I am Lawrie Burns and I have been the School Chaplain at St Joseph’s since 2020.

I am married to Elise. We have four adult children and are expecting our first grandchild in December.

I am employed by CatholicCare Wollongong under a grant from the Commonwealth Government’s National Student Wellbeing Program (formerly known as the National Schools Chaplaincy Program). The program provides ten hours of support to the school per week to improve the wellbeing of young people, teachers, and families by supporting the delivery of pastoral (spiritual) care and wellbeing services.

What is Pastoral/Spiritual Care?

Spiritual Care Australia defines it as care that:

“Encompasses all the ways in which attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of life. It is most commonly offered in a one-to-one relationship, is person centred and makes no assumptions about personal conviction or life orientation. It offers a way for people to experience and make meaning of their hopes and fears…….

…..It may include presence, conversations, ritual, ceremonies, and the sharing of sacred texts and resources……

…..It may include presence, conversations, ritual, ceremonies, and the sharing of sacred texts and resources……

….Spiritual Care is not about proselytising and does not impose the practitioner’s beliefs or values.”

Young people are struggling with their identity; with fitting in; and coping with the day-to-day experience of their lives at home, at school and in the online world.

I work with the PALS staff at the school who identify the students that I work with. I talk to students (and staff) about their hopes and fears, and while this may take on a religious flavour, that is not the most common use of my time. I work with students one-on-one or in small groups, I visit classrooms and I wander the playground, always available for a chat.

I hold a Bachelor of Theology from the University of Notre Dame Australia and a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chaplaincy) from the Sydney College of Divinity. I have also been recently ordained by Bishop Brian Mascord as a Deacon for the Diocese of Wollongong, and I am involved in many aspects of the school’s liturgical and prayer life.

If you or your child would like a chat or would like to make use of my services in any way, please contact the school Ph: 4230 8500 email: info@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au or by contacting your child’s PALS teacher.