Each class has a maximum capacity of twelve members, and to date sixty have now graduated and minister as Lay Chaplains in the Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities around the Edinburgh Archdiocese with four students having returned to work in their native soils of England and Ireland, and two others have gone forward for Diocesan Priesthood.

By very nature of the ministry there is a very close association with the Diocesan Priests many of whom have completed the Chaplaincy training Course either for personal up-building or as a means to strengthen their own skills in Pastoral Care. Indeed, initially, classes consisted mainly of priests however with the advent of Director of Chaplaincy positions in Edinburgh appointed by Cardinal O'Brien more and more Lay people are graduating.

The course is closely linked with the overall Diocesan theme of Forward in Hope and as more parishes are amalgamating the function of the laity within the Diocese is becoming crucial. Coupled with this Anne Marie has been responsible for creating strong Chaplaincy Teams which are flourishing throughout the diocese in the Secondary Schools. Educational Chaplaincy operates on various levels throughout the Archdiocese of St Andrew's & Edinburgh:Each Secondary School aims to have a Lay Chaplaincy Team whose function is to lead and support pupils and staff in all areas of pastoral care.

Bereavement is the predominant need and concern. Our fully qualified Chaplaincy personnel are well equipped to cope with this important aspect of life together with the myriad pastoral care needs of today's youth." Each Secondary School has at least one priest who is at the heart of the Chaplaincy Team taking care of sacramental needs throughout the school community. Support is also offered by simply 'being around' in the day-to-day existence of school life." Each Secondary School has access to the Director of Chaplaincy who visits, advises and oversees the Archdiocesan Programme.