Chaplaincy
About chaplaincy at the Brotherhood
In its broadest view, chaplaincy at the Brotherhood has historically had a priestly (Anglican) purpose. The role has involved supporting staff and clients with pastoral care and sacramental ministry such as Holy Communion, baptism, marriage celebrations and funerals.
The tradition of appointing an Anglican priest to the organisation stems back to the Brotherhood’s founder, Father Gerard Tucker, who was an Anglican priest. Father Tucker believed that to meet the needs of those requiring the Brotherhood’s assistance, Anglican priestly ministry must draw on and support people of diverse religious and cultural traditions, including those without any religious affiliation. Consequently, chaplaincy at the Brotherhood has always been characterised by an inclusive and broad approach. Today it also seeks to play a holistic role as observer, reflector, and enabler.
At the very essence of the chaplaincy team’s approach is the understanding that while the Brotherhood provides practical care, community support and social advocacy for people in need, it is not just influencing the material wellbeing of the person, but also recognising and nourishing the person’s ‘inner self’, as well as a sense of place. Therefore, the role of the Chaplain is to support and encourage everyone at the Brotherhood to see they have a role to play in addressing the spiritual needs of the organisation’s clients and each other.
Chaplaincy activities
The diverse activities undertaken by our chaplaincy team include:
- talking to Brotherhood clients and staff about a pastoral care or spiritual issues
- helping clients and staff reflect on and celebrate civic or religious events – these may include milestones such as a program anniversaries, launches of new programs and sites, calendar events such as Volunteer Week and Mental Health Week, and major celebrations in our cathedral church, St Paul’s, Melbourne.
- developing ongoing workshops to equip staff with strategies for enriching the spiritual welfare of one another and clients through listening, reflection and celebration
- performing sacramental and pastoral services such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.
Contact us
Brotherhood of St Laurence
67 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy Vic. 3065
Father Jeff O’Hare
Phone: (03) 9483 1367
Mobile: 0406 384 151
Email: jhare@nullbsl.org.au
Chaplain Debra Saffrey Collins
Phone: (03) 9483 1110
Mobile: 0407 315 643
Email: dsaffrey-collins@nullbsl.org.au
Chaplain Soma
Phone: (03) 9483 1110
Mobile: 0403 709 180
Email: csoma@nullbsl.org.au
Useful links
The world-wide Anglican Communion
The official website of the worldwide Anglican Communion, comprising over 80 million members in 44 regional and national member churches around the globe in over 160 countries
The Anglican Church of Australia
For news and information on the Anglican Church and the organisations officially recognised by the Anglican Church of Australia
The Anglican Church in the Diocese of Melbourne
For resources, support and inspiration to help you with your faith journey
Australian Network for Spiritual Direction
This ecumenical endeavour is committed to fostering spiritual direction and to the training of spiritual directors in the Christian community.
World Council of Churches
A worldwide fellowship of 349 churches from a wide range of Christian traditions, seeking unity, common witness and service
National Council of Churches in Australia
The NCCA is a council of 17 Christian Churches across Australia