Come visit the quiet calm of the chapel, our dedicated sacred space.

What makes it sacred? The word “sacred” means ‘special’, ‘set apart’, ‘holy’. 

God’s presence makes our chapel a holy & sacred place. We can think of different ways in which God is present here. We believe that Christ is present “where two or more gather” to listen to the Word of God and pray together (Matthew 18:10). We also believe that Jesus is fully present in the tabernacle (the ornate gold cabinet near the altar). The word “tabernacle” literally means a small hut or dwelling place. The light from the red lamp signifies that the consecrated bread that has become the Body of Christ for us is housed in our tabernacle. 

Not everyone believes this. And that is okay. Everyone is welcome to respectfully enter the stillness of the chapel, to pray, reflect, or just get away from the busy noise of the rest of the school.

We also use the chapel for class retreats, bible study, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and Holy Mass.

 

My name is Mr. Zettel (or Mr. “Zed”) and I’m thrilled to be serving as our chaplain here at St. David C.S.S.

You may be wondering what exactly is a chaplain?

In addition to tending to the sacred chapel space and all its associated activities, school chaplains help enhance the spiritual life of the school community. Morning prayers, school-wide liturgies, class retreats, and honest conversations with students & staff are all part of the work a chaplain does to facilitate the experience of the Catholic faith at school.

I’m particularly passionate about helping young people discover Truth, Beauty & Goodness in our faith tradition. From interesting articles, engaging debates & podcasts to sacred scripture, music & architecture, acts of service, charity and the inspiring lives of the saints …the journey of faith is an adventure filled with exciting discoveries!

Stop by my office at the top of the staircase opposite the cafeteria to say hi, or feel free to email me with any questions: andrew.zettel@wcdsb.ca

Each Thursday, we invite a priest to come into the chapel for around 45 min. to hear confessions.

Pay attention to the morning announcements to know exactly when the reconciliation will begin for that day.

If you’re not necessarily seeking the sacrament of reconciliation, but would like to speak with the priest and/or receive a blessing, you’re definitely welcome to come to the chapel .

Learn more about this sacrament here.

Prepare for the sacrament by examining your conscience.

On Fridays at lunch in the chapel, we take a deep dive into the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday while munching on freshly baked dinner rolls. (This is the one time we may eat in the chapel!)

We first read the whole Gospel passage, then we go through it line by line asking what we think it means. Which words or phrases seem especially important? Are there any images or symbols we may not have noticed? How does this scripture relate to our lives? We share our collective wisdom together, we may even argue in a friendly way, and hopefully draw closer to God and one another.

Sometimes we finish with a song, a YouTube clip, a bit of a podcast – all helping us ‘go deeper’ in our faith journey.

All are welcome to join us for Bread & Bible on Fridays!

Hello, families of St. David!
The theme for our school board’s pastoral plan this year is “Listen to Understand”.
I hope that this weekly pastoral letter can help encourage and strengthen faith-filled conversations in your home.
Stay tuned to your email inbox on the weekends as our principal shares the pastoral letter with the parent community.

Looking for daily prayer ideas? Check out Sacred Space.

Curious about the Bible? Listen to the Bible in a Year podcast.

Want to explore life as a priest, deacon, or member of a religious community? Check out the Hamilton Diocese Vocations page, or the Congregation of the Resurrection.

Would you like some opportunities to be of service in the Kitchener-Waterloo community? Visit Tiny Home Takeout or The Working Centre.

For all the activities at our nearest Catholic parish, visit: St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church