The Catholic community in the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish, Dakabela, on Sunday witnessed a historic milestone with the official opening of a new chaplaincy at Cleveland School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The new centre of worship, named St. Rita Chaplaincy becomes the latest outstation under the parish, expanding its pastoral footprint to 22 outstations and one chaplaincy.
The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, the parish priest and Diocesan Communications Director, who expressed deep gratitude to the school administration for granting Catholic students a spiritual home within the institution.
Catholic students at Cleveland School of Nursing and Midwifery prayed from nearby church outside the school premises (Tukum Zone).
According to the school’s principal, Mr. Oilo James, the students, who form a significant percentage of the school community, formally wrote to the administration requesting a dedicated space for Catholic worship.
Their appeal highlighted the challenges they faced in accessing spiritual services outside the school, especially given their tight academic schedules.
“Catholic students were many, and they felt the need for a place where they could freely gather for prayers, Mass, and spiritual formation,” Mr. Oilo said.
“As a school, we value holistic development and faith is an essential part of that journey. Approving their request was our way of supporting their spiritual wellbeing.”
Cleveland School of Nursing and Midwifery, which offers certificate-level training in nursing and midwifery, now becomes one of the few health-training institutions in the region to host an officially recognised Catholic chaplaincy.
During the inauguration Mass, Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket lauded the administration for opening its doors to the Catholic community.
He noted that such gestures are rare, especially in institutions owned or managed by denominations outside the Catholic Church.
“It is very rare to see other denominations allowing the Catholic community to chaplain their schools,” Fr. Marcel remarked.
“We are truly grateful for this spirit of openness and cooperation. It shows maturity, unity and commitment to serving young people without discrimination.”
He promised that the parish would work closely with the school administration to ensure the chaplaincy thrives and meets the spiritual needs of the students.
Fr. Marcel also pledged to include the school in his pastoral programs and visits, reinforcing the connection between the chaplaincy and the mother parish in Dakabela.
As he delivered his homily, Fr. Marcel also reminded the congregation of the significance of the Advent season, a period of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.
He urged the faithful, especially the students, to ready their hearts and souls rather than focusing only on physical preparations.
“Always be ready and prepare to receive Jesus Christ with good hearts, not only with physical things,” he emphasized. “Advent is a time of reflection, inner renewal and opening our hearts to God’s presence.
Let us not be carried away by outward activities and forget the spiritual readiness that truly matters.”
Students expressed joy and relief, noting that the new chaplaincy would strengthen their spiritual life amidst the demanding workload of medical studies.
Many said they felt more at home knowing they had a place to gather for Mass, prayer meetings, and faith-based guidance without having to travel outside the school compound.
The opening of St. Rita Chaplaincy marks a significant step in expanding Catholic evangelisation and pastoral care in learning institutions.
It also signals increased collaboration between the Church and educational establishments, particularly in nurturing moral, ethical, and spiritual values among future health workers.
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