New Chaplain for Canterbury, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells Campuses
24 January 2007
Canterbury Christ Church University has appointed a new Chaplain.
The Reverend Susan Blade
The Reverend Susan Blade, of Wateringbury near Maidstone, will have particular responsibility for the University’s Chatham Campus and in due course Salomons Campus in Tunbridge Wells. She will also be based part-time in Canterbury.
The Reverend Susan Blade succeeds the Reverend Simon Rowlands, who left the University in December 2006 to be the new vicar of Bridge, Patrixbourne, Bekesbourne, Lower Hardres and Nackington.
Susan Blade, who was formerly a Senior Hospital Chaplain with the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells N.H.S Trust, will assist in organising services at the University’s Chapel and provide pastoral and spiritual support to staff and students. She said: “Having worked within health care for much of my life, I have always enjoyed the nature of chaplaincy and the concept of holistic care, therefore, moving to Canterbury Christ Church – a place which trains future healthcare professionals – seems to have a connection and offers a natural transition for me. I very much look forward to being a part of the University’s Chaplaincy Team and being alongside people in their various areas of work and study.
If you would like a photograph or interview please contact Canterbury Christ Church University’s Media Relations Officer, Claire Robinson, on 01227 782391.
Notes to Editor
The Reverend Susan Blade is married with two grown-up sons and a three month old grandson. She originally trained as a nurse, and worked with a Hospice Care Team, providing respite care in the community. Whilst training for the ordained ministry, she began working part time as an Assistant Chaplain. Once ordained within the Church of England, she served as a Deacon and Priest in her local church community, and for the past five years has worked full-time, as a Senior Chaplain, with the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells N.H.S. Trust before joining Canterbury Christ Church University.
Canterbury Christ Church University’s Chaplaincy
The University Chaplaincy is here to serve everyone, of all faiths and none. Its activities include:
* Pastoral care and welcome
* Worship and prayer in the chapel
* Teaching about the Christian faith
* A listening service in confidence and prayer for individuals on personal matters
* Support to those seeking a local church or faith community
* Summer Pilgrimage
* Encouraging charity and voluntary work
The Chapel of Christ in Majesty is at the heart of the University, geographically and spiritually being located opposite the main entrance foyer. In this busy location, it seeks to be a place to be with God in prayer, a place to learn about faith, and a place to make real friends. Staff, students and the local community are very welcome to all of the University’s services and our meetings for prayer. Students help to lead the University’s services. The chapel works closely with the Christian Union.
Contacts
Claire Robinson, Media Relations Officer,
Canterbury Christ Church University,
01227 782391, cr54@canterbury.ac.uk
David Cutts, External Relations Assistant,
Canterbury Christ Church University,
01227 782826, d.cutts@canterbury.ac.uk
Contact Details:
Claire Robinson
01227 782391
Email the Press Office
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