The annual chaplains retreat is a gathering of the lay chaplains working in the schools in the British Province. The theme this year was taken from Isaiah and the Synod.

“Enlarge the space of your tent, spread out your tent cloths unsparingly, lengthen your ropes and make firm your pegs” (Is 54:2).

To the people in exile the prophet’s words evokes the experience of the exodus, when they dwelt in tents, and announces the promise of the return to the land, a sign of joy and hope. To prepare, it is necessary to enlarge the tent, acting on the three elements of its structure. The first is the tent cloth, which protect from the sun, wind and rain, delineating a space of life and conviviality. They need to be spread out, so that they can also protect those who are still outside this space, but who feel called to enter it. The ropes that hold the cloths together are the second structural element of the tent. They must balance the tension needed to keep the tent from drooping with the softness that cushions movement caused by the wind. That is why if the tent expands, the ropes must be stretched to maintain the right tension. Finally, the pegs are the third element: they anchor the structure to the ground and ensure its solidity, but remain capable of moving when the tent must be pitched elsewhere. 

Listened to today, these words of Isaiah invite us to imagine the Church similarly as a tent, indeed as the tent of meeting, which accompanied the people on their journey through the desert: called to stretch out, therefore, but also to move.  [Synod – n26/27 Working Document for the Continental Stage]

Through individual reflection and spiritual conversation, the chaplains considered the tent in which they meet and welcome others and the school as a space of ministry. They revisited the last year and all the consolations and desolations of their work. They asked for the grace to see the acting of the Spirit where they pitch this tent and the means of space they offer in school. Also, to notice if the Spirit might be inviting this tent to be enlarged, anchored, or pitched elsewhere.

A tent was created with cloths decorated with the life and conviviality moments of the past year and they gathered beneath it. A Cairn was built with the stones identified with desolations.

Questions shared included: How might I offer shelter to those outside of this space? Who do I find waiting to enter? How might I be pulled from what anchors me, be drawn too tight or sag too softly?

This led to an imaginative contemplation session on Jesus calling, “to let our nets down”. This used photography in response with time for quiet and rest.

It was a wonderful time to step out and away from the business of school life and to give thanks for the one who pitched his tent among us.