As part of our Wellbeing and Welfare Series, we have asked our YSJU Chaplain, Jane Speck, to introduce the Chaplaincy to us and outline the ways it can support us. The Chaplaincy is there for people of all faiths and none. Incidentally, Jane also has a degree in English Literature!
Wellbeing and the Chaplaincy by Jane Speck
I sometimes wonder what people think of when they hear the word, ‘Chaplaincy’. These days if I ask people, I more often than not get a blank stare! It’s not a word that’s used very often, and if people have heard it at all they tend to associate it strongly with religion (which is fair enough!), but then think that Chaplaincy is only for religious people.
Chaplaincies exist in all institutions in the UK, from prisons and schools to hospices, hospitals and universities. Even the Armed Forces, shopping centres and transport networks have them! They are there to provide for peoples’ religious and spiritual needs, in all areas of their lives, and to offer pastoral care. So whenever you see an airport Chapel, a hospital prayer room or a multifaith space in the corner of a shopping mall, that will mean there’s a Chaplaincy there managing the space and looking out for the people who use it.
In YSJ this means that I, as the Chaplain, am responsible for the Chapel, the Muslim Prayer Room (QN008), the Contemplation Room (QN006) and the Quiet Room (CP006). I make sure that the spaces are clean and safe and have everything they need. In 2020 this has also meant making sure they are Covid-compliant! I say prayers in the Chapel every day, and over the course of the year I pray for every department and building on our campuses. So at least once a year, the English Literature department gets to feel all warm and fuzzy and know that you are being held in the light! (Or not, if that’s really not your bag.)
Chaplaincy isn’t just here for religious people though. We are also here for those who have questions (as people at universities tend to have!); for those who are struggling or finding life hard; for those who need a bit of time and someone to listen. In Chaplaincy we are absolutely not here to try to convert anyone. Our role is to support people in their own explorations and to meet the needs of people in the university as we see them. I work with a wonderful group of volunteer Faith Advisers, who represent all the major faiths and are happy to meet with anyone who wants to talk or pray with them.
So we have various groups (currently online) which people can join, and they’re listed with the relevant links at the end of this blog. In time, post-Covid, I’m hoping to build up to offering trips, retreats, preparation for baptism and confirmation, carol singing at Christmas, and basically anything involving cake.
My first degree was in English Literature – it was at UCE Birmingham, so it was a bit more ‘Lesbian Detective Fiction’ than ‘Beowulf’ – and so I’ve long been interested in the influence of faith on literature. I’m happy to chat with people about their research, have a Q&A with students as part of their teaching, anything that might be helpful.
In the end, Chaplaincy is all about relationship. I’m the one person in the university who is paid to have time for people. It’s my privilege to be able to drop everything when someone wants to talk; to provide space (and tissues) for those who need to weep; to offer ritual to those who need to mark an occasion and have no other outlet.
So do get in touch – you’ll always be welcome! chaplaincy@yorksj.ac.uk; #YSJChaplaincy
Chaplaincy Groups to join in with, online or in person:
Christmas Carol Service – premieres on YouTube 7pm Thursday 10th December 2020
Book your free ticket via Eventbright at YSJ Carols to join us for the annual YSJ Christmas Carol Service, broadcasting direct to your living room! Mulled wine and mince pies at the ready, prepare to sing along to favourite carols, watch the drama, pray the prayers and get in the Christmas spirit.
Knitterati – Tuesdays, 1-2pm. Find the group on Teams here, Knitterati, then join in with your knitting, crochet or origami… Any craft will do; all are welcome.
Mindfulness – Wednesdays, 1.30-2pm in Chapel, re-starting in January.
Faith in Action – Wednesdays, 2.30-4pm. Join the online group in Teams for a chat about Big Life Questions and what we can do about them. Faith in Action
English Conversation – Wednesdays, 4-5.30pm. Meet on Teams for a chance to practice your English in a fun, informal group. English Conversation Group
Holy Communion – Thursdays, 1.15-1.45 in Chapel, re-starting in January.