The Chapel in the School
THE CHAPEL IN THE SCHOOL
In so much as the Chapel is the most striking building of the School it symbolises the importance the School places upon the centrality of the Christian experience lived out in the Anglican tradition within the School. The religious, spiritual and liturgical life of the school is central to its mission; be that enacted in the Chapel, in the classroom, on the stage, or on the sporting field, in social activities, or while travelling to and from the school. It is not to be seen simply as a separate isolated compartment. To that end the School baptises new believers, welcomes to Holy Communion and confirms, as well as teaches and nurtures all in its midst.
As the Chapel physically dominates the School, so the regular round of prayer and worship helps to dominate its spiritual and social life. From the chapel emanates the raison d’etre for the School’s existence. The School expects all its members to live a life which reflects in word and deed the foundations of life built upon the example of the life and witness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Such aspirations are well reflected in the School’s Statement of Purpose and Values.
The School Chapel is a quiet place in the School: it is place of prayer and reflection for all members of the school community. The chapel proclaims a message that God is present among his people; that Jesus is alive and is ready to answer prayer; that the Holy Spirit calls us to love and understanding with each other. The Chapel welcomes those from all beliefs, and none. The Chapel recognises and respects the individuality of all who worship here and seeks to reflect the unconditional invitation to life and faith seen in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
Please remember:
We talk to God before the service;
We listen to God during the service;
We talk to each other after the service.
The mission of the School is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom, to teach, baptise and nurture new believers, and to respond to human need by loving service; to welcome all who come from whatever religious background - or none. To be non-judgemental and to be inclusive. The Chapel sets the Eucharist at the heart of its worship and proclaims that in broken bread and shared wine we seek to reflect the self-giving love of Christ.
Guildford Grammar School is an Anglican school, which accepts students from all religious backgrounds, and all students are required to attend chapel. Service that are challenging, dramatic, innovative or traditional all have their place. A very high standard of music is maintained, and the School Choir has a tradition that makes it one of the best know in Western Australia.