The Bishop of Tewkesbury has licensed Wycliffe’s new Chaplain at a moving special service in the school’s magnificent Chapel.
The whole community were there to see the Right Reverend John Went authorise Reverend John McHale to perform duties as spiritual leader and pastoral counsellor at the Stonehouse independent school. John, a skilled teacher as well as vicar, has a wealth of experience as a school Chaplain and has also enjoyed the varied previous careers of monk, publican and Royal Marine Commando!
In his address, Bishop Went told the congregation that Rev McHale was following a clear calling to be at their service. Adorning the new Chaplain with his ceremonial attire, he continued in prayer saying “I place you in the stall of the Chaplain of this College. Exercise your office with love and humility. Seek diligently the spirit of wisdom and understanding.”
Wycliffe’s Head, Margie Burnet Ward had formally presented Rev McHale to the Bishop. She said “We are thrilled with John’s appointment and today’s installation of John as our Chaplain. He has already had a significant impact on the school and its young people, having held them rapt during his sermon in yesterday’s weekly service. I look forward to many happy years of service together.”
During the service, Rev McHale promised to be at the service of the pupils and staff. He later said “Whether our pupils are Christians, are of other faiths or of no faith, I will be available to offer them support when they need it.”
Wycliffe College was established in 1882 with a strong Christian ethos but has always welcomed pupils with a range of faiths. In recent years, its unique approach has encouraged pupil-led services on atheism and the unlikely prospect of platforms shared by Christians, Jews, Muslims and atheists jointly presenting assemblies on issues of shared global concern.
Wycliffe has consistently been awarded the top rating by OFSTED for its pastoral care, earning ‘Outstanding’ in its most recent inspection.