Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy is located in the heart of the school and strives to promote a place of welcome and rest with a listening ear and gentle supportive presence for all members of the School Community.  Mary Carroll and Fr. Eóin make up the chaplaincy team and are assisted in the Sacramental side of the ministry by other members of the Carmelite Community based in Terenure College.

The aim of the Chaplaincy in Terenure College is to accompany the students along their spiritual and developmental journeys. Chaplains are available to pupils of the College, to listen and support them especially in times of trouble.

The Chaplaincy Centre, comprising an office cum meeting space, a one-to-one meeting room and a group room, is rarely quiet. Indeed, it acts as an unofficial common room for the whole school where guitars and coffee keep to build up the community that is Terenure College. It is noteworthy that visiting past-pupils regard the Chaplaincy as the first port of call.

Among the annual events organised by the Chaplaincy, in conjunction with the Religious Education Department are:

1. First Year Welcoming Mass
2. Sixth Year Farewell Mass
3. Mass for beginning of the school year (Junior School)
4. End of Year Mass (Junior School)
5. November Service (Whole School) – A remembrance service for dead relations, friends. Parents & past-pupils are invited to come to an evening service.
6. Services to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Comception
7. Advent & Carol Service to prepare for Christmas (Senior School)
8. Junior School Nativity and Carol Service
9. Ash Wednesday Services (Whole School)
10. St. Blaise Blessing (Whole School)
11. Shared Service (Association Independent Junior Schools)
12. Penitential Services (Whole School – Lent)
13. Penitential Services (Junior School, some Senior School – Advent)
14. Lenten Daily Mass 8.20a.m. (Whole School)
15. Weekly Wednesday 8.20a.m. Mass (Whole School).
16. Co-ordination of Collection for certain Charities
17. Whole School Mass marking the end of the academic year (May)

Further Events Include:

1. An annual retreat is organised for every year group, usually outside of Terenure College.
2. Transition Year Commissioning Service: Fourth Years going on a ‘care week’ are commissioned (anointed) for their service. The Eucharist is celebrated upon their return.
3. Rainbows Programme. A programme over several weeks for children of bereaved/separated parents. Both chaplains are trained facilitators and are assisted by several other members of staff & parents who are also trained.
4. Confirmation Preparation. A number of pre-confirmation services are arranged.
5. Pupils Pilgrimage to Lourdes (September and May). In September 12 Transition Year pupils accompany a sick youth to Lourdes on the Carmelite Pilgrimage (usually numbering about 2000 pilgrims). They are selected through a nomination process involving a number of members of staff, beginning with their R.E. teachers. Again in May a number of 5th Year students accompany the smaller Carmelite Pilgrimage as ‘Brancardier’ adult helpers.

"Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine."
(Ephesians 3:20)