Published on: 22 August 2024



Christ Church started in 1910 in the living room of the local Anglican priest – Canon William McClemans. Ever since, the School has maintained its Anglican values, practices and stories.

We all live surrounded by patterns of behaviour that provide meaning for our lives. For Christians, one of the most important is the meal known as the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, or the Mass. In this meal, we remember God’s love for all people expressed in the death of Jesus for us and so are fed spiritually. This act of Christian worship is an important expression of Christ Church’s Anglican identity.

This term, Reverend Nicholas Russell will conduct a Eucharist service for each Year group. This is an educative activity – we hope that all students who leave Christ Church will know something of the importance of this practice for Christians, the meaning behind it, and should they ever find themselves in a service like this, familiar with the actions, practices and expectations.

Christ Church celebrates our diverse student body, so students are invited to experience the Eucharist either as participants or witnesses. Traditionally, a small amount of bread is served and called ‘The Body of Christ’ and a sip of wine is served as his blood. Christ Church, like many schools, only serves the bread at student services.

In the lead up to their service, Rev Russell spends time explaining the practice and what is involved with the students through an introductory video that all new students are asked to watch at some point during their tutorial time. The Spiritual Prefect, Alex Molyneux, also assists in the service and with the distribution of communion.

Our hope and prayer is that students will leave these services refreshed, encouraged, and strengthened to love the people that surround us, and that they leave with a renewed understanding of Anglican worship and identity.