Ratcliffe-College-Key-Stage-3-Handbook-2016-2017

Guidelines for the use of the Chapel
The Chapel is a “Catholic Church”, having been consecrated by the Bishop for
the purpose of Catholic worship, the administration of the sacraments, and
collective and private prayer. The use of the Chapel is regulated by Canon Law.
The Rosminian Fathers are responsible for the Chapel. These guidelines are
meant to encourage students to see the Chapel as an important point of
reference for their life of prayer.
1. The most sacred areas of the Chapel are the Blessed Sacrament Chapel,
where the Body of Christ is permanently kept in the tabernacle, and the
sanctuary, where the main altar is. Catholics manifest their belief in the
real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle by genuflecting when entering
the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and by bowing to the main altar when
entering the main Chapel. (Bowing to the main altar would not normally
happen when staff and students enter the Chapel for assembly.)
2. The Chapel is a House of Prayer and therefore, when staff and students
enter or leave the Chapel, they must do so respectfully. There should
also be silence inside the Chapel whilst waiting.
3. Any items required for assemblies, such as the screen for presentations,
computers, tables, benches, etc. must be set up and removed immediately
before and after their use. The Chapel is used for other religious
purposes and care must be taken to leave the Chapel as it was before its
use for Assembly.
4. Students and staff are welcome to use the Chapel at any time for private
moments of prayer. Groups of students, however, should not be in the
Chapel without supervision.
5. Students should not use the piano or the organ in the Chapel for
practising GCSE or A Level pieces, or for playing their own music without
prior permission from a member of staff. Boarders should be asked to do
their practice in the Music centre.
Like any other Catholic Parish Church, our Chapel is often used for important
services like weddings, funerals, and for the administration of the
sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist, and
Anointing of the Sick. It is always a place where God’s presence is most
assured and tangible.
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