On Thursday 26th September 2024, SDS (Spiritual Development in Schools) organised the first meeting of the scholastic year 2024-2025 at the Parish Centre of Ħ’Attard, for Religious Counsellors who work in State Schools and Chaplains who work in Independent Schools.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who was present for this meeting, listened to the religious counsellors and chaplains discuss the challenges they face during their work in State and Independent schools. They expressed the need to grow in motivation in their pastoral ministry by adopting better communication, collaboration, planning, continuous prayer and personal spiritual life, as well as constant formation, wisdom, positive outlook and preparation.
They also mentioned that there must be a better acknowledgement of their call to serve and more importance on the collaboration with school administration due to their ability to bridge students and spiritual values. The Archbishop reminded them that it is crucial to reach out to young people and children in the places where they are, especially in schools. Here, students’ questions inspire great lessons, fostered by the value of dialogue which helps them better understand their hopes and concerns. It is not always necessary to have an answer to every question, as the responsibility of the religious counsellors and chaplains lies in connecting students to Christ’s love since He can ultimately lead them to what they seek.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna emphasised that the ministry should not be viewed merely as philanthropic or social welfare but rather as focusing on the whole person—spiritually and psychologically.
During the meeting, two pastoral workers who form part of SDS, led a short and interactive training on pedagogy and teaching methods to assist religious counsellors and chaplains in their work with students.