“Do not conform to the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

(St Paul’s letter to the Romans 12 v2)

St Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican, was a great thinker and theologian.  He is the patron state of colleges and universities.  Like most Dominicans he encouraged debate and questioning.  Questions to do with faith, the meaning of life, how do I pray, how do I know what God wants, is there any truth to the existence of Christ, God, the Holy Spirit etc, what would Jesus do in my situation are all questions we ask ourselves from time to time.  I hope that our role is to help and encourage students and staff alike to discover for themselves some of the answers to these questions.  When I came to the college initially, I was really enthused by the positive vibe of the place.  Aquinas College has a wonderful reputation for “living life to the full”.  (John 10v10)  The chaplaincy exists to help and encourage students and staff to live life to do just that.

Chaplaincy has close links with various activities and groups within the college. These include Young Christian Students, Human Rights group, Youth SVP, the Alpha Course, the India Project, the Debating Society amongst others. It exists to support staff and students on all levels: situations at home, within college, at work and during our leisure time in times of need and in times of joy.  I am there to provide a listening ear to students and staff in confidence.  I hope that you find the chaplaincy very useful.   I hope that I can meet and chat to all of you personally.  My door is always open.

Duncan Whelan (Lay Chaplain)

Chaplains
Duncan Whelan - Lay Chaplain, Full Time.
Fr Jonathan Brandon - Priest Chaplain, Monday lunchtimes.

Where ?
Duncan’s office is on the main corridor opposite Student Reception.
The College Chapel is next door to Student Reception.

Prayer
Mass times are 1.10pm on Mondays and Eucharistic Service is at 8.30am on Fridays.

Morning Prayer is said every morning at 8.40 in the College Chapel preceded by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (8.10am -8.40am).

Trips
Kintbury - March
Rome  -  Spring Term

Support
Duncan and Fr Jonathan always have time to chat about anything, nothing and everything in between, offering a confidential listening ear.

Email your Chaplains about anything you wish to talk about on: chaplaincy@aquinas.ac.uk