Cardiff Universities Catholic Chaplaincy

Code of Conduct

The Great Commandments:

Jesus: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all with your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” He went on to say: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Mark 10:30

The great commandments seek to evoke our love and faithful response to the Divine Life and Person of God whom we personally encounter in the Risen Jesus. They govern our spiritual lives our relationships with each other and creation. It is these which shape our code of conduct.

 The Ethos of the Chaplaincy:

Jesus the Word of God was and remains the Incarnate Love of God who having died now lives risen and His Spirit has been poured into the hearts of all who believe He truly is the Son of God that He is Lord.

Hospitality and humility are the pathways of holiness in the Christian Life.

“Come and you will see” (Jn 1:39) was Jesus’ response to the disciples of John the Baptist when they wanted to know more about him.

Jesus welcomed all and sought out the lost sheep. He did so without judgment or prejudice. He sat at table and broke bread with righteous and sinners alike without discrimination. He healed both Jew and non-Jew. He was held in contempt and condemned to death by those charged with shepherding God’s Chosen People because of his predisposition toward sinners and outcasts. He charged his immediate disciples and all who came to believe in him to preach (in word and works) the Gospel by living life His Way. His Spirit still helps all the baptised to continue to make known the nearness of His kingdom through the forgiveness of sins and the raising up of many.

 All Are Welcome

The Catholic Chaplaincy is a place of Hospitality and Welcome and of Service in Christ’s Name for all staff and students of all Cardiff’s Institutions of Higher Education. It is a sacred place, a safe haven, where everyone can experience and foster mutual love and respect, appreciating the uniqueness, diversity and difference of the human person. At its heart is the well-being of all who enter for whatever good reason or need.

 Who We Work With

Naturally we work with each of the universities’ Councils and Senates and the various departments to provide our service to all faculty members, staff and students. Although the Catholic Chaplaincy is independent from the universities its serves, we work collaboratively in an Interfaith environment. With our brothers and sisters in the other Christian denominations as well as with chaplains of the other Abrahamic Religions and Humanists who are affiliated with the universities. We do so respecting each other’s confession of faith, forms of worship, traditions and customs without seeking to proselytise.

 Safeguarding and Student Services

As a service provided by the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia we work openly and in a collaborative manner with the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Team as well as with the Safeguarding Teams of each of the Universities we serve. Where appropriate we work with the Student Life Support Services and Intervention Teams to ensure a wraparound care package for staff and students. Contact details are available on the Chaplaincy’s social media platforms and website as well as on posters in the Chaplaincy and Newman Hall.

 What We Provide in Terms of Being of Service

The Catholic Chaplain is Fr John Patrick Thomas. He resides at the Catholic Chaplaincy and is available each day apart from his day off which on occasion is variable. He can offer:

  • Opening Days and Times Monday (Tuesday closed) to Friday 11:00 am – 20:00 pm except Wednesday 11:00 am to 14:00, and Sunday 16:00 – 20:30

  • Confidential spiritual and pastoral care; this respects and adheres to the statutory requirement to report all concerns regarding abuse. It also embraces the policies of the Universities concerning risk to harm either to the service user or others.

  • A listening non-judgmental ear (He has worked as a Listener with the Samaritans)

  • Limited Referrals to service providers including Mentoring for Students (to be arranged in due course)

  • A space to explore questions of faith, morality, as well as areas of a non-religious nature

  • Assistance in accessing university and professional support

  • Sacramental Preparation – for Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, The Sacrament of Marriage, Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

  • Sacramental Celebrations – The Sacraments of Initiation, weekday masses (check out the Chaplaincy website or Instagram accounts) in the Chaplaincy’s Hall/mass centre. He is also available for Sacramental Reconciliation/Confession.

The Chaplaincy also provides the following facilities

  • Access is via the front door using the keypad. The code can be obtained using a QR Code found on the interior notice board or by emailing the Chaplain.

  • The Lounge – a social space to hang out in which has its own kitchenette for tea and coffee. It has free WIFI – ask the Chaplain for the password.

  • The Chaplaincy Hall/Mass Centre situated at the rear of the chaplaincy at 62 Park Place. It is used for social gatherings and worship. Its home to the £ Lunch Club on Tuesdays and the student meal after Sunday evening Mass. Masses are celebrated here too and all are welcome outside of those times to sit before the Lord, light a candle and or simply say a prayer. (For the sake of propriety, the sanctuary in which The Blessed Sacrament is reserved is partitioned during social events.)

  • The Chaplaincy hosts regular events both spiritual and social events throughout the year and the details of which are to be found its social media and website.

What We Ask of Those Who Spend Time in the Chaplaincy

To be mindful that this space is communal, a spiritual oasis, and has a specific Christian and Catholic purpose – to foster and deepen the life of the Gospel in a spirit of Christ-like friendship. Therefore, there is the expectation that all visitors abide by a Code of Conduct befitting a house of Christian fellowship.

The Chaplaincy expects you to:

  • Be mindful of your use of language – both verbal and bodily. Be aware that the conversations and interactions you engage in might impact others in an offensive and /or discriminatory manner. This is not acceptable behaviour, and you may be asked to leave.

  • Similarly any bullying, (generally defined as repeated, intentional behaviour that aims to hurt, intimidate, or humiliate another person—physically, verbally, or psychologically. It often involves an imbalance of power, where the bully uses their strength, status, or influence to control or harm someone who is less able to defend themselves), smutty, or sexualised behaviour is not and will not be tolerated.

  • Be aware of your volume – the Chaplaincy is also the home of 2 priests who live above the ground floor. Music and voices do carry throughout the premises. During worship services in the Hall this can be very distracting.

  • Treat the environment within and outside the chaplaincy with respect. Keep crockery, cutlery, and surfaces clean and tidy. There are recycling bins and they are to be used appropriately. If you use it - you clean it, you put it back where it belongs. If something is where it ought not to be sort it.

  • Security – for your personal safety note there are security CCTV cameras in all public spaces and outside the premises. Ensure when entering and leaving the building doors are closed behind you and if you open a window lock it before you leave. The Chaplaincy is not responsible for any theft, loss or damage to personal property.

 Discipline

Infringement of the Code of Conduct is not accepted and those who abuse the Hospitality of the House will be sanctioned. This may include barring from the use of the chaplaincy building and facilities. Where such incidents occur, the Chaplain is be notified if not immediately then as soon as is possible. He will investigate and if appropriate, impose sanctions. These are solely at the discretion of the Catholic Chaplain.

 Data Privacy Policy

Your safety and privacy are very important to us, and we will never use your data against your will. From time to we will take photos during events. Please inform us in writing if you would not like your photo to be used in promotional materials. You are free to change you mind at any time.

 

 **********************