The student church is on the hunt for a new student chaplain; they can be either protestant or catholic. ‘But the main task is working with the students,’ according to university chaplain Marieke Fernhout.

Last September, John Hacking retired after a 23-year-long career as a catholic student chaplain. ‘He was at the very centre; he knew everything and everyone’, student chaplain Marieke Fernhout explains over a cup of tea, in her office at the student church.

And so, there is a job opening for a new student chaplain. They’re on the lookout for someone with a positive attitude towards religion and the church, Fernhout explains. ‘Additionally, we would prefer if someone brings their own expertise to the table. This can involve meditation, for instance, but also grief counselling or Bibliodrama (bringing biblical texts to life, eds.). We are open to suggestions.’

Diocese

The chaplain will be part of a team with catholic priest Jos Geelen, the protestant chaplain Marieke Fernhout, and HAN chaplain Nicole Schubert. The job posting does not mention a specific religion. ‘We would like someone with theological schooling, but whether they are protestant or catholic is of little consequence’, says Fernhout.

The diocese doesn’t need to give their okay for the new student chaplain – unless the job goes to an ordained priest. The salary of the chaplain will be paid by the foundation of the Oecumenical Chaplaincy Nijmegen.

Grief support

What is perhaps the most important task for the prospective new student chaplain is talking with students. According to the chaplain, those conversations are by no means confined to religious subjects; students also tend to have questions concerning anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, or sexuality.

There are various discussion groups at the Student Chaplaincy, led by the student chaplain. ‘We work based on demand. Students come up with their own ideas, such as hosting a Bible study circle. We also have various grief support groups. Sometimes things work for a few years until they don’t. Therefore, candidates should be flexible, and not hung up on a strict schedule.’

‘Candidates should be flexible, and not hung up on a strict schedule’

The student chaplain’s broad, undefined portfolio can even include excursions. Last summer, Fernhout joined a group of students on a trip to Taizé, which houses a large ecumenical monastic community. ‘We’ll do it again this summer’, she says.

International experience

Because the student church draws a lot of international students, international experience is a prerequisite for the chaplain position. ‘My colleague Jos’ sermons are always in English; the Catholic Church is a worldly church, after all’, according to Fernhout.

The new student chaplain will hold a part-time position. ‘That means that people already employed by the university can also apply’, says Fernhout. Applications for the position can be submitted until March 18^th. The new student chaplain can start in their new position on September 1^st.

Translated by Jasper Pesch