We were delighted to be joined by 26 participants at the first session of our Chaplaincy Chat, a new support forum for chaplains and staff involved in chaplaincy in our Catholic religious order schools. The first ‘Chat’ was very much designed to find out what participant might want from such a forum, how the Charism group may be able to facilitate the group and create opportunities for the participants to share, learn and connect. Such a good turn out seems to indicate the need for this opportunity and we will be looking, as a group, at the best way we can continue to develop this Chaplaincy Chat. Next session is scheduled for May 18th.

We met at our March plenary themed Wellbeing and Diversity/ Inclusivity by zoom. Great examples of how well-being of staff is addressed in our religious order schools was given by governors and a headteacher. Input was discussed in our breakout rooms. We also discussed the key issue of diversity around gender and sexuality and how it needs to be a key area where support is needed in our schools. An overview of the work of ROE, the launch of the Gaudete Trust and the  progress of the Laetare MAT were also given. Thanks to all in attendance and for your subscriptions to ROE which enable its work to continue. Next plenary 4 July. Slides can be viewed below. ROE Plenary March 2023 Final

On Wednesday 1^st March, ROE members, Headteachers and Chairs of Governors met with the Laetare CMAT Steering Group for a conference in Birmingham. Delegates, whether fully committed to the idea of joining this new-style Catholic Multi-Academy Trust for Religious Order schools, intrigued or indeed highly sceptical, were all invited to an in-depth discussion of work done so far as a follow up to the communication document circulated to all schools earlier in the year. Firstly looking at the ‘why Laetare?’ question, Andy Bridson, Director of Education for the De La Salle English schools outlined the rationale of the Laetare mission which is derived from ROE and the Gaudete Trust; namely to protect and strengthen the charism of our founding religious orders, to ensure the legacy of those orders whilst delivering an outstanding and transformational Catholic education that responds to current and up-coming changes in the educational landscape.

The main body of the conference was dedicated to gathering evidence from those present in terms of shaping the CMAT. Questions were posed on key areas such as the responsibilities of the Local Governing Body, retaining local level autonomy, the role of the CEO, roles and committees of the Directors.

Questions on the School Improvement Model were also explored in terms of individual schools current support, areas of weakness or for improvement and capacity.

The morning threw up many questions; some of which were answered by the steering group after lunch but the remaining questions will be integrated into the Consultation #1 document which will be compiled by Andy Bridson and circulated to schools on April 17th. He is looking for a return on these for June 2023. Questions on geography, centralised services, roles and functions of a CMAT such as this were all discussed.

Sister Brenda Wallace FCJ closed the day with a reflection that centres around our shared journey; together we work and work stronger. We would like to thank all that gave up their time to be with us on this important day in the planning of the Laetare CMAT. For any further information please contact the steering group led by Roisin Maguire: director.ero@gmail.com

 

We are excited to launch a new group to wish we openly invite participation from any staff involved in Chaplaincy in Religious Order schools; a forum for sharing, input and support. We want to offer a supportive resourcing network for chaplains in religious order schools and those following a religious charism. We are offering an initial meeting that will put chaplains into conversation, help them to build professional and faith relationships as well as share resources. At this time of change and development in chaplaincy we want you to be at the friendliest leading edge of all that happens. We simply call it ‘Chaplaincy Chat’. The mix will be some input, resources to share but mostly small breakout conversations. Our first ‘Chaplaincy Chat’ will be on Weds 19 April from 4-5pm by zoom. Contact annnichols.roe@gmail.com for the link.  

We are looking forward to welcoming Headteachers and Chairs of Governors of Religious Order schools to discuss joining the Laetare CMAT. The conference takes place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre from 9.30 until 3.30pm.

Available to download now.  

This summer we will be hosting a conference for Chaplains, those involved in chaplaincy, RE coordinators and spiritual directors in schools. Our main focus will be on chaplaincy and our Charisms. We will be surveying participants prior to the conference to assertain views and wishes for discussion.  We will be using experienced facilitators to deliver workshops.  As a follow-up there will be a zoom on dealing with the framework SEF, discussing how our religious Charism can be instrumental in a successful RE inspection. This is a broad invitation and we invite outside participants who are involved in school chaplaincy. Contact annnichols.roe@gmail.com for more details.  Conference costs £50 per institution. We would encourage more than one delegate per institution to attend. Register here.

On 13 July the ROE team held the end of year plenary. Items discussed can be see form the agenda given below. Look out for the date tbc in December of the next plenary meeting. Please contact Sister Brenda Wallace for any details from this meeting.

We were delighted to have 40 participants at our third governance symposium on 8th June. Our theme was ‘living the Charism’, with a focus on being, doing and belonging. If you missed it or would like to access the recorded session just click on the link: https://vimeo.com/718608307/0e2113f1ce  

The Plenary Meeting March 2022 covered:

• Trusteeship for the Future
• The Gaudete Trust latest news
• The Schools White Paper and its implications for RO schools
• Progress on the Gaudete MAT
• Work of the Charism group

A PDF of the slides can be viewed here.