Book now to attend our next Open Day
Girls volunteer in the Cheltenham community
The Demon Barber comes to College
Chaplaincy & Worship
Ethos
CLC is not prescriptive about faith. Rather, the aim is to encourage girls to think about beliefs and values, about spirituality and moral principles, in a climate of tolerance and respect. CLC actively fosters genuine respect for all world faiths, many of which are represented in College, and welcomes girls from all religious backgrounds. Above all, it is an inclusive community.
College Prayers
The heart of College’s spiritual provision is our school assembly called Prayers, which takes place every day but Sunday, and includes all staff and girls. The huge variety in our morning assemblies is a remarkable feature of life at CLC, and this is achieved both by the excellent facilities of the Princess Hall, and also by the participation of girls in leading and taking part in Prayers at least twice a week. Drama, music, art, video clips, power points and CDs are regularly used. The Principal and the Chaplain lead the majority of Prayers during the week, though other members of Senior Management contribute, as do all the Houses and occasionally academic departments. Clubs and societies are able to promote their particular interests and the Charity Prefects frequently use the time to generate support for the various charitable projects run in College.
Sunday Services
Sunday worship comprises a said service of Holy Communion every Sunday at 9am for confirmed girls in the beautiful new Quiet Room, and a main act of worship at 10am in the Princess Hall. There is a variety of styles of worship at this 10am service from Sung Eucharist and Morning Prayer, to Taize Services and informal acts of worship in the houses. The long-standing relations College has enjoyed with local churches over many years is maintained by joining their congregations at least once a term. Evening services are often held at 7pm on Sundays. Parents are warmly invited to attend any of our Sunday services the dates and times of which can be found in the calendar.
The Quiet Room
This room is located at the heart of College and has been made available for girls and staff to use at any time of the day. It is a place where girls of all faiths and none can go for quiet reflection. Morning Prayer is said here every morning by the chaplains, and other services of meditation and reflection are held from time to time.
Crossfire
There is a thriving group for Sixth Form girls called Crossfire, which meets regularly to discuss and hear speakers on issues of spirituality. This group of enthusiastic girls meets for bible study on a Friday lunchtime, and twice a term for informal discussion about current issues on a Friday evening. Occasional events are organised in Lower College to encourage interested girls lower down the school to think about their beliefs and develop their faith through activities and discussions
Confirmation
Many girls wish to find out more about the Christian faith during their time at college, and to decide whether to be confirmed. During the first half of the Spring Term enquirer groups are held in each of the junior houses which girls may attend without commitment, leading on whether they wish to confirmation groups in the second half of term. The confirmation service is then held at the beginning of the Summer Term. Roman Catholic girls are prepared for the sacrament of confirmation at the local parish church of St Gregory’s.
For further details on worship at CLC, please feel free to contact the Chaplain.