University of Toronto Ecumenical Chaplaincy

Currently on a pastoral internship in Abbotsford, B.C., Bronwyn Corlett is an Emmanuel College Masters of Divinity student, hoping to become an ordained minister. Bronwyn believes that the spiritual focus and pastoral care that chaplains provide are really important, even in a theological school. Students get “caught up in papers and assignments.

We need the reminder that there is more to the journey of being at school than due dates.” It is important to have a place where students can reflect on their lives
and their faith without any evaluation – chaplains do not give out marks or make judgments on students’ academic abilities. “We need to take time in the now to reflect and we often need help with that.”

It is important to have a place where students can reflect on their lives and their faith without any evaluation – chaplains do not give out marks or make judgments on students’ academic abilities.

Heather Paton, a third year Masters of Divinity and Religious Education student at Knox College, found out about the chaplaincy through the Student Christian Movement.
Heather believes that supportive chaplains can create an “open space to discuss issues that aren’t always easy to talk about in the classroom setting. It is a place where an ecumenical community can be challenged to act and think in different ways – in affirming and justice-minded ways.” After finishing her studies, Heather hopes to become involved in youth ministry in a congregational or camping setting. Seeing chaplaincy at work in a university context is an important example to her that ministry happens and "is possible" outside of the congregational setting. She is
thankful for the way chaplaincy has broadened her perspective on faith, justice, and ministry.

‐The Reverend Ralph Wushke, Chaplain