Chaplain says goodbye

Lancaster University’s Catholic Chaplain Stephen Hoyland is moving on to pastures new after five years of football and prayer.

The former Religious Education teacher at Our Lady’s Catholic High School, Lancaster, who began his career as a lay chaplain at Lancaster University in 1999, now plans to spend a three-month sabbatical in France contemplating his next adventure.

During his time at the university he has been a staunch supporter of the collegiate system and enjoyed playing football for three teams including Cartmel College A- team. Outside of his duties at the Chaplaincy Centre he has been involved with a number of environmental organisations and peace coalitions

Stephen said his time at Lancaster University had been better than he had could have imagined it to be - particularly because of the strong relationship between members of different faiths attached to the Chaplaincy Centre.

Stephen, who was born in Blackpool, said he was looking forward to some peace and quiet and spending time with his wife Kate, but would miss Campus life.

“One of the things that I will always remember about my time here is finding the presence of God in all sorts of places and people - for example in members of other faiths and various societies from Green Action and Conservation Volunteers to SCRs and JCRs. People who are generous in giving themselves.

“I leave with a thankful heart. It has been a tremendous five years and if the Holy Spirit suggests a similar job in the future I wouldn’t complain.”