A Message from College Chaplain – Father Joe McKay

As Chaplain at Padua College, it is my privilege to help foster the distinctive Catholic and Franciscan spirit of the College and provide pastoral and spiritual support for the school’s students, families, and staff.

Padua College is part of a world-wide community of universities and schools conducted by the Franciscan Friars since the time of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231). Our supportive relationship with St Francis of Assisi College, Timor-Leste, through the annual Franciscan Appeal, is one expression of our active membership of this global community.

A Franciscan chaplain’s ministry is one of a visible presence with staff, students, and families. It is about helping build a supportive community environment where students can become young men of wisdom, service, and quiet strength. The Franciscans have a living 800-year-old philosophical, intellectual, theological, and spiritual tradition which I hope to pass on to a new generation of students and teachers through discussion, prayer, liturgy, and experience.

Prior to coming to Padua College, I ministered as a ‘jack of all trades’, visiting schools, universities, prisons and hospitals and working at retreat houses and parishes. Before joining the Franciscans Friars, I worked for twenty years as a chemical engineer in heavy industry, served on the boards of professional organisations, and volunteered with the Society of St Vincent de Paul in homeless services. All this is in preparation for following in the big shoes of Fr John Boyd-Boland as Padua’s Chaplain!

I hope to support students at Padua College through life experiences that help them develop into active and global citizens, knowing a Church that is a loving and serving community, and finding the joy St Francis of Assisi had in living the Gospel.

Fr Joe McKay OFM