FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Jesus’ teaching centres around helping people see that God’s purpose for us is to live in love for God and for each other – indeed, these are the two great commandments that sum up “all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40). These commandments encompass the values of truth and justice, service and duty, respect, trust and forgiveness.
The commandment to love God and love neighbour is not just a made-up law for us to obey – it is meant to remind us that God loves us with a love that will not let us go. It is an invitation to love the world with God’s own love.
Revd Rakgadi Khobo
Chapel
St Mary’s is an Anglican school. As such, the chaplain is an Anglican priest within the Diocese of Johannesburg, and is part of staff, management and executive meetings. The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg appoints a representative to sit on the school Board.
The chapel is placed at the centre of the school. To paraphrase Sister Janet (1949): the chapel stands as a witness to all who come to know what we stand for here, and as a place that the girls looking back on their school days will never forget.
Once a week, girls attend a chapel assembly led by the chaplain, where various aspects of the Christian faith are presented. Holy Communion is celebrated three or four times a term. A highlight of the second term is the school’s Patronal Festival, celebrated in The Close with the entire school. Girls are encouraged to actively participate in worship, by reading, leading the prayers and as altar servers. Sisters of Christ Society (SOCS) offers an opportunity for girls to explore and grow in their relationship with God.
Spiritual practice is an integral part of the life of the school. The Angelus is rung in the Junior and Senior Schools; this is an invitation to every girl and teacher to pause and remember that we are always in God’s presence.
St Mary’s upholds the sacraments of the Anglican Church: baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, ordination, marriage, reconciliation and anointing of the sick. Girls who are turning 16 or older may be prepared for Confirmation within the school community, before they are confirmed at a service held at the school by the Bishop of Johannesburg. Girls may also be baptised and admitted to Holy Communion in the Junior School.
Every girl in the Junior School is required to attend Divinity lessons on a weekly basis. The focus of these lessons will be to teach the Christian faith and morality. The lessons are based on the Bible as the Word of God.
While St Mary’s is an Anglican school, we welcome staff and girls from all walks of faith.
St Mary's School Prayer
Lord Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, bless our school and all its members, past and present.
Be with us in our worship, in our work and in our play.
Inspire the hearts of those who teach and those who learn.
Train those who rule and those who obey, that all may offer you the perfect service, which is worthy of your love.
Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.
Amen