September 13, 2007
Greetings from the MS Chaplain! I am excited to be back. It was such a joy to have my son, Dominic, blessed at last year’s memory chapel by all of the MS students. Returning to school is like coming home.
This year we welcome our new Head Chaplain, The Rev. Philip Craig. Chaplain Craig comes to us from Episcopal High School in Virginia. Mr. Craig comes to us with a wealth of experience, a wide-open heart and a clear vision for the “E” in OES. We are delighted to have him with us.
We also welcome the return of the Rev. Jenny Cleveland. Chaplain Cleveland will be teaching 7th grade religion and going on several trips this year. Chaplain Cleveland is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Oregon, serving at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Beaverton as the Associate Rector. We are so fortunate to have her with us again.
MS is a time of change, especially for our students who are growing up so quickly. Some of these changes are visible, and some of these changes cannot be seen by the naked eye, only wisdom’s eyes.
During all of this change, the chaplains want you to know that the chapel is a place where all are welcome – to sit in silence, to pray, to reflect, and to listen for the “still, small voice” within each of us. The chapel is open to all students, parents, faculty and staff every day of the week.
The chaplains are also available to offer support to students and families. You might be wondering why your child would want to talk with a chaplain. Here are some reasons:
- If your child has spiritual or religious questions or concerns: Middle School is a time of religious questioning and exploration. It is a time of discernment, a time of sifting through inherited beliefs and traditions. Your child might be saying “I don’t know what I believe” or “I don’t believe everything my parents believe or my religious community believes.” The chaplain is available to listen and to accompany students on their journey of faith.
- If your child has existential questions or concerns: Middle School is a time when students are questioning who they are, who they want to become, what their purpose is in life, and how they fit in. The chaplain offers a listening presence and a companion on this journey of self-discovery.
- If your child has ethical or moral questions or concerns: Your child might want to speak with a chaplain if s/he is asking questions like: How do I make decisions? What values guide my decisions? How do I respond to the needs of the world? What is the best thing to do in this situation? The chaplain is available to help students navigate the moral and ethical questions that face them in today’s world.
- If your child is experiencing grief or loss: Telling one’s story of loss is healing as it helps us work through our grief. Again, the chaplain offers a listening and prayerful presence.
- If your child has questions about the religion curriculum or the chapel program.
The Chaplain’s Corner will appear periodically in the MS Messenger. Here you will find a schedule of our upcoming chapels and a list of students who will acolyte for those chapels.
MS Chapel is every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend chapel as often as desired.
Chaplain Craig will be speaking at the chapel on Thursday, September 13th. This will be an opportunity for us to hear more of his story and his vision for chaplaincy at OES.
Welcome back, MS students, parents, faculty and staff! We are looking forward to another great year.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos
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