Knightly News

The Episcopal community is once again gathering in the Lewis Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd to celebrate a full Eucharist with each division each month. After two years of scaled-back, pandemic-related restrictions, Senior Chaplain Father Skully Knight says traditional services have returned. The bread, wine and Eucharistic ministers are again part of the experience. There is a renewed sense of hope and excitement about Chapel that reverberates throughout the building.

That excitement is especially noticeable in Middle School, where the student vestry has been reimagined as the Knights of the Good Shepherd. Father Skully says during the pandemic pause there was an opportunity to organically recreate what had existed for some time. He realized students didn’t completely understand the vestry concept and that many Middle School students were eagerly seeking opportunities to simply be of service. With that in mind, he rebranded the vestry and outlined ways for students to participate in the Chapel experience. “I realized it didn’t need to be what it was before,” he says. “I wanted to get everyone involved under one group and allow them to do the things they want to do.” The response has been tremendous.

“The reason I joined the Knights of the Good Shepherd is to get involved in something that can help people out,” says seventh grader Billy Henderson.

“I chose to get involved with the Knights of the Good Shepherd because I wanted to do more than just go to chapel and talk to Father Skully every once in a while, I wanted to help connect with the beautiful chapel that we have, and I wanted to really contribute more through my faith,” says eighth grader Sydney Bonnecaze.

Father Skully is pleased to build upon the momentum established in Lower School. He says fourth and fifth graders are typically excited to be acolytes, and it’s important that the Middle School Chapel opportunities keep that enthusiasm growing. This year there is a range of options for students, including everything from leading Chapel and computer support to singers, musicians, readers and acolytes. Father Skully hopes the options will encourage students to select what works best for them and find a meaningful way to get involved. For members of the Knights of the Good Shepherd, getting involved just enhances what they already love about Chapel.

“The thing I love most about chapel is when the priest makes connections to the real world and shows us what we can do better,” says Billy.

“The thing I enjoy most about chapel is Fr. Skully’s talks about the gospel and readings of the day (sermon). He really does a great job of connecting it to our lives and making us understand the readings better,” says Sydney.

Meanwhile, the Upper School student vestry has jumped right into the school theme of UKNIGHTED in community. Inspired by the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” vestry members are presenting seven habits of highly effective communities. They’ve already presented Chapel talks on humility, honesty, hard work and support. For students not on the vestry, there is also the opportunity to serve as a Eucharistic minister. Father Skully says it’s great to have the older students work with the younger students in this manner.

The addition of Casey Duncan as the Episcopal Assistant Chaplain has also provided a spark in the Chapel. “Casey brings a renewed sense of energy,” says Father Skully. “Her energy creates more energy.”

The sense of enthusiasm and eagerness to volunteer in Chapel this school year is remarkable. Father Skully says Episcopal is a school that encourages students to get involved, whether it’s project-based lessons or having students lead parent/teacher conferences. He says the enthusiasm could also be a result of the reduced sense of uncertainty and isolation felt during the pandemic. Whatever it is, it’s great to see students participate and raise a joyful noise to the Lord.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.