Page 12 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

COLLEGE NEWS CHAPLAINCY & CHARITY

“The perfection of the Gospel consists in the perfect carrying out
of the two commandments of love – the love of God and the love
of our neighbour.” – Blessed Antonio Rosmini
Blessed Antonio Rosmini desired that students in the schools that
he founded would become seekers of the truth, and it is upon
this that the mission of Ratcliffe is based. The role of Chaplaincy
is, therefore, to build within the school community a culture of
service to all, to help inspire the students through an exploration
of the Gospel values, and to celebrate the faith of our community
in prayer and acts of worship.

CALLED TO SERVE OTHERS CALLED TO A LIFE OF PRAYER

“Perfect charity, in which consists the perfection of all, “Oh, how sweet it is to speak with God, to be satisfi ed in him
brings the whole person into union with the Creator.” alone, remember, to long for, to gaze on God, know God,
– Blessed Antonio Rosmini to be in love with God.” – Blessed Antonio Rosmini

Our school motto, Legis Plenitudo Charitas (Love is the Fulfi lment At the heart of Ratcliffe College is our Christian identity, and
of the Law), is a daily reminder that loving service of others is an at the heart of Christian identity is the desire to be close to the
integral part of the Christian identity. Christ has given us clear will of God. Because of this, there is a clear dedication to fi nding
instructions that a “Christian life is for service”, and Pope Francis moments each day for prayer. Spending time in quiet refl ection,
reminds us that, while Christ’s instruction is for everyone to give where both student and staff bodies can come to know who God
freely that which has been given freely, it is meant especially for us is, is central to the life of the College. Each week begins and ends in
“shepherds of the church”. the College Chapel in collective worship; feast days are celebrated
with Mass; Remembrance Day and Easter are marked with special
With this in mind, money is raised each year to support one of the
services; and Advent and Lent are signifi ed by Reconciliation Days.
charities chosen by the school community. Each year group, as well
Regular Boarding Community Weekend Mass and Night Prayer,
as the boarding community, sponsors a particular organisation
and Tutor Group Prayers further contribute to the liturgical life
and spends the academic year raising both money and awareness
of the College. Unfortunately, due to lockdown, we were unable
for their cause. Alongside the various charity events, such as cake
to hold our annual Easter service, which was greatly missed. This
sales and coffee mornings, there are a number of community
service is a pinnacle moment in the school’s year, as it marks the
service-based clubs which run throughout the year. These include
greatest moment in Salvation history. We look forward to next
the St Vincent de Paul Club (Year 9), the Mother Teresa Group, and
year’s service with even more fervour than usual.
the Voluntary Service Unit (Sixth Form), where numerous students
contribute their time to helping others.

12 The Old Ratcliffi an 2020