Spiritual Life
In 1960, Berkeley Preparatory School was founded in affiliation with the Episcopal Church. We maintain a strong connection with the Diocese of SW Florida and our Bishop, The Right Reverend Douglas Scharf. As an Episcopal school, Berkeley has always welcomed students from all faiths, traditions, and perspectives. We believe this religious diversity enriches our experience, as each member brings important gifts to our community. The chaplains are intentional about using inclusive and broad language about God to cast a wide net.
Spiritual Life at Berkeley aims to create a safe space for students and families to explore spirituality without expectation or compulsion. Spiritual Life is expressed in many ways on campus. Those who are looking to deepen their faith can do so through weekly prayer services, monthly Sunday Feasts, baptisms, confirmations, and clubs that are offered across all three divisions (see below for more details). Over 165 students have taken on leadership roles.
Members of our community now have a beautiful new sacred space in which they can worship. On April 15, 2023, our community was welcomed into the Berkeley Chapel for the Dedication and Consecration. Featuring an organ, as well as colorful, fused-glass windows representing many different spiritual traditions, the 456-seat Berkeley Chapel sits in the heart of campus, overlooking the McCleary Mound. Nearly 10,000 people attended services in the chapel during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Spiritual Life is guided by The Reverend Brandon Peete, Chaplain, who works primarily with Middle and Upper Division students, and The Reverend Carlene Barbeau, Associate Chaplain, who works mainly with Lower and Middle Division students. To get a glimpse of the day-to-day activities of Berkeley’s Spiritual Life, follow @bpsspirituallife on Instagram, and we hope you’ll consider donating to the Sacristy Fund (see below), which helps fund the weekly prayer services and monthly Sunday feasts.
The goal of Spiritual Life on campus is to leave students feeling uplifted and inspired, affirmed in leadership, free to participate at their own comfort level, and a part of something that is greater than themselves.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Spiritual Life at Berkeley, please contact The Reverend Brandon Peete, Chaplain, at peetebra@duojiwuye.com.
Community Gatherings
How Students Can Get Involved
Weekly Prayer Services
Monthly Sunday Feasts
Spiritual Life Clubs
Chaplain Brandon Peete and Associate Chaplain Carlene Barbeau
Berkeley Preparatory School Prayer
Written by Father Robert Maurais, Chaplain and Assistant Headmaster, 1962
Almighty and Loving Father,
source of all wisdom and truth,
Bless with Thy Love and Favour
the Berkeley Preparatory School;
Inspire our founders, teachers, and students
with what is right and good,
That we may always be a credit to our country,
our school, and to Thee, the only God;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen