Bishop licenses new School Chaplain

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 24th of September 2013

On Sunday 8 September, Rev'd Anthony Searle was licensed as Assistant Chaplain to Oundle School in the main School service. Bishop Donald of Peterborough preached and conducted the licensing.

Rev'd Searle was presented to the Bishop by the Headmaster, Mr Charles Bush. The Bishop then spoke of the need for commitment in our lives and the responsibilities of the ministry of a chaplain in prayer, leading worship, teaching Science and pastoral care. He encouraged the congregation to pray for and support the new Chaplain. There followed the formalities of swearing oaths of allegiance and assent to the Church of England, the Queen and the Lord Bishop of Peterborough before Rev'd Searle knelt to receive the Bishop's blessing.

It was a great occasion and the chance for the School community to welcome Rev'd Searle as he takes up his post as Assistant Chaplain.

Rev'd Searle grew up in the New Forest and read Botany at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth before training as a Science teacher. He taught Science for ten years, in Poole and St Albans, becoming Head of Science at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School. Throughout this time the call to ordained ministry in the Church of England was present but he only explored this further whilst in St Albans, attending the Abbey and Cathedral Church and working with young people in the congregation. In 2008, the diocese of St Alban sent him to Westcott House, Cambridge, to train for the priesthood; Rev'd Searle matriculated with Sidney Sussex College and graduated in 2010 with a Theology with Ministry degree. He was ordained deacon in the same year, at St Albans Abbey, and then ordained priest in 2011. He has served the parish of Bishop's Stortford, St Michael, as assistant curate for the past three years before joining Oundle School.

Rev Searle commented, 'The Licensing was a marvellous occasion: to celebrate this new phase in ministry with both the students of the school (my current congregation) and some friends from Bishop's Stortford present was both meaningful and touching. I am eagerly looking forward to working with and supporting staff and students in this new role.'

Rev Cunningham commented, 'The Service was a wonderful way to formally welcome Fr Anthony into the Oundle School community. I look forward to working with him and watching his ministry develop at Oundle School.'

Headmaster, Charles Bush commented, 'We warmly welcome Father Anthony to the Chapel, the School and the wider community; we wish him every blessing and good fortune.'