Abbots' Letters

Letter from Abbot Stephen

[Abbot Stephan wrote this letter for the Blue Paper prior to the recent abbatial election.]

Dear Old Boys …

Since my last letter to you in this magazine we have launched the School Development Appeal and my attendance at the Appeal receptions has given me the happy opportunity of meeting quite a number of you; I have greatly enjoyed the close encounters. I have also enjoyed watching the faces of Old Boys as they listen to the Appeal presentation and see pictures and plans of what is intended, for example the new VIth form house on the sunken lawn, which is due to become operational this September. There have been almost audible gasps of astonishment along with various whispers of “it wasn’t like that in my day”. Yes, indeed; in the words of the Apocalypse “the former things have passed away” and there is now a Hiltonesque quality about VIth form rooms and amenities. I do hope that you will come and see for yourselves what has been happening and what is about to happen at Worth; the developments are very exciting.

At the moment the campus is a network of building sites: the VIth form house, the conversion of the Quad dormitories into a new Infirmary, the building of a Housemaster’s house adjacent to the New Block for occupation by the Butler Housemaster this September. These are heartening signs. Moving very slightly east, you come to the newly completed West Side of the Abbey Church. We took possession of it officially and formally on 15 February and this was a happy occasion for the monastic community in general and me in particular. The West Side has been an eyesore for a quarter of a century and, when I was Headmaster, I used to wince when I gave prospective parents a tour of the campus and came, sooner or later, to the dreaded spot. I am thrilled that “West Side Story” has now reached a happy conclusion.

I have had the pleasure and privilege of being involved in several Old Boy weddings and Christenings; we monks are delighted to be able to provide this after-sales service and we greatly appreciate being asked to play a part in such important family events; thank you very much.

Often, when I meet Old Boys, I am struck by how hard many of you have to work in “civvy street”. I am particularly impressed/worried/horrified that the world of work requires people to be at their desks so early; the hours you keep are often more demanding than any monastic timetable. I think back to Duty Weeks when I was a Housemaster; in those days several of you felt that getting out of bed at 8am was a major ordeal but now … Yes, indeed, the former things have passed away!

If ever you want to have some quiet time, far from the madding crowd, please know that you are very welcome to come down to Worth and stay in the monastery; alternatively, you may just want to pop in and say “hello”. Whatever option you choose we are always very pleased to see you.

With best wishes to you and your families.

Yours ever,

Abbot Stephen

Letter from Abbot Christopher

The result of the election was announced to parents on July 3rd. A week later, Abbot Christopher wrote personally to each family as follows (he extends this letter to Old Boys):

“You may be feeling shocked by this sudden turn of events, a shock which I myself experienced. An abbatial election is held every eight years during a process that lasts two days and the outcome cannot be predicted. Sustained by prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the monks of Worth have elected me to the demanding role of leading them into the future. The well being of the monastery is a key element in the well being of the school and, in so far as my election serves the monastery, then it also serves the school. The sudden nature of this change comes from the Benedictine way of life: St Benedict insists that a monk is always available to answer God’s call without delay. “God’s ways are not our ways” is one of the doctrines upon which Worth is founded.

Secondly, let me say how much I look forward to serving you and your family as Abbot. Acting as President of the Board of Governors, I will continue to be fully involved in sustaining both the quality and the values of Worth School. In particular, I will have oversight of the principal policies that express those values in practice. The work of the Board is extensive and has been the hidden partner in the school’s current success. I will also be present at many school events when I will enjoy meeting you, while at the same time watching your sons grow and develop as they move up through the school.

As well as having a strong Board of Governors, Worth is lucky in having a man of Peter Armstrong’s experience to act as Headmaster during the interim period. He has, as you know, been working with me as Deputy Headmaster for six years and has displayed great skill in managing the day-to-day life of the school. Combined with his managerial expertise, Peter fully empathises with the Benedictine ethos that lies at the centre of life in the School. Father Mark has generously given up his sabbatical to become Deputy Head and he has particular skill in pastoral care, while Fred Belcher continues as Director of Studies. This is a strong leadership team to carry forward the school’s current success.

Finally, and most importantly, let me finish by thanking Abbot Stephen. He has served Worth generously as Abbot for eight years and has been a wonderful pastor. Before and after this election, he has acted with exemplary humility. Following in his footsteps is eased by the kind of man he is and is made harder by the kind of man he is. He will now take a well earned sabbatical and then return to Worth after some months away.

As I take my leave of you as Headmaster, I feel sadness at bringing to an end 25 years of teaching here; as I join you as Abbot, I feel great joy that I will still be working with the families and staff whose commitment creates the school. You will shortly be receiving an invitation to join me at Mass on Saturday 14th September at 11.00am during which I will receive the abbatial blessing from Bishop Kieran. I do hope that you can join me so that we can celebrate together under God our shared commitment to Worth. In the meantime, please be assured of my continuing prayers for you and your family.”

Abbot Christopher