Chaplaincy
Diocesan’s special character is its heritage as a Church School which means a commitment to the concept of Christian community and how this is expressed in our relationships with God, self and others. The School is Christian in character, Anglican in expression and welcoming of all denominations and faiths.
Chaplaincy at Diocesan seeks to not only nurture faith but to encourage engagement in intellectual, moral, ethical and social issues; affirming the answers that can be found in the context of Christian faith and tradition.
Corporate worship is an important part of community life at Diocesan. We worship in a variety of settings and styles as Year Levels, Houses, whole school and staff during the school year, weekdays and some Sundays. The strong network of Old Girls has a continuing association with the school through special services and community gatherings.
The chaplaincy team is involved in the network of pastoral care in the school and is always available to students and staff alike.
Chaplaincy Services
Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament (an outward physical sign of an inner spiritual reality) and signifies admission to the Body of Christ, the Church.
A Service of Baptism and Admission to Communion is held each year on Palm Sunday. All students are welcome to be baptised, whatever their age. A programme of preparation is held for the students prior to this in which they learn about Baptism and Communion.
Parents/caregivers of students wanting to be baptised can register their interest with the Chaplain’s PA, Mrs Jenny McClory.
Dates for upcoming Student Baptism's can be found in the School Calendar.
Admission to Communion
For students baptised as infants but not yet receiving Communion, there is the opportunity to be formally admitted to Communion at the Student Baptism service. A programme of preparation on the meaning of Baptism and Communion takes place prior to this service. All students who have been baptised are welcome to take part in this, whatever their age.
Parents/caregivers of students wanting to be admitted to Communion can register their interest with the Chaplain’s PA, Mrs Jenny McClory.
Dates for upcoming Admission to Communion Servcies can be found in the School Calendar.
Confirmation
Confirmation is offered to students from Year 11 onwards as an adult profession of faith. It is no longer a prerequisite for receiving Communion (Baptism is the only prerequisite). A Confirmation service is held in Term 4 of each year after a period of preparation and an overnight retreat lead by the Chaplains. During the Confirmation Service students profess their faith and receive the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop.
Students wishing to be confirmed can register their interest with the Chaplain’s PA, Mrs Jenny McClory.
It is our practice at Diocesan School to intinct (dip) the wafer in the wine.
Those who do not wish to receive Communion may still come to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the priest. Those wishing to do so will indicate this by simply keeping their hands at their sides.
Old Girls' Weddings
The Chaplains are available to officiate at the weddings of Old Girls. Weddings may be held during the school term but not at Easter.
Those wishing to be married in the School Chapel should contact Mrs Catherine Mudgway to make their booking.
Baptism of Old Girls' Children
Each term a service of Baptism is held for the children of Old Girls. A preparation evening is held for parents and Godparents in the week leading up to the service.
Those wishing to have their child baptised in the School Chapel should contact Mrs Catherine Mudgway to make their booking.
Sunday Services
Sunday Services are held on occasion. All Junior School students attend their House Service each year and Middle and Senior School students attend a Year Level Service as well as their House Service. Families are encouraged to attend these services with their girls. Sunday Services are generally Eucharist (Communion) Services. All those who are baptised are welcome to receive Communion regardless of their Christian denomination.
Dates for upcoming Sunday Services can be found in the School Calendar.
Giving
Supporting the work of Church and community-based organisations is an important facet of outworking our school motto Ut Serviamus (That We May Serve). Previously known as ‘Missionary’, this practice has long been a tradition in the life of the School. ‘Giving’ takes two forms: ‘Chapel Giving’ and ‘Community Giving’.
Chapel Giving encourages the principle of stewardship and supports the Chapel Fund which provides the annual Diocesan School Chapel Scholarship. Students are asked to support this once a term when a collection is taken during their weekly Year Level Chapel Service.
Community Giving focuses on supporting the work of a local or overseas organisation through tutor groups’ Service and fundraising efforts, mufti days and the like. At the beginning of each year the Chaplains and Service Committee decide which Church-related or community-based organisations will receive each term's collection. This cause becomes the focus for the students’ fundraising activities for that term.
Service
Diocesan’s motto Ut Serviamus (That We May Serve) is a key facet in the culture and tradition of the School. Throughout the year students are given the opportunity to serve others in both practical and philanthropic ways. Students are encouraged to give their time and talents on a number of levels to serve others both within the School community and the wider community.
One part of the Service Programme is Giving which takes place on two fronts (see ‘Giving’).
Voluntary Service programmes of a specific period of time are currently run at Years 10 & 12.