On 25 September, Bath Spa University welcomed its first full-time University Chaplain and Chaplaincy Team Leader, The Revd Dr Katy Garner. The occasion was marked by a unique ceremony held at the University's Locksbrook Campus, a break from tradition as such ceremonies are typically held in a church setting.The ceremony was led by Bishop Ruth who conferred a Bishop's License upon Revd Dr. Katy Garner.
Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University, expressed her delight in welcoming Katy and emphasised the university's commitment to caring for the diverse faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs that make up the Bath Spa community.
Mike Haslam, Chaplaincy Adviser and Acting Mission Development Team Leader, echoed Professor Rigby's comments. He said, "Katy’s licensing, chaplaincy offers the students and staff at Bath Spa a spiritual paradigm though which to explore and understand life.It’s been a pleasure and privilege to work with Bath Spa University and with the amazing team of volunteer chaplains as they have prepared to appoint and welcome Katy as their first full-time lead chaplain."
Katy began her career as a nurse, ventured into chemistry, before she felt a call to become a priest. Her role as University Chaplain and Chaplaincy Team Leader will focus on further developing multi-faith provision at Bath Spa University and enhancing the existing chaplaincy team's support for students and staff.
Sara Gallagher, Head of Student Wellbeing Services at Bath Spa University, said she was delighted to welcome Revd Katy to the wellbeing team and stressed the importance of inclusive faith provisions as the university community continues to grow in diversity. “We are excited to welcome Katy. The diversity of our university community is growing and it is important that we are able to have provision that is inclusive of all faiths and people.”
It is hoped that Katy's new role as University Chaplain will not only provide support, but will also foster a sense of community among students and staff. She said, "There is a very creative student body and its very diverse in terms of spirituality, but I am a great believer that God loves everyone and being able to minister to this diverse, creative bunch of individuals I feel is going to be really exciting and a real blessing for me. I hope I can become someone they can know and feel confident about to coming to with any problems, but also to share their joys.”
Before her licensing, Revd Katy spoke about her new role and her calling to be a chaplian, in this month's Manna. Read the full article online.