Staff and pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe have welcomed Ric Slatter as their new Lay Chaplain.

Before moving to Wythenshawe, Ric spent four happy years as Lay Chaplain at St John Fisher RC School in Harrogate.

But neither Ric, nor his wife, Rachel, could resist when they saw two lay chaplain adverts for the same area. Ric wanted to continue to work with secondary school pupils whereas Rachel was keen to work with primary school pupils. 

They were both delighted to be appointed to their positions and now Rachel is the Lay Chaplain for St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, St John Fisher and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School and St Elizabeth’s RC Primary School who. Together with Saint Paul’s, the schools form the Wythenshawe Catholic Academy Trust.

Working closely together, they aim to aid and support the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary school.

Ric explained: “There are many exciting opportunities to enhance the Catholic life and ethos at Saint Paul’s. The RE department are doing an excellent job and are full of ideas, I am looking forward to tying in with their work and enriching some of their activities. I am also very keen to promote retreats to the pupils and ensure that all year groups get the opportunity to take a retreat and have the time to reflect and build upon their faith.

“I plan to spend time getting to know the staff and pupils on a one to one basis where we can have a friendly chat and share our ideas and thoughts. I will also be holding a series of assemblies to strengthen and explore our faith and understanding of the meaning behind the Year of Mercy.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ric as part of our team. He brings with him a wealth of experience in chaplaincy and will be focusing on developing the spiritual life of our staff and pupils,” commented Mrs Lisa Baillie, Assistant Headteacher at Saint Paul’s. “Ric and Rachel are a unique husband and wife team, who will work across the Academy Trust. They are already enhancing our initiatives to promote the Year of Mercy and are strengthening our work across the Diocese and with the MANCEP (Manchester Catholic Education Partnership) schools.”