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“This
is our faith; this is the faith of the Church.
We are proud to profess it in Jesus Our Lord.”
Downside has a special
place in the hearts of many Catholics. For nearly
four hundred years we have been privileged to receive
children from many different backgrounds and countries
and to offer them a Catholic education.
Through the sacraments,
prayer, catechesis and example, in the classroom
and out of it, we seek to inspire pupils to love
God and to express their love in generous service
of others.
Over generations, we
have seen how, as children grow in faith, their
academic work improves, their lives become more
fruitful, they form better relationships with others,
they contribute more generously to the life of
the community, and they are prepared for the joys
and tribulations of adult life when they leave
Downside.
Downside warmly welcomes
families and children from other Christian denominations,
but we ask them always to remember our distinctively
Catholic nature.
There is a team of three
chaplains, all monks of Downside, who lead pupils
in prayer, and, as necessary, instruct, reassure
and comfort. All Chaplains say Mass and hear confessions
in Houses.
Together the monks
support the Head Master and House Masters and mistresses,
act as points of reference for families and Old
Gregorians, and offer comfort to the sick. The
Chaplains have two rooms in the centre of the School
for both pupils and staff to see him on any matter
that concerns them. |
