Revd. Caroline Kennedy, Chaplain
I’m the newest member of the team in Carlisle, and am really looking forward to meeting staff and students, and to learning about the different campuses.
Before training to be a priest in the Church of England, I had a ‘normal’ life (!), working as a French teacher in large comprehensive schools, and having two children. I loved teaching: seeing progress and building relationships with young people. I’ve also worked as an Ecumenical Chaplain for Northumbria University and Carlisle College, and taught French in primary schools. At the moment, I still work part- time as chaplain in a large Church secondary school, and have a very clear sense of the demands (and enjoyment), for staff and students there. Most of my life has been bound up with education, and I believe passionately in its presence, and in its power to transform lives and communities. I also understand something of its pressures: those of working as an employee of educational institutions, and those of trying to meet deadlines as a student. (I’m still studying!)
I think of chaplaincy in a university setting as being very much to do with connections and building bridges. I believe there are strong and obvious links between education and the exploration of faith; in terms of the pursuit of truth and justice and the promotion of open and questioning minds. I see chaplains in this setting as people who will walk alongside staff and students, supporting them in their work, searches, growth and struggles, as well as providing spaces and places for exploration, worship, reflection and community.
I hope to meet you! My office is in the Blencathra building, close to Reception on Fusehill St campus, and once term is underway, I’ll be out and about. I love talking to people, so do say hi if I don’t say it first!
Email: caroline.kennedy@cumbria.ac.uk,
Phone: 01228 279266
