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Canterbury Spotlight: The Work of Enrich Chaplaincy

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Advisory Note

Please be advised this article contains references to the historic institutionalization of people with disabilities in Aotearoa, New Zealand. While this article does not disclose personal experiences, the topic is discussed in context of the history of the chaplaincy and its Chapel.

About Enrich Chaplaincy ⛪

Sunday Morning Chapel service with Enrich Chaplaincy

Sunday Morning Chapel service with Enrich Chaplaincy

"Enrich Chaplains continue provide spiritual and emotional support to those with disabilities...

 
We help support social groups and events, such as music groups in the community and dances and Balls. We provide some pastoral care visits in the community, along with funeral, memorial services, and support in the residential homes at difficult times. We continue to open the doors at 'The Chapel of The Holy Family' every Sunday...
 

Over the last decade we have seen a fourfold increase in those attending this weekly church service. It is a vibrant church allowing for creative expression of worship...

 
This work is supported by those on the Enrich Trust and volunteers who help at the weekly church service."

Part of Enrich Chaplaincy's History 📜

Paul from Enrich Chaplaincy enjoying the music during the service

Paul from Enrich Chaplaincy enjoying the music during the service

The story began in the late 1990's with the deinstitutionalization of the Templeton Centre. As the people of Templeton Centre began to move into residential care placements in the community, many families of residents of the Templeton Centre advocated that the chaplains needed to still be available for the community. Initially, chaplaincy continued, however after a few years this funding was stopped, and a group of concerned families began a chaplaincy community project.

The project was formalised in June 2009 with the formation of Enrich Community Chaplaincy Trust. Bob Shearing, a local businessman, was the chair of the Trust for many years (until 2024).

Enrich Chaplaincy was formed in June 2009, thanks to the work of local families, and supporting this ministry was The Chapel Trust, which held The Chapel of The Holy Family. This Chapel was built 60 years ago on the grounds of the Templeton Centre - and it was built as a place of worship for people with disabilities. As the Templeton Centre closed, some of the families formed a community petition, and petitioned the Ministry of Health to allow the chapel to continue to be available for worship. The Government of the time and the local iwi, Ngāi Tahu, generously donated the land and the Ministry of Health donated the building to this community, and it is now in the care and responsibility of the Enrich Community Chaplaincy Trust.

Thank you to the team at Enrich Chaplaincy for sharing your story with us!

Visit Enrich Chaplaincy's website at: Enrich – Christian chaplaincy support for people with intellectual disabilities