Faith and Belief

Children of Any Faith

There is a Christian ethos at the Duke of York’s Royal Military Academy, but we welcome children of any faith or none, and chapel services are non-denominational. Our Chaplain, Father Richards, offers spiritual support and a listening ear to all our pupils and to staff and their families.

Formal Worship

Formal worship takes place on Sundays with Mass conducted at 8.15am for Roman Catholics. After Parade, the Eucharist is celebrated with morning prayer and hymns. We choose speakers whom we know will challenge the children and make them think, with stories of triumph over adversity, missions and derring-do. People ranging from Hospital and Prison Chaplains to Sister Frances Dominica, who founded the world’s first children’s hospice, have shared their wisdom with the chapel congregation.

Worship on Tuesdays and Thursdays is more informal, with a hymn and a prayer at its heart. On Tuesdays Father Richards or a colleague gives a talk, and on Thursdays, Houses take turns to choose a theme and lead the service. On Fridays the congregation learns and practices hymns, and there is a voluntary Eucharist on Wednesdays. Chapel is open every day for anyone who simply wants a peaceful place to think and pray.

Votive Prayer Candle Stand

The chapel’s votive prayer candle stand is well used by pupils lighting candles for their loved ones, and many like to pin personal prayers on our prayer board for people to share. Some prefer to post their private thoughts and wishes in our prayer box, which is taken care of by Father Richards.

Listen to his Parishioners

Formerly a Parish Priest in Oxford and Chaplain to a Ladies’ College, Father Richards teaches Religious Studies here, alongside the Head of RS. Outside chapel and the classroom, he makes it his business to know everyone on site, which is his parish. He takes time to listen to his parishioners, particularly if asked by a Matron or sanatorium sister to speak with a child who needs support. Each evening he spends time in House day rooms, chatting with pupils so that they get to know and trust him as an individual. Children from military families are often used to confiding in a Padre, and find comfort in sharing their problems or worries with Father Richards.