – Lent & Reflection

• Lenten reflections or prayer spaces
• Support Trocaire or social justice initiatives
• Facilitate reflection sessions or assemblies
• Support student leadership and volunteering

Focus: Justice, reflection, responsibility

April – Easter & Hope

• Easter reflection or service (inclusive)
• Support exam-year students managing stress
• One-to-one pastoral meetings as needed

Focus: Hope, perseverance

May/June – Transition, Endings & Gratitude

Key Activities:

• Exam prayer/reflection services (optional and inclusive)
• Pastoral support for exam students
• Support for Sixth Years transitioning beyond school
• Graduation liturgy/reflection
• Support for students experiencing change or loss
• End-of-year staff reflection (if appropriate)
• Evaluation of the chaplaincy programme

Focus:
Courage, trust, encouragement, gratitude, celebration, and closure