GUIDELINES ON THE CHAPLAINCY IN
A CATHOLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL.
FOREWORD.
The Church received a mandate from our Lord Jesus Christ to go and evangelize all Nations. `` All power in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.’’Mt.28:18-20. The second sacred Vatican Ecumenical Council emphasized this teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. `` Holy Mother Church in order to fulfil the mandate she received from her divine founder to announce the mystery of salvation to all men and to renew all things in Christ, is under obligation to promote the welfare of the whole life of man including his life in this world insofar as it is related to his heavenly vocation; she has therefore a part to play in the development and extension of education.’’(Vatican 11 Document, Christian Education, page 726) Our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the church with divine authority to: teach, sanctify, and govern his flock. The Holy Spirit is ever present in the church as on the day of Pentecost. He is the Spirit of Truth and the Sanctifier. He gives us power to be courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ, thus we are the Light and Salt of the earth.
Uganda Episcopal Conference, under the Catholic Education Department (UCED) published in 2015, a working document that offers practical reflections and guidelines on the Chaplaincy in Catholic Institutions. The guidelines in this edition, are within the domain of the Uganda Episcopal Conference. The target beneficiaries of this write-up, are, chaplains in schools, teacher chaplains, teacher catechists and all those involved in youth and staff apostolate in schools. My apostolate in St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School Naggalama spans over two decades of, dedication, consultation, research and needs assessment. Consequently the chaplaincy has a number of vibrant chaplaincy Teams. I am indebted to both staff and students of St. Joseph’s, family with whom we have worked in the past and the current crop of resource personnel. My first edition in 2002, was entitled, ``WHY WE EXIST AS A CHAPLAINCY! ‘’ has outlived the current challenges in ministering to both staff and students in schools. I pray that this rebranded edition will answer the needs of our time. The end user is advised to pick and choose what is applicable and practical to one’s locus.
Fr. Vincent Wasswa
Revised Edition 2019
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CHAPLAINS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
1. A Chaplain is a priest to whom is entrusted in a stable manner the pastoral care, at least in part, of some community or special group of Christ’s faithful, to be exercised in accordance with universal and particular law. Canon 564.
2. A Chaplain is appointed by the local Ordinary, to whom also it belongs to appoint one who has been presented or to confirm one elected. Canon 565.
3. In the exercise of his pastoral office a chaplain is to maintain the due relationship with the Parish priest. Canon 571.
4. Thus Chaplaincy implies sharing ones faith in action, for the salvation of many in priestly, prophetic and kingly roles, giving the best for better fruits.( UCED page 1.)
5. Chaplaincy refers to the position or work/responsibility of a chaplain, the place where the chaplain works. ( UCED page 2 )
6. Chaplaincy Teams refers to groups of people who work together with a chaplain in implementing his duties.( UCED) page 2 )
7. The chaplaincy Teams include: Teacher Chaplain, Teacher Catechist, Liturgy Prefects, Chapel Council, Trainers of Altar Servers, Leaders of sacristans, Patrons of Religious and Charity Associations or Clubs, Leaders of Staff Basic Christian Community, Retreat Team, Leaders of the Volunteers Association, Leaders of Lectors, Focal persons in charge of Clubs, Clubs Prefects, Club Executives, (These Teams are applicable at St. Joseph’s SSS Naggalama.)
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ROLES OF THE CHAPLAIN.
1. `` The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.’’ Lk.4:18-19. The ministry of an ordained chaplain is best explained in this gospel text. As a priest the roles of school chaplain are: Liturgical, Prophetic, Pastoral.
2. Liturgical Role
The Chaplain together with the Teacher Chaplain and Liturgical Team are duty bound to: plan and advertise the Liturgical activities of the term to both staff and students indicating: Date, Activity, Time Venue, Action/implementers.
b) Liturgical activities include: Holy Mass,(the, Altar servers ,Lectors
Commentators, Choir, must be well trained) Sacraments of the Church,
`` The Holy Spirit carries on the work of sanctification’’ (CCC no.1152)
Both staff and students must be catechised on all sacraments. Biblical
References show the origin of each sacrament. Liturgical Signs, namely
Holy images, Liturgical Seasons, `` Holy Mother Church celebrate the
saving work of her divine Spouse in sacred commemoration on certain
days throughout the course of the year.’’ ( CCC,1163) The Chaplain
must explain the significance of each season. Public devotions especially
adoration and worship of the Blessed Sacrament. (CCC 1178)
The Church, ``a house of prayer in which the Eucharist is celebrated and
reserved, where the faithful assemble and where is worshiped the
presence of the Son of God our Saviour, offered for us on the sacrificial
Altar, ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer and
Sacred ceremonial.’’ ( CCC1181)
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`` The chair of the priest should express his office of presiding
Over the assembly and of directing prayer.’’(CCC 1184)
The Chaplaincy Teams in charge of Liturgical celebrations must be
well trained and knowledgeable, this will enhance active participation.
Sacramentals. The chaplain must explain the difference between
Sacraments and sacramentals and provide them for staff and students to
use in their journey of faith.
3. Prophetic Role
a) Prophetic Ministry in the Old Testament.
``The Old Testament prophets believed they were chosen by God
and inspired by his spirit to play a central role in society. So
``Prophet’’ is a term that means a spokesperson: one who speaks
or interprets in the name of, or on behalf of God. So the classical Hebrew classification of prophets is wider than our usual categories. In fact all who spoke or exercised leadership in God’s
name were considered prophets. ‘’ (The African Bible, page 1183,
edition 1999)
b) Every ordained priest carries on the ministry of a prophet.
He is a teacher, interpreter and preacher of the undiluted Good News of salvation. `` Those who receive Holy Orders are consecrated
In Christ’s name to ``feed the Church by the word and grace of God.’’ (CCC 1535) A chaplain in a school is the official Proclaimer
Of God’s Good News.`` And how can they believe in whom they have
not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
and how can people preach without being sent? Thus faith comes
from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.’’ Rom.10:14-17. The lifestyle of the chaplain must reflect the truth of the Gospel, he teaches. It is advisable for the chaplain to encourage both staff and students to buy personal Bibles, teach them how to read and use them as prayer books especially the book of Psalms. Page 3
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C) The chaplain must use the Bible to explain why Catholics go to the Priest for the sacrament of Confession, why eat and drink the body and blood of Christ, Holy Matrimony, the use of statues is not idolatry and why pray for souls in purgatory, hierarchy in the
Church and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our salvation. During catechism instruction, the chaplain and teacher catechist must refer to the Bible to deepen the faith of the learners.
d) The chaplain shall train and monitor the`` Bible study and sharing’’ club
in the school by meeting, the patron , club executives, members and activities.
4. Pastoral Role.
``The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church. ‘’ (CCC no 1547) As pastors, priests are called by God to the ministry of service.
Jesus Christ is the model of service. He made himself least and
Servant of all.`` Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ ’Mk 10:43-45.St. Peter affirms this teaching of the saviour.`` Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.’’ 1 Pet. 5:3-4.
A chaplain like other priests, ``exercises the function of Christ as Pastor and Head in proportion to their share of authority. This spiritual power is to build up the church into the living body of Christ.`` And in building up the church priests ought to treat everybody with the greatest kindness after the model of our Lord. They should act towards people not according to what may please men, but according to the demands of Christian doctrine and life.’’ (Vatican 11, Life of Priests, no.6, page 873) A chaplain is a teacher of FAITH and MORALS.`` Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince,reprimand,encourage through all patience and teaching. ‘’ (2 Tim, 4:2) Formation in faith is the primary responsibility of a chaplain. Page4
The learners are in a stage of crisis in faith. They must be taught basic catholic doctrine based on, catechism, the Bible, Church teaching and apologetics.
a) Moral Education/ Formation.
``The sacred Synod affirms that children and young people have the right to be stimulated to make sound moral judgements based on a well formed conscience and to put them into practice with a sense of personal commitment ,and to know and love God more perfectly.’’ (Vatican Council 11, Christian Education, page727, no 1, edition 1999.) The Ecumenical Council exhorts all in the Education sectors to give Moral Education or Formation a priority. The Council Fathers continued to emphasize that this is a sacred right which must not be deprived from the learners.
The new Code of Canon Law states the following on Catholic Education. ``Education must pay regard to the formation of the Whole person so that they may attain their eternal destiny and at the same time promote the common good of society. Children and young persons are therefore to be cared for in such a way that their physical, moral and intellectual talents may develop in a harmonious manner, so that they may attain a greater sense of responsibility and right use of freedom, and be formed to take active part in society.’’ Canon 795.
The onus is therefore on the chaplain to influence the school Administration to slot teaching Moral Education on the Timetable. Moral formation of the learners will assist them make informed decisions based on Christian faith and a clean not dead conscience.
b) Counselling Role.
The ministry of priests is to be good shepherds to the flock. `` Their very ministry makes a special claim on them not to conform themselves to this world; still it requires at the same time that they should live among men in this world and as good shepherds, they should know their sheep and should also seek to lead back those who do not belong to this fold, so that they too may hear the voice of Christ.’’ Page5
(Vatican Council 11, The Ministry and Life of Priests, page 867, 1999 edition) A chaplain is a counsellor with a heart of Jesus Christ the wonderful counsellor. `` But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him: A spirit of counsel and of strength.’’ Isaiah 11:1-2. During his public ministry, Jesus Christ affirmed that he is the caring good shepherd. `I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I will lay down my life for the sheep.’’ John 10:14-15. It is the responsibility of the chaplain to know the joys, sorrows, trials, opportunities, threats, weak spots and aspirations of his flock. He should listen with empathy and confidentiality. Therapy should assist the affected client to choose solutions that will lead to inner healing. Praying together should never be side-lined. A chaplain is not absolute, referral is a component of counselling. Ongoing formation for married staff must be given top priority on the year planner of the chaplaincy.
TEACHER CHAPLAIN
a) The Mission of Seventy –two. Luke 10:1-2
```After this the Lord appointed seventy two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them,`` The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few.’’ In this text, Luke is teaching us that salvation is not reserved only to the people of
Israel. Secondly, sending them in pairs is a lesson that team work is essential in evangelisation. A viable chaplaincy must have Teams to minister effectively to the school community. A teacher chaplain is indispensable in the chaplaincy.
b) Definition
A teacher chaplain is a mature, stable and exemplary non-ordained Catholic teacher who together with the chaplain make final and binding decisions on: all activities, programmes, source personnel, train and motivate chaplaincy Teams, forward discipline decisions to page6
the school administration. Mutual trust, sharing information and collaboration are invaluable between the chaplain and teacher chaplain.
c) Roles of a Teacher Chaplain.
Together with the chaplain they IMPLEMENT AND MONITOR all activities and programmes of the chaplaincy.
In the absence of the chaplain in the school, the Teacher chaplain takes on the duties of Father Chaplain except those reserved to an ordained priest.
A teacher chaplain is the delegated Public Relations officer of the chaplaincy Teams.
A Teacher chaplain is the overall coordinator of the Chaplaincy Teams.
Consults the chaplain, after, he communicates the final decision in situations of misunderstandings in Chaplaincy Teams.
Reconciles and disciplines errant student Chaplaincy Team Leaders or members.
He is the liaison officer between the Team Leaders or members and the Teaching staff.
Proposes to the chaplain Team Leaders or members to be demoted because of gross indiscipline
Recommends to the chaplain outstanding Team Leaders that deserve special recognition and award.
Is the quality assurance officer of the chaplaincy.
Promotes the Catholic Identity in the school.
Liturgy Minister (Prefect)
Roles of a Liturgy Minister and Deputy.
a) Both the Liturgy Minister and deputy, are catholic students who are elected by the students after approval by the School administration and teaching staff. They must be exemplary.
b) In the absence of candidates for either posts, the chaplain after consultations with the school administration, class teacher, school parent, Director of studies and disciplinary chairperson, will appoint catholic student(s) to the designated post(s) page 7
c) The Liturgy Minister and Deputy monitor and implement all liturgical activities and programmes from the chaplaincy except those for the BASIC SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF THE STAFF.
d) Liturgical activities and programmes are: Morning, Evening, Night prayers, devotion to the holy Rosary especially in May and October, assign class chapel councillors to organize for daily and Sunday Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the first week of every month, celebration of the sacrament of Penance for the whole school, Novena prayers from the Diocese or the chaplaincy, Solemnity of St. Joseph the Patron Saint of the School, Pilgrimages, thanksgiving Masses for excellent UNEB results of students of senior four and six, Masses to bless new students of senior one and five, requiem Mass for staff or student(s) and parent (s).Church harvest and thanksgiving Mass, Liturgical Seasons, Way of the Cross. Number of students fasting on Fridays in Lent.
e) Non-Liturgical activities and Programmes are: Chairing weekly chapel council meeting, distribute responsibilities among chapel councillors, write reports to Fr. Chaplain, counsel chapel councillors. Identify students who disrespect spiritual activities and counsel them, if need be then refer them to Teacher Chaplain and Chaplain, assist students to be serene and orderly during liturgical celebrations, forward disobedient students to the students Court, Teacher Chaplain Masters on duty and Chaplain, mobilize students for charitable work, distribute prayer papers to class streams, forward students suggestions and requests to Fr. Chaplain.
f) Catholic Faith and Identity:
The Liturgy Minister and Deputy have a duty to promote reverence to the Catholic faith, Christian morals, catholic tradition and beliefs. All students must respect the Bible, religious icons and the Adoration Chapel/room. Both ministers must report to the chaplain and school administration cases of Religious Fundamentalism for prompt action. Page 8
g) In the absence of the Liturgy Minister, the Deputy assumes the role of a full Minister.
h) The Liturgy Minister addresses the students’ assembly on matters of Faith, Liturgy and Morals.
Chapel Councillors
These are catholic students who are either elected by their
fellow students or appointed by the chaplain to organize and
lead prayers in a class stream. They must be exemplary. They
also serve a class stream monitors. A chapel Councillor is
a student Leader who must be first approved by school
Administration and Teachers.
Roles of a chapel Councillor.
a) A chapel councillor is a student Leader in charge of a class stream.
b) A chapel Councillor is responsible for the discipline and order in a class stream and the entire School.
c) A chapel councillor must update the class stream teacher, school administration, chaplaincy and all masters on duty on the discipline or any relevant information that the school may need on any student.
d) A chapel councillor is in charge of the spiritual activities and Liturgical celebrations of a class stream and other duties assigned to him/her by the school authorities.
e) A chapel councillor must cooperate with the Liturgy Minister, Prefects, the chaplaincy, all teachers and school administration to implement the school Rules and Regulations and all duties in his/ her docket.
f) A chapel Councillor must respect all in authority in the school and fellow students.
g) A chapel Councillor must lead by example.
h) A chapel Councillor must seek help from Prefects, Chaplaincy, School Administration and all teachers./9
i) A chapel Councillor must consult fellow Prefects, School Administration, Teachers and the Chaplaincy on how to discipline errant students.
j) A chapel Councillor must not work alone in a class stream to promote Order and discipline.
k) A chapel Councillor has delegated power from the school authorities, failure to be accountable will lead to demotion.
l) A chapel councillor is an ex officio member of the Chaplaincy; and must abide by the guidelines and directives from the Chaplaincy.
m) A chapel councillor must not conceal relevant information required by those in authority in the school.
The Church of Uganda Community.
a) The students shall elect two Anglican students a boy and girl who will work with the chaplaincy, to organize services that will be gazetted by Fr. Chaplain.
b) The two are members of the School chapel Council and will be assigned more roles by the chaplain, school administration, Prefects and Masters on duty.
Chapel Council
Membership and Roles.
a) The Chapel Council shall be under the supervision of the Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain.
b) The Chaplain, Teacher Chaplain and Liturgy Minister shall convene this council routinely to plan, evaluate, redesign and implement activities and programmes of the Chaplaincy and the top school Managers.
c) The Liturgy Minister and Deputy and all Chapel Councillors constitute the chapel Council
d) The Liturgy Minister or Deputy shall chair meetings of the chapel Council; the minutes shall be recorded by the Council Secretary.
e) The Chaplain and Teacher chaplain shall meet the Chapel Council weekly to plan and evaluate /10 / performance and activities and programmes of the Chaplaincy and each member.
f) All chapel Council members must attend the weekly meeting and any other organized by the Chapel Council or Fr. Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain.
g) Absenteeism from meetings will be treated as indiscipline.
h) The Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain shall discipline a chapel councillor who abates his/her Roles.
i) No member shall disclose classified matters discussed in the Chapel Council meetings. Breach of the afore_ said will lead to disciplinary action.
Trainers of Altar Servers.
Catholic students who desire to become Altar servers shall
register themselves in the Office of the Chaplain. The
Chaplain will interview them on basic knowledge about Holy
Mass and suitability of character. The chaplain will train them
and later choose a Team of Trainers of Altar Servers.
Roles of Trainers of Altar Servers:
a) Elect a Team Leader and secretary.
b) The Team Leader shall chair meetings of all Altar Servers,
link the Servers with Fr. Chaplain and the Chaplaincy.
c) Fr. Chaplain shall organize regular meetings with all
Altar Servers through their Team Leader.
d) The Team Leaders shall be exemplary in character and
academics.
e) The Team Leaders shall forward to Fr. Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain Altar Servers who need special
Counselling and guidance. /11/
f) The Secretary shall write a roster and distribute copies to
the Chaplain and class Altar Team Leader.
g) The Team Leaders shall share responsibilities
among themselves; fetching fire for the thurible, remind servers on duty, cleanliness of vestments, smart dress code .
h) The secretary shall roll call Altar servers during
meetings and keep the file/book in the chaplain’s office.
i) Altar Servers with complains on the roster shall express them to Team Leaders, Teacher Chaplain and the Chaplain.
Trainers of Lectors.
> The Chaplain shall appoint two students preferably boys to
to be in charge of the Lectionary and to identify and train
Lectors.
The Chaplain shall train the Trainers on how to use the Lectionary following the ORDER booklet.
The Trainers shall write their roster and give the Chaplain a copy.
Team Leader for prayers of the Faithful.
a) The Chaplain shall appoint at least five students and train them in writing the prayers of the faithful to be read in Holy Mass.
b) The Chaplain shall appoint a Team Leader from the five to coordinate the Team.
c) The Team Leader shall be in charge of the book for the prayers of the faithful.
d) The Team Leader shall write a roster and give copies to the Chaplain and Team members.
e) Each member on the Team shall be responsible for writing the prayers of the faithful following the roster and to inform the persons to take them during Mass. / 12/
f) The Team Leader shall handover to the Chaplain the book for the prayers of the faithful when the school closes for holiday.
g) The students in charge of writing the prayers of the faithful shall not delegate non-members of the Team to write on their behalf without permission from the Chaplain.
h) The Chaplain shall monitor the discipline and academic grades of the students in charge of writing the prayers of the faithful.
The Sacristans
The Chaplain shall approve a maximum of fifteen girls from
different classes to work in the sacristy. (Special Altar girls)
from among them , the Chaplain will approve Team Leaders,
namely: Team Leader, Secretary, In charge of offertory gifts,
Leader of senior one to three sacristans. The Team Leader shall
preferably be from senior five, outstanding in character,
academics, leadership skills, and trustworthy
Roles of the Sacristans.
a) The Team Leader shall be the overall coordinator.
b) The Secretary shall write a roster and give a copies to the
Chaplain, teacher chaplain, class team Leaders and pin a copy on the sacristy Notice board.
c) The secretary shall keep a record of work done in a book which she will hand over to the chaplain when the school closes for holiday.
d) The secretary shall write minutes of the meetings of the sacristans.
e) The Team Leader shall update the Chaplain on vestments and vessels that need repair or replacement. / 13/
f) The Team Leader shall forward to the Chaplain Sacristans who have declined in doing their work.
g) The sacristans shall wash the Altar Linens, vestments, pacificator, finger towels, corporale and keep the vessels clean.
h) The sacristans shall organize the Altar for Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and other Liturgical celebrations.
i) The Team Leader shall keep the sacristy clean and organized.
j) Students without special duties in the sacristy shall not be allowed to enter without a genuine reason.
Teacher Catechist
The Chaplain shall identify at least three catholic teachers
with zeal and train them to teach Catechism in the school.
Being a committed Teacher catechist is a call from God that
demands; commitment, exemplary lifestyle, ongoing
formation in catholic doctrine and readiness to serve.
`` After this the Lord appointed seventy two others whom
he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he
intended to visit. ‘’ Lk: 10:1. When our Lord appointed the
seventy two, he also continued the mission his Father gave
him. The Chaplain must not relax but together with the
teacher catechists must have a work plan of teaching
catechism to those who register for instruction.
The major groups for Catechesis are: a) Baptism b) First
Holy Communion c) Confirmation d) Renewal of Baptism
Promises.
Occasionally the Teacher catechist may catechise the students
during assembly on the following ./14
Pilgrimage (what is a pilgrimage?), Mother Mary,
a Retreat, the difference between Holy Mass and a Bible
service, Religious clubs/associations and Secular clubs/
associations, Religious Icons and idolatry.
Retreat Team
In schools where students get spiritual retreats, the Chaplain
shall appoint or enrol a Retreat Team. It will comprise of
teachers to monitor discipline of the students, be responsible
for accommodation and welfare of the Retreat Master and
Outreach team. The Team will include students who will
team up with the teachers . The main roles of the students
are: come up with a Praise and Worship Choir, be in charge of
welfare of the Retreat Master and outreach members, monitor
the discipline of students and to do voluntary work whenever they
are requested. Evaluate the topics of the Retreat.
Clubs and Societies
A school is a centre of holistic formation. Schools should have
Religious Clubs/Societies/Associations and Academic Clubs,
Charitable Societies and`` Build better Community Clubs’’
Ongoing human and spiritual formation is best done when the
students join clubs .They are advised to join at least one Religious,
One Academic and one Charitable/Community Club. Clubs assist
Students to grow up with a balanced character, firm faith and
generosity.A chaplain shall extend his apostolate through clubs
especially the following: Religious, Charitable, Better Community.
Focal Person in charge of Religious/Charitable / Build a better Community Clubs. /15/
In schools with many Religious, Charitable and Build better Community Clubs, the Chaplain shall appoint a Teacher to be a ``A Focal Person’’ The roles of a Focal Person is to meet regularly with the Club Executives and Ministers in charge of Clubs and Societies, to appraise,
promote team work, link the clubs with the Chaplaincy to achieve the objectives of each Club or Society.
Religious Clubs/Societies include: Legion of Mary, YCS, Bible Study and Sharing, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Devotees of St. Jude, Saint Padre Pio,
Xaverians , Church Choir,etc
Build a better Community Clubs include: Red Cross, Scouts and Guides, Interact, Peace and Justice, Patriotism, Peer to Peer Counselling, Youth Alive,HACA ( Human alliance against Cancer)
Charitable Clubs: These are care givers especially monetary and material. The beneficiaries may be students in the school or outside, neighbourhood community or distant like Nsambya babies home or Nalukolongo home of the elderly and sick. St. Joseph Naggalama has, ```Christ Cares Charity Fund’’.It targets educating financially stressed children in the nearby communities. One of the beneficiaries is a double orphan who is now teaching in a Secondary School, the second is a Major Seminarian who has completed Philosophy studies. In September 2019 he will re-join a Theological Seminary after his Pastoral Spiritual Year Experience.
The Focal Person identifies outstanding club Executives and proposes them to the School Administration through the Office of the Chaplain for special recognition and award
Focal Person in charge of Academic Clubs. (Applicable at Naggalama)
At St Joseph’s Naggalama, the Chaplain is the overall all Clubs Coordinator. He has a duty to appoint a teacher to be a Focal Person in charge of Academic Clubs. The school has over twelve Academic Clubs. The Role of a Focal person is to meet regularly with Club Executives, to coordinate their activities, motivate them and link them to the Chaplaincy for effective service outcome. Academic Clubs assist students to improve their academic life, Public speaking skills, innovativeness, financial literacy and discipline and build team work.
The Focal Person recommends to the school Administration through the Chaplain students who deserve special recognition or award. /16/
Ministers in Charge of Clubs and Societies. (Prefects)
The Minister in charge of Clubs and Societies and Deputy Minister are Prefects who are elected by all students after approval by the teachers.
Both Ministers are in the Chaplaincy Team for Clubs and Societies. They work harmoniously with the Chaplain and Focal Persons to ensure that the Clubs and Societies meet the objectives of their clubs, enrol new members, meet regularly and forward their needs and complaints to the Chaplain as All Clubs Coordinator.
Roles of Minister for Clubs and Societies.
a) The Minister and Deputy share duties for effective output of both Religious/Charity/Build a Better Community and Academic Clubs.
b) One monitors the Religious/Charity/Build a Better Community Clubs and the other monitors the Academic Clubs.
c) Each writes regular reports on performance or decline of each Club or Society and forwards a copy to the Clubs Coordinator.
d) The Minister chairs meetings when all Clubs meet.
e) The Minister writes recommendations to the Clubs Coordinator on non-performing Club Executives.
f) The Minister writes minutes during all Clubs meetings.
g) The Minister monitors elections of new Club Executives.
h) The Minister recommends to the Focal Persons and Clubs Coordinator Club Executives that deserve a Certificate of Distinguished service.
i) The Minister, Focal Persons and Club Coordinator organize a handover Party annually.
j) The Minister mobilizes Club Executives to meet the Clubs Coordinator and Focal Persons.
Club Executives and their Roles.
All members shall elect Club Executives from among themselves. The newly elected must be approved by the Club Patron. Outgoing Club Executives must induct new Leaders and also handover instruments of work which must include the Objectives of a club, membership File, records of Minutes of club meetings and other club property. The Roles of Club Executives are:
a) Make a termly work plan and implement it.
b) Have regular evaluation meetings with Club members. /17/
c) Ensure that the Club enrols new members.
d) Train all club members on the Objectives of the Club.
e) Put into practical deeds the Objectives of the Club.
f) Write Minutes of the Club meetings.
g) Write termly reports to the Focal Person and Clubs Coordinator.
h) Handover Club book to the Clubs Coordinator when the school closes for holidays.
i) Work with the Club Patron to promote the objectives of the Club.
j) Counsel club members to excel academically and morally.
k) Plan with the Patron interactions with other schools.
Club Patron and their Roles
The school Administration shall appoint Teachers to serve as Club Patrons.
The Clubs Coordinator shall have regular meetings with all Club Patrons.
Club Patrons shall have regular meetings with the Club Executives to make a work plan for the Club/Society/Association; later they shall have meetings with Club members to implement the work plan on a termly basis.
St. Joseph’s Naggalama has: Religious, Charitable, Build a better Community and Academic Clubs/ Societies/Associations.
Roles of Club Patrons.
a) A Club Patron shall assist the Executive Leaders and members to implement the Objectives of the Club.
b) A Club Patron shall ensure that Club members hold regular meetings to evaluate their work plan.
c) A Club Patron shall counsel and guide Club Executives that need help.
d) When a Club goes out of the School, the Patron shall go with the students.
e) When a Club receives an invitation from another school, the Patron shall liaise with the Clubs Coordinator, the School Administration, and the teacher in charge of the kitchen and Bursar for any logistical needs.
f) A Club Patron shall discipline errant Club Executives and members.
g) A Club Patron shall organize Club meetings to elect Club Executives or replace those with indiscipline.
h) A Club Patron shall monitor the discipline and academic performance of the Club Executives and club members. /18/
i) A Club Patron shall assist the Club Executives operate within set Rules and Regulations of the School.
j) The Club Patron shall counsel the Club Executives to consult him/her and to desist from working independently.
k) A Club Patron shall attend meetings organized by Focal Persons and the Clubs Coordinator.
l) A club Patron shall be ethical and a Role Model to the Club members.
The Volunteers Association
The Volunteers Association of St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School Naggalama, shall be exclusively for students of St. Joseph’s SSS Naggalama. The Association works under the supervision of the Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain. Membership to the Association is voluntary; no student will be forced to enrol.
The Roles of the Volunteers’ Association.
a) The Roles are enshrined in the CONSTITUTION OF THE VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION of St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School Naggalama.
b) The Chaplain and Teacher Chaplain shall give copies to the Executive of the Association.
c) All members of the Volunteers Association shall be educated on the Constitution for effective output. ( Action: Leaders of the Association)
d) The details of the Roles of the Volunteers Association are found in the Constitution.
e) The Volunteers Association promotes a Christian spirit of Service following our Lord Jesus Christ who did not come to be served but to serve and to offer his life for the salvation of many. John: 10: 11-15. John: 15:13,Luke 7: 12. Mathew 20:26-28.
f) The Volunteers give unconditional service to the School, Naggalama Parish and Lugazi Diocese whenever need arises.
Basic Christian Community.
The staff of St. Joseph’s Naggalama Senior Secondary School shall meet regularly for spiritual activities. They shall organize themselves into a BASIC CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, following Lugazi Diocesan guidelines for electing Lay Leaders. The staff is composed of: Teaching staff, Non-teaching staff and Support staff. The Chaplain is the official Spiritual Animator of all the programmes of the BASIC CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY; namely monthly celebration of Holy Mass, Recitation of the Rosary, Pilgrimages, /19/
Seminars and Spiritual talks to build a vibrant Christian community, Workshops on self-development
The Leaders of the BASIC CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY shall be elected following Lugazi Diocese policy of electing Lay Leaders.
The elected Leaders shall proceed to Naggalama Central Sub Parish to elect Leaders of the Sub Parish.
The Ssabakristu (Head of the Christians) of the Basic Christian Community shall come up with a work plan to build the faith, morals and sustenance of the Christian Community. Sharing information and consulting the Chaplain is highly recommended to enhance Collaborative Ministry.