Chaplaincy is an integral part our Catholic school community. It is a service which provides both spiritual and pastoral care for students and staff.
Our chaplaincy team is led by a full time chaplain, Ms. Mariana Bosetti (@chapatstmary). The role of the chaplaincy team leader includes:
- organizing and facilitating grade level retreats;
- planning and organizing liturgical services and reflections;
- providing faith formation;
- spiritual and pastoral support;
- guidance for students and staff; and
- promotion of inclusivity and social justice throughout the school community.
A Message from Our Chaplain
In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus began his public life by reading a passage from prophet Isaiah that introduced his ministry and mission, and from then on the ministry and mission of every Christian and every Christian community. In that passage, Jesus proclaims, "I have come:
- "To bring good news to the poor", in a world where so many lack the basic necessities of life
- "To bring liberty to the captives", where so many are enslaved by addictions, loneliness, poverty and violence
- "To bring new sight to the blind "in a world where consumerism, globalization, secularism and other ideologies have blinded so many of us from God's truth of unconditional love and compassion for all
- "To set the downtrodden free" in a world where so many forces opposed to love, compassion and loving-kindness have literally imprisoned millions of us.
Our school community is measured by how we serve the "least of these" in our local and global family - the hungry, the homeless, the sick, those in prison, the stranger, the isolated and the forgotten. (Mt.25:31)
Our vision of a Catholic school community is firmly rooted in this vision of Jesus. We try our best to pass it on to all those who enter this community. Our retreat programs, outreach programs, community service programs, prayer life, Eucharistic celebrations, special speakers, assemblies, and religious education program are inspired by this vision of looking at the whole earth as our home and looking at everyone as our brothers and sisters. It is only by promoting and encouraging everyone to have a solid relationship to God through Jesus can we sustain the above vision constantly. Please visit St. Mary Retreat Leaders for further information on the particulars for the above programs.
As parents when you choose this school, you are not only choosing an education for your children but also the special worldview we promote. This worldview has its foundation the vision of Jesus. This worldview is often opposed to the worldview promoted by the society at large and the media. We need plenty of support and reinforcement from home. We know from the history of the Church of two thousand years that our vision of the world as taught by Jesus is transformative and eternal. This will bring lasting happiness for our children, the whole world and us. As you send your children to our school you are also choosing to support us in that mission.
We also have a beautiful and prayerful Chapel on the second floor, and it is always open to students and staff. We have Eucharistic celebration during special events and liturgies throughout the year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available upon request; please have your child see me. My office is directly across from the chapel and my doors are always open for your child to chat if they need some extra encouragement and affirmation.
The following verse from the prophet Jeremiah is the essence of what it means to have hope and trust, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."' (Jer.29:11) Many times we are faced with hardships and difficulties that makes us question God. It is normal to question for it is part of our human nature. However, this verse shows that our God is a Good Father and if we are going through a hardship, it serves a purpose. We do not see it at that moment, and it might take a while to realize, but at the end it will make us stronger, and He will always be walking with us during it all. It is important to remember that He would never give us something we cannot handle.
My hope is to walk with the community of St Mary and be present to those who seek help. Young people are often misunderstood; it is my job is to listen with compassion, to walk with those who are struggling in love and empathy. Life can be difficult, and I want to be someone students and staff feel comfortable in talking to and provide the extra support and encouragement. May God bless and protect you and your loved ones.
Ms. Mariana Bosetti - OCT, M.R.E
Chaplaincy Activities
Contact us
To learn more about our chaplaincy team, contact our Chaplain Ms. Mariana Bosetti (ext. 56028). We welcome your talents and support.
