School staff become Catholic in 2026
Our RCIA programme for staff in schools continues to grow
On Saturday 18 April, Canon Victor Darlington celebrated Mass at St Philomena’s School chapel. During the Mass, he baptised Daren King, a foundation governor at Richard Chalonner School, who was also received fully into the Church. At the same Mass, he formally received and welcomed Victoria Walker, deputy headteacher of St John Fisher School, to the Catholic faith.
During the homily, Canon Victor, stressed that our Catholic schools are places not just for pursuing academic education. “A Catholic school", he said, "is at its best - when it becomes a place where Christ is encountered". The number of staff being received into the Church through the bespoke RCIA programme, Canon Victor said, is a powerful testament that our schools are Christ-centred and mission-oriented.
Since the Education Service started running the Come and See programme in our schools three years ago, over 15 non-Catholic staff members have embraced the Catholic faith. If you are interested in learning more about the RCIA programme for schools, please contact the Education Service, who will be happy to offer guidance.
Story provided by the Education Service of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Photo provided by St Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls.
