Quis Ut Deus
Who is as God?

Michaelhouse is an Anglican Foundation school in the Diocese of Natal and the Bishop of Natal, the Rt Revd Rubin Phillip, is the school Visitor. The resident Chaplain, Canon Alan Smedley, together with the Rector, assume responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the boys.

The Chapel and the spiritual life of the school are seen to be central to the education Michaelhouse seeks to provide. We believe it is fundamental that each boy who passes through this school should have had the opportunity to be exposed to Christian worship and values, and to come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. For some this will occur during their time here, whilst for others we trust that the seeds which are planted in their lives, will germinate in later life. However this occurs, it is our hope that young men of Michaelhouse will acquire a spiritual foundation which will not only equip them to live whole and fulfilled lives, but which will also enable them to practice a life of Christian service in the world.

Whilst being a Christian foundation school, the necessity of religious tolerance is recognised and the boys are taught to respect the beliefs of the other major world religions.

All students and Staff attend a twenty minute service on Wednesday mornings and either the Morning Eucharist or Evening Worship on Sundays. Various members of Staff as well as the boys themselves participate in the leading and giving of short inspirational talks at some of these services.

Every Wednesday evening the boys hold a "Christian Fellowship Meeting". This is an opportunity for them to grow in their faith in an informal environment. Usually there is a time of worship followed by a talk and discussion on some aspect of practical Christian living. Cell Groups for Bible study and support also meet each week in the Boarding Houses.

Divinity is taught to all boys from E Block through to C Block. In their first year at Michaelhouse we teach the contents of the Old Testament. The following year we are concerned with the New Testament, focussing particularly on the life of Jesus and the Acts of the Apostles. Then in the third year we teach Christian principles, morals and ethics as they apply to modern life.

A course of preparation for Confirmation is offered each year. This takes the form of a four day camp, during term time, at a beautiful retreat in the Drakensberg. The Staff from Scripture Union in Independent Schools, together with the School Councellor assist the Chaplain in facilitating the camp. The Confirmation Service is held in the Memorial Chapel and is conducted by the Bishop of Natal

From time to time a "Christian Focus Week" is held at Michaelhouse. This involves setting aside a week during the course of the year when outsiders are invited to come into the school to share their experiences of the Christian Faith. We invite a wide range of people involved in different areas of life, as well as a number of Old Boys, to be part of the mission team. The objective of a Christian Focus Week is: "To give the Michaelhouse community the opportunity to re-examine the Christian faith. To provide an opportunity for every member of the community to take a fresh look at Christianity in an intelligent, responsible and unpressurised way, and to consider the claims of Christ and the implications of following him".

The Chapel choir, under the leadership of Mr Abri Venter, plays a pivotal role in our worship. All boys are afforded the opportunity to audition for the choir. Its fine reputation has led to invitations to perform for the public, both in South Africa and internationally.

There are two chapels at Michaelhouse. The main Memorial Chapel is considered to be one of the loveliest school chapels in the country. Its magnificent Bossanyi windows are recognised as one of the art treasures of Southern Africa. The beautiful Crypt Chapel provides a peaceful sanctuary for private prayer or meditation, as well as the venue for the regular meetings of the Christian Fellowship Group.

The Michaelhouse Chapel may be used for weddings by the following: Old Boys; Members of the immediate Michaelhouse Family; the Local Community and others, at the discretion of the Chaplain.