When I first became the chaplain of Trinity Episcopal School in 2012, I had no idea how forgiving children could be. During those early years, as I navigated building chapel services and curricula, I was met with incredible grace and love from our community. This school community walked with me throughout my entire ordination process. So, when it came time for my ordination in 2017, I requested that the service be held during a school day—I wanted all the kids to see who they had helped me become.
At Trinity, we gather for chapel every morning. Over 400 students come together to sing, reflect, and pray, all with the hope of making our world a better place for everyone. This time has also allowed me to deepen my own faith and walk with God. In addition to leading chapel, I teach religious studies classes to every student on campus. This role has made me a lifelong learner of our sacred stories and has given me the opportunity to discover new and exciting meanings behind them.
I approach every moment and interaction with a spirit of playfulness and joy. When our community celebrates, I am grateful to lift those moments up to God in praise. When we face difficulties, I lean on the strength of our community and the relationships we’ve built as we navigate these challenging yet sacred moments together.
Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for the opportunity to live out my vocation as a school chaplain. I see every day as a chance to learn something new about myself and the world around us. Each interaction is an opportunity to bring the Kingdom of Heaven a little bit closer to Earth. I am truly blessed to live this calling.
The Rev. Bobby Hadzor is Chaplain at Trinity Episcopal School (New Orleans, LA).