Chaplaincy

The life and work of the Chaplaincy

We are currently looking for a Full-Time/Part-Time SCHOOL CHAPLAIN.  Please click here for full details.

All students are encouraged to reach out and to give of themselves, their time, their energy, their gifts and talents in the service of others. The model of Chaplaincy we endeavour to adopt is one of collaboration.  Chaplaincy is a central and integral part of the life and work of The Douay Martyrs Catholic School, a place where young people can grow in faith and in belonging to the school community. Its purpose is to support the spiritual development of both students and staff and to offer spiritual and pastoral support as part of the wider staff team. This encourages discipleship amongst our students which helps and inspires them to live out our school principles of love and service.

Year 9 Pilgrimage Trip to Rome 2026

During the February 2026 half-term break, a group of our Year 9 students travelled to Rome with Ms Potgieter for an unforgettable experience at the heart of our faith. Blessed with brilliant blue skies, students explored breathtaking landmarks, immersed themselves in the rich history and culture of the Eternal City, and deepened their understanding of the Catholic Church’s heritage.

From visiting sacred sites and world-renowned basilicas to sharing moments of reflection together, the trip was both spiritually enriching and culturally inspiring. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to strengthen friendships, broaden their horizons and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Reflections shared by students on their pilgrimage experience

Rubind: The Rome trip was an incredible experience with gorgeous scenery and beautiful monuments. We went on a tour with a guide where we walked around Rome, and the tour guide gave us an insight into the backstory of different structures. We were also given plenty of time to socialise with our friends and ‘roam’ around freely. Overall, the food was amazing, it was a great learning experience, and the weather was phenomenal.

Jessica: On the Rome trip, I had an incredible experience. We got to see many famous monuments and sights. We were given plenty of time to spend with each other and just enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, I had a wonderful time, and I would definitely do it again.

Cerise: The Rome trip was an amazing experience. In my opinion, it was full of wonderful sights, from the Trevi Fountain, which was absolutely breath-taking, to fun historical monuments, especially after going to see the Colosseum, having that extremely nice tour guide, the weather was warm, which produced a great atmosphere for the amazing food, and we learnt a lot. On the whole, the trip was a wonderful experience, and I'd do it again on a heartbeat.

Kendra: I had an amazing experience - one that I may not get again. We visited some of the most famous buildings, like the Colosseum and St Peter's Basilica, and they were beautiful. I had fun with friends and didn't regret one moment of this trip. On this trip, we even got to see The Pope, who had an incredible audience with us. One of my favourite parts was visiting the Colosseum, as it was quite interesting to learn what they used to do there. It's also a building with magnificent architecture. I really enjoyed trying traditional Italian food and experiencing the local culture. One of my favourite parts of the trip was admiring all the buildings full of history and character; some reminded me of the UK. On the last day, I was very sad to leave!

Our students spread joy through music at Cottesmore House Care Home.