CHAPLAIN ’ S REPORT
Joy and growth
This student has been a server since arriving at the School and has been reasonably fastidious at attending services fulfilling whatever role he has . He is one of a particularly large contingent of Year 10 servers , seventeen in total . While content to be an acolyte or crucifer or Gospel-Bearer he has never indicated any interest in taking a greater leadership role in any service . During the fourth and fifth weeks of Term 2 when the Year 11 and 12 students were undertaking their examinations there was an opportunity for Year 10 servers to take such leadership roles . Without asking him I rostered him on to be a Sub-Deacon at our Trinity Sunday Eucharist . While a role which doesn ’ t require the server to speak it is an important role ; not least in ringing the Sanctuary Bells at the moments of consecration during the Great Thanksgiving prayer , and administering a chalice . I happened to be in the foyer of the Senior School Administration building when his mother came to collect him so he could assist on the farm where the family is battling on-going drought conditions . It was with great joy and a sense of pride that he explained to his mother that on Sunday night he had this very important part to play in the Service , and while he was very nervous he had greatly enjoyed himself and that he would be keen to do it again .
I smiled kindly ; ever so delighted for him , and proud of his growth , development and maturity as a server and person . It was a pleasing moment for it relates another aspect of the story that can be the Server in the Senior School or member of the Chapel Team in the Preparatory School . Only recently when adding the names of two new servers to the list of members of the Senior School Guild of Servers I realised that there are at present 70 members of the Guild . Pleasingly , two Year 11 and two Year 7 girls have joined . While in the list there are those who are more committed , and those less committed , to serving in the Chapel , the truth is that all of them have played a part sometime in the quality and leadership of worship in the School , and in particular , in our beautiful Chapel of St Mary & St George . Alongside those servers who willingly participate in the liturgical life of the School and its Chapel , there are many others , both Senior School and Preparatory School , who readily accept the invitation to read the lessons or lead the prayers . As well as adding to the nature and quality of the School ’ s worship all this involvement by students has tremendous advantages for the students themselves as they learn to read , speak , lead , and generally perform with finesse in public ; allowing them to conduct themselves with poise , dignity and confidence . Similarly , this is true for those who sing in the Chapel Choir , or musicians who play at services from time to time . The addition of female voices has made a significant difference to the quality , musicality and stability of the Chapel Choir ’ s sound . In all of this we are reminded what a profound impact the Chapel of St Mary & St George , and the God for whom it stands in Glory , has on not only the community life of the School but on that of each of the students ; not least upon those who offer their time and skills as servers , choir members and readers and prayer leaders . We are privileged to see and hear and share their ministry and joy ! The Rev ’ d Canon Dr Philip Raymont Senior Chaplain
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