What is the role of a GIFT Team member?

This role is to serve as a member of a GIFT Chaplaincy Team to support the Catholic Life of the School. Pupils will be entrusted with the responsibility of:

• Giving joyful witness of Christ in their school – missionary disciples.
• Providing support in the delivery of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils across the curriculum.
• Assisting with the Sacramental programme.
• Peer pastoral care – building on the good practice in your school.
• Assisting with the delivery and development of the prayer life of the school supporting assemblies, worship, class prayer times and prayer groups.
• Assisting with developing and leading retreat experiences for pupils.
• Developing and leading social justice activities in your school.
• Developing the use of the chapel/prayer room/sacred spaces or areas.
• Being present on parents and opening evenings to help with the welcome of all the community.
• Developing outreach work and supporting local, national and international charities – Caritas Diocese of Salford, Cafod: working for change – being the change makers.

What is the role of a Caritas Ambassador?

• To promote and develop social action projects within the school, parish and local community
• By demonstrating “faith in action” they can raise aware of Caritas within the Salford Diocese.

The Seven BIG Themes

• Dignity of the human person
• Family and community
• Solidarity of the common good
• Rights and responsibilities
• Option for the poor and vulnerable
• The dignity of work
• Stewardship

The Caritas Team focuses on integrating the seven big themes into the School and Community life of St Patrick’s parish.

We collect food for Rochdale Foodbank, host coffee mornings to raise money for charity and lead prayer and worship.

As part of our Catholic life and mission, we are committed to living out the message of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. Inspired by the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, we encourage our pupils to develop a deep respect for God’s creation and to take responsibility for the world around them.

Through practical actions such as caring for our environment, reducing waste, and reflecting on the impact of our choices, children learn that even small actions can make a meaningful difference. We aim to nurture a sense of stewardship, helping pupils to understand that the Earth is a gift from God that we are called to protect for future generations.

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors play an important role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of pupils across school. They are chosen to be positive role models who listen, support, and help promote a caring and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and safe.

Working closely with staff, the Ambassadors help to encourage kindness, friendship, and respect throughout the school community. They also support initiatives and activities that promote positive mental health, ensuring that every child knows they are not alone and that their wellbeing matters.

Through their role, our Wellbeing Ambassadors help to create a school culture rooted in compassion, where everyone is encouraged to thrive and be their best self.