Chaplaincy
Christian Formation at Stonyhurst: Rooted in the Jesuit Tradition
At Stonyhurst, the world’s leading Jesuit school, our Ignatian tradition shapes every aspect of a pupil’s education. Central to this is our College Chaplaincy Programme, which plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and moral development of our entire school community.
More than just providing religious services, the Chaplaincy Programme is a cornerstone of Jesuit education at Stonyhurst. It supports the formation of the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally—guiding pupils to become compassionate leaders with a deep sense of purpose.
Catherine Crombie
Director of Christian Formation
Prayer and Liturgy at Stonyhurst
At Stonyhurst, the spiritual life of the school is rich, vibrant, and central to our identity. All pupils are warmly encouraged to participate, regardless of their faith background. We welcome young people from all Christian traditions, other world faiths, and those with no faith, supporting each pupil to engage fully in the opportunities we offer. We are proud of our Catholic heritage, Jesuit pedagogy, and centuries-old tradition of nurturing faith, prayer, and reflection.
Daily Prayer and Worship
As a leading Catholic boarding school, Stonyhurst follows a rhythm of daily prayer that shapes our community life. Morning Prayers are held in the Headmaster’s Assembly and in each Playroom. Night Prayers are said weekly within our Boarding Houses, creating a peaceful and reflective end to the day. All boarders also attend weekly Benediction and Sunday Mass, strengthening their connection with our faith community.
Pupils have the opportunity to attend Daily Mass with the local parish and receive the Sacrament of Confession weekly, fostering a deep and personal relationship with God.
Prayer Groups and Spiritual Opportunities
Stonyhurst offers optional prayer groups for pupils wishing to deepen their faith journey. One of the most historic is Sodality, continuously running since the College’s founding in St Omer in 1593. Pupils also plan and lead termly Prayer Services within their Playrooms, and organise special prayer events for significant occasions throughout the school year.
We celebrate all Holy Days of Obligation and special Feast Day Masses, including the Feast of St Edmund Campion SJ, linking our liturgical life closely to the history and mission of the school.
The Ignatian Tradition: Daily Examen
A distinctive feature of prayer life at Stonyhurst is the Daily Examen, a reflective prayer practice developed by St Ignatius of Loyola. Led every day in our classrooms, the Examen invites pupils to review their day in God’s presence, cultivating gratitude, self-awareness, and spiritual growth — key elements of the Ignatian tradition.
Retreats and Faith Formation
Retreats are a vital part of the spiritual life at Stonyhurst. Each year, the whole school community participates in a Retreat, with additional smaller Retreat days offered to particular groups or any pupil who wishes to attend. Previous opportunities have included the CYMFed National Youth Funday, Youth 2000, the FLAME Congress, and pre-exam Retreats focused on prayer, reflection, and inner strength.
Through a vibrant programme of prayer, liturgy, and faith formation, Stonyhurst pupils are invited to grow spiritually, deepen their understanding of God’s presence, and develop as compassionate leaders of faith and service.
College Chapel
St Peter's Church
Sodality Chapel
Angels' Chapel
The Heart of the School
At Stonyhurst, faith is at the heart of everything we do. Every day is faith-filled, with regular Masses, the daily examen, and much more forming an integral part of school life. Alongside the Chaplaincy strand of our co-curricular programme, we seek in all things to live ad majorem Dei gloriam – to the greater glory of God – allowing our faith to inspire the high standards we strive for each day.
Our Chaplaincy Team is led by our lay Director of Christian Formation and our Jesuit Chaplain, who also serves as the Parish Priest.