Dear Old Ratcliffians, friends and members of the College community,

I’m writing to you not just as Father President of Ratcliffe College but as a former student, hoping to reconnect over something very close to my heart - our College Chapel.

For more than sixty years, the Chapel has been the spiritual heart of Ratcliffe – it is a wonderful place of prayer, reflection, and celebration. It’s where generations of students, including myself, have gathered for Mass, found moments of quiet, and come together as a community. But as the school has grown – there are now more than 620 students in the senior school - the Chapel is no longer able to properly accommodate all the students and staff in a manner fitting for dignified worship.

That’s why I am launching a Chapel Appeal - to ensure that this sacred space continues to serve the school for generations to come. The plans include:

· A raised sanctuary at the eastern end (the current VI Form area) towards which everybody will face.

· Increased seating on the current sanctuary facing the new altar. This would enable the whole school to gather comfortably for Mass and other liturgies.

· A new stained-glass window based on the original designs by Jonah Jones behind the proposed new high altar, creating a lasting legacy of faith and beauty.

Thanks to the generous support of an Old Ratcliffian, we are able to begin vital works to re-orientate and enhance our cherished Chapel.

But to realise the full vision — including a stunning new stained-glass window inspired by the original designs of Jonah Jones — we need to raise a further £100,000.

💫 MATCHED GIVING – EVERY DONATION DOUBLED

To help us reach this goal, a generous benefactor has pledged to match every donation £1 for £1, until the end of September or until we reach our £100k target.

This is your chance to double your impact and help shape a sacred space that honours our Catholic heritage and serves generations to come.

If you, or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a pew at £1,500 either for your family or in memory of a loved one, it would be most welcomed. If you wish to discuss any element of giving to this appeal, please do get in touch with Mrs Louise Liston at development@ratcliffecollege.com or telephone her on +44(0)1509 817091.

I truly hope the school still holds a place in your heart. If so, please consider supporting this important project.

Fr. Philip Sainter IC (Class of 1969)

Father President

Ratcliffe College