SFX has a beautiful Chapel situated in Xavier Wing, which has been a place of prayer and worship for over 120 years. The Chapel affords a rare opportunity for students and staff of any faith or none, to find some peace and space for reflection. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Chapel which, for Catholics, designates this a particularly sacred space. Voluntary Mass is held once a month and additional ecumenical services take place at key times in the academic and liturgical calendar.
The Chaplaincy at SFX is an integral part of College life at SFX, serving students and staff of all faiths and none. The Chaplaincy promotes the belief that all are made in the image and likeness of God, aims to foster a sense of responsibility for oneself and others, and encourages a deepening and maturing of faith so as to equip our students to face with faith the challenges and joys of life. Our full time Lay Chaplain provides our community with various opportunities to explore and deepen spiritual beliefs through voluntary prayer services, times of reflection, and retreats. The Chaplain also manages The Base, a welcoming social space open to every member of the SFX community. The Base provides a safe space in which students can meet together, play games, and discuss and debate issues that affect them. There is only one entry requirement; that all feel accepted, valued, and respected.
In accordance with SFX's Gospel values, the Chaplaincy at SFX reinforces the Christian instruction to accompany faith with works of justice and mercy. This is supported through facilitation of College-wide fundraising drives and awareness events which uphold our Catholic ethos. Working alongside the College pastoral team, our Chaplain also helps to support individuals coping with the stresses of daily life and those faced with particular challenges such as bereavement, ill health and loss.
Our Christian mission demands that we recognise the dignity and equality of every individual. SFX actively promotes inclusion and embraces all the legal and moral requirements of our Equality Duty. We are proud of our diversity and support one another in resisting and challenging prejudice and discrimination. The College has worked closely with the National Centre for Diversity to achieve the 'Investors in Diversity' Award. As such there is an Equality & Diversity Group comprising staff and students promoting the aims and objectives inherent in our mission. Each of our subject areas is required to identify how they contribute to our equality and diversity objectives in their lessons and every opportunity is taken to ensure that equality and diversity themes are included in our comprehensive tutorial programme and House gatherings.
It is a College requirement that students participate in Core Religion & Philosophy lessons for one session each week. This programme allows students to debate moral and spiritual matters in a secure environment where the dignity of the individual is protected and fostered. The programme considers a wide range of issues: relationships, justice, science and religion, along with an examination of the wisdom that comes from different faith traditions that can be applied to contemporary issues. Students have the opportunity to reflect upon, to question and to debate matters of personal and social importance. In partnership with the College Chaplaincy, celebrations and reflections are also delivered for students to mark significant times in the Christian calendar.