There are three full time chaplains for the university, Graham Jones (Methodist), Damian Cassidy (Catholic) and Stephen Nicholson (Anglican). Though we represent different denominations of the Christian tradition, we work as partners in providing pastoral support for the students and staff of the university.
What does that mean in practice? As chaplains we are very much involved in all areas of campus life: you'll bump into us in all sorts of places, from snack bars to seminars, from college bars to student society meetings. So, part of our work is simply to have a presence on campus, to be both approachable and available to anyone who might wish to have a chat on any subject.
Another area of our work is simply to listen. Being away from the support of home, family and old friends is a difficult transition for anyone to make. Add to that the stress of study and living with a new set of people, and you soon find that there are the ingredients for flash points and new stresses. Who can I take these problems to? Who will listen? Hopefully this is the gap we fill. We are not dogmatic people: we do not see it as our job to ram a particular perspective on life and living down your throat. It is our glad task to accompany you through these situations should you invite us to do so.
If you wish to contact any of the Chaplains, you can phone
Stephen Nicholson (sln502) 01904 413925 or 07875 909792
Graham Jones (grj2) 01904 414398 or 07812 037797
There is a regular informal and talkative prayer meeting every Friday at 10pm in Heslington Church for those who are interested or curious.
