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JOB DESCRIPTION CHAPLAIN
The chaplain is the spiritual leader for the Canterbury School community. The primary ways
this is exercised is through leading regular chapel liturgies, teaching spiritual formation/ theology
classes, and service learning. The chaplain is also expected to provide pastoral care to all
members of the Canterbury School community, including students, faculty and staff, the Board
of Trustees, and family members.
The chaplain is directly accountable to the Head of School as well as being accountable to each
Division Director regarding material taught in the respective division.
Chapel
Canterbury School celebrates chapel on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. The
Chaplain is responsible for designing, planning, and officiating the liturgies. The chaplain is
expected to provide chapel liturgies that are and- and developmentally appropriate for all
members of the community, from kindergarten to parents. The chaplain is to work together with
the musicians to provide a range of musical offerings familiar to people from many traditions.
The chaplain is also responsible for designing, planning, and officiating various special liturgies
throughout the year, including All Saints' Eucharist, Ash Wednesday's imposition of ashes and
Eucharist, Holy Week liturgies, Easter Eucharist, and End-of-Year Eucharist. The chaplain will
also be present and assist with final assembly and graduation.
Spiritual Formation and Theology Classes
The chaplain is the head of the religion department at Canterbury School. Working in
collaboration with another teacher, the Chaplain oversees the entire religion curriculum for
grades PK-8. The chaplain ensures that age and developmentally appropriate lessons are being
taught, that the students are being given the opportunity to explore all areas of their faith, and
that a variety of religious viewpoints are offered.
Currently, the Chaplain teachers grades 4-8, with a second teacher responsible for grades PK-3.
Ministry of Presence
The Canterbury School Chaplain will provide a "ministry of presence" to the school community.
This will be exercised by being present at school functions such as games, plays, performances,
and other events that are a part of Canterbury's community life. Additionally, the Chaplain
should recognize student achievement at these events both during the event itself, and after the
event has concluded.
Pastoral Care
The Canterbury School Chaplain will provide pastoral care to all members of the community as
needs arise. The Chaplain will contact individuals and families that have experienced a death,
birth, job loss, move, or other significant event that requires pastoral care. The Chaplain will
provide prayers for people as well as officiate at liturgies that are needed to mark these events
such as funerals, weddings, and baptisms.
Program and Leadership Teams
The Canterbury School Chaplain will serve on the Program Team. It will be the Chaplain's role
to help the Program Team continue to make decisions for the school that are consistent with the
school's mission, the Episcopal Church, and basic Christian teaching. Additionally, the Chaplain
serves on the School's Leadership Team.
Advisory
The Canterbury School Chaplain will serve as a grade-level advisor. As advisor, the Chaplain
will guide students as they learn study skills and prepare for significant assignments.
Service Learning
The Canterbury School Chaplain will assist the Service Learning Coordinator. Under the
Coordinator's lead, the Chaplain may help to set the dates for Middle School service learning
days, determine which sites are appropriate for students, coordinate transportation train the
eighth-grade leaders, and be an active participant.
Other Duties
As needs and opportunities arise, the Chaplain is expected to offer pastoral care for all members
of the community.
The Chaplain is viewed as part of the Administrative Team.
The Chaplain is expected to be present at all Administration Calendar meetings.
The Chaplain is expected to participate in open houses and other enrollment-related
events.
The Chaplain is expected to be an active participant in the life of the Episcopal Diocese
of North Carolina.
Attributes of an Effective Chaplain
Ability to relate to all ages of people, with a particular gift for children
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to multi-task
Ability to remain calm
Ability to anticipate needs
Knowledge of a broad range of worship and music styles
