For the last day of the Autumn Term we caught up with our new School Chaplain, the Revd Chris Briggs, who joined us in September. With Christmas around the corner, Advent is a particularly special and important time for the Chaplain, not least as the whole school comes together for the annual Carol Service at St Mary's Church in Henley.
What does the day in the life of Revd Briggs entail?
My main role at Shiplake is to provide pastoral care for pupils, staff and their families. It also involves overseeing the spiritual life of the College and running Chapel services and events. So it is a wonderful job where I get to look after people when difficult moments occur, and also offer encouragement as they try to understand the faith they have already, and the spiritual road they are trying to follow.
My typical day involves many incidental conversations which may turn into deeper discussions. After Chapel I will normally meet with matrons, nurses, staff or pupils - those who have asked to see me, or those I think need a little TLC.
One of the very special parts of my job is working with the Charities Committee of pupils. I've been so impressed with their enthusiasm to help other people, both in terms of raising funds for worthy causes, and also a willingness to give practical help in the community. Our most exciting venture has been cooking breakfast for visitors to the Reading Drop-In Centre for the homeless. I'm looking forward to witnessing all of the Houses getting behind our three school charities for the year, namely our link schools in Kenya (Gap Africa), Young Minds and Cancer Research UK.
What led you to become a chaplain in schools?
After University at King’s College London I trained to be a teacher of Religious Studies and worked in state schools for seven years. I was then ordained and worked in churches in Woking, Hong Kong and Letchworth Garden City.
The work of a School Chaplain is the perfect way for me to bring my teaching and church ministry lives together. I love helping young people to understand the deeper things of life and get in touch more with their spiritual side. Many in the media will tell young people that a religious life is not important. I think that younger people have special insights into spiritual things. They constantly surprise me. I believe we are all a mixture of emotional, intellectual and spiritual intelligence.
You joined us in September this year, what were your first impressions of the College?
My very first impression of Shiplake College at work was the Chapel Warden and Prefect training day last June. I was so impressed with how they cared for each other and supported each other. I think Shiplake is a very special community where we try to put the needs of others before our own. Many schools try to do this... Shiplake succeeds in doing this.
We've heard you're a big football fan; who do you support and why?
I started following Crystal Palace in 1978 when I was a student in London. I have been passionate about the ‘Eagles’ ever since. They are a very family type of club and it’s always exciting watching them avoid relegation or fight for promotion. They have the best fans in English football.
Tell us about your dog!
Tess is a Chocolate Roan Cocker Spaniel. We’ve had her since she was a puppy and she is now 10 years old. She is very affectionate and we love her loads. I wish I could love others in the way that she unconditionally loves us.
What does the festive period mean to you and what do you do on Christmas day?
Advent and Christmas is a period of increasing excitement as the day of Christ’s birth approaches. Christmas is all about incarnation - God with us - Immanuel.
Christmas tells us that God is not remote, and the baby born in a poor provincial town shows us that God comes to be with us in our situation. At Christmas, Heaven comes down to earth, and earth is lifted up to Heaven.
On a family level, Christmas is a time for us to come together. As a Vicar, Christmas can be exhausting, so Boxing Day is the first day in the season when I can fully relax and enjoy time with family.
Quick fire festive questions:
Favourite Carol? - The Rocking Carol. It takes me straight back to my childhood.
Favourite Christmas Movie? - It’s a Wonderful Life.
Best thing about Christmas? - The striking of midnight during Midnight Mass.
Christmas pudding or pies? - Mince Pies
Love Actually or Home Alone? - Love Actually, of course.
Presents before or after Christmas Lunch? - Stockings at 7.30am. Main presents after lunch.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Anything to do with aircraft. Seeing aircraft I have never seen fly before. I would love to see a Wellington Bomber fly. Unlikely.
What does the future hold for Revd Briggs?
I am in the final furlong of my career, so I have the privilege of working because I love it. So I intend to enjoy every second of my time at Shiplake College.
