Sejin Park ’20
Justin Chen ’20
After meeting with Father Gavin, Head Chaplain, we have assembled some of the overall goals that vestry plans on accomplishing this year. Highly focused on both service and diversity, Father Gavin hopes to continue stressing the importance and role that faith has at the academy.
- Vestry strives to become more involved with the community service program at EA and expand their assistance beyond the Chapel and into the community. Already there is a sub-team within the Vestry that is working in close contact with the Community Service Board.
- In addition, Vestry plans on organizing more of its own service projects. One of the newest ideas is a Saturday Sandwich Blitz. Similar to the Casserole Blitz, students will be making sandwiches to help feed the homeless and unfortunate during the winter season.
- Vestry plans on introducing more diversity throughout the Chapel program. This is not just restricted to holidays, but includes the teachings and beliefs present in faiths around the world. For example, Father Gavin has been in discussions with a Rabbi to further the student body’s knowledge of Jewish faith.
- The Vestry continues to focus on diversity with the creation of the Interfaith Club, a club dedicated for students to gather and explain the diverse reaches of their own particular faiths. This club’s goal is for students to gain a better understanding of the world’s wide range of religions and cultures. In addition to normal meetings and discussions, Father Gavin also mentioned that there could be retreats and trips for the group as well.
- In order for the community to gain a better understanding of the inner workings, goals, and role of Chapel, Vestry is also working on their social media accounts. The goal of this social media initiative is to show Chapel’s involvement with other members of the community and demonstrate the connections and impact it has on others. They are especially aiming to increase their activity on Instagram.
- Lastly, the Vestry will begin to send home newsletters and previews of future chapels in order to increase communication between the program and families. Vestry plans on increasing the level of communication and understanding of the Chapel program to families, so they can understand the enrichment their child receives from it.