Samuel Ferry has recently been appointed by the archdiocese as Catholic chaplaincy assistant at Liverpool Hope University. As the new university year starts, we speak to Samuel to find out what interested him in the role and what he has planned for the chaplaincy. 
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Samuel said: “It was my parish priest who first sent me the job vacancy, I was in two minds whether to go for it or not, but when a few people mentioned it, I took it as a sign that I should apply. “Due to the pandemic, the faith community at Hope had to find new ways to meet, and students who were previously involved pre-Covid have now left, so it needs to be built back up again. That challenge is what really excited me about the role and I felt drawn to it.”
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Before joining Liverpool Hope, Samuel, who is the director of music at his parish of St Anthony of Padua, had a background in music production working with various theatre companies, as well as experience in teaching.
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Describing his new role, Samuel said: “I will be pitching in with everything, supporting Fr Stephen Pritchard and Marie-Therese Lacey, our chaplains, and helping with the general running of the chaplaincy. I’m also looking forward to working with the President and board of CathSoc to help the society thrive. We have Mass twice a week and we also have lots of social gatherings which strengthens our sense of community.”

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When asked what he is looking forward to the most, Samuel responded with: “Helping to build up and strengthen the faith community at Hope. I think we have to look at this as a three-year project, getting students to fill up from the first, second to third year. 

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“I find anything like that rewarding and I’m looking forward to seeing it grow. I’m excited to work with Fr. Stephen and Marie-Therese to help students explore and live out their Faith during their time at university and provide them with a sense of belonging.

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“The chaplaincy is a space for students of all faiths and none to find a place of peace, community and safety in good times and through challenges. For our Catholic students, it’s a mini-parish where everyone’s spiritual needs are met, and their opinions are heard. Helping to support CathSoc, I’m conscious that we are shaping the future leaders of the Church – whether that is those who will take up ordained ministry or lay people; that really motivates me.

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“We do have a challenge to build things back up to pre-pandemic levels, but I can’t wait to get started.” 

All are welcome to attend Masses in the University Chapel every Thursday at 12.15pm and Sunday at 6pm during term time. 

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To find out more about the work of the Catholic chaplaincy, you can follow the social media accounts @CathSoc1 on Twitter, @CathSoc on Instagram, or search on Facebook for ‘Liverpool Hope Catholic Society’. You can get in touch with Samuel by emailing ferrys@hope.ac.uk