Five minutes with Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger

Life is full of surprises, and for Radford College Senior Chaplain, Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, one of those surprises was her calling to chaplaincy. What began as a deep love for learning, teaching and faith, gradually wove itself into a career that now sees her leading with compassion and purpose. Katherine is not only a respected educator and spiritual guide - she is also a passionate advocate for gender equality within the church. Her unwavering belief in the importance of women holding official roles in ministry has made her a strong voice for change. Known for her empathy, intellect and leadership, Katherine is recognised for addressing the big questions and offering meaningful pastoral care to the Radford community.

What inspired you to pursue chaplaincy, and how did your journey lead you to Radford College?

Becoming a school chaplain was unexpected, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense! After Year 12, I completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Wollongong. My honours thesis looked at the experiences of kindergarten students in Priority Funded Schools in regional and urban areas. I began my teaching career at Gordon Primary in the ACT and then moved to the remote Northern Territory, where I taught at the Kalkaringi Community Education Centre.

After three years in the NT, I moved back to the ACT and started working as a youth and children's worker at Holy Covenant Anglican Church. I also returned to my studies, this time in theology at St Mark’s National Theological Centre, part of Charles Sturt University. Over ten years, I completed a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Theology and then capped it off with a PhD in Australian film and theology. During this time, I was a relief teacher at several Canberra schools and continued to enjoy the energy of schools. I also continued ministering at Holy Covenant and was ordained a deacon and a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia in 2016.

As I was coming to the end of my PhD, Father Richard Browning, then chaplain at Radford, told me how great the school was. I got in touch with the bishop and the principal - and the rest is history.

Can you tell us about your early life - where you grew up and any formative experiences that influenced your path?

I grew up in Goulburn and am grateful for my school years at Bradfordville Primary School and Mulwaree High School. Being part of an Anglican parish that encouraged young people to develop their skills in leading and organising events was a gift that has stayed with me. I was also part of the Movement for the Ordination of Women. When a court injunction blocked the ordination of women to the priesthood, there was a protest in the streets of Goulburn. I went to the garage and painted a sign that said, “Who’s being ordained today? Women” - with the ‘W’ and ‘O’ crossed out. I was just 11 years old. I was also present in St Saviour’s Anglican Cathedral in December 1992 when the first women in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn were ordained as priests.

Another formative experience was my Year 10 work experience. I completed one week with a primary school teacher and one week with an Anglican priest – both weeks have borne fruit. I’ve been a primary school teacher for more than 20 years and a priest for nearly ten.

What role has your faith played throughout your life, and how has it evolved over time?

I remember having a sense of God's presence as a young child. This evolved into a sense of trusting God as a teenager. My faith has been a constant throughout my life - a gift that I have cherished and nurtured in different ways. Studying theology deepened my faith, while being part of worshipping communities (currently All Saints Ainslie) has strengthened my faith. The state of the world and the suffering that people endure can bring despair, but in Christianity, I find the language of lament, the promise of God with us in Jesus Christ, the connection of prayer and God’s Spirit in the world, which I believe bring hope and light in the darkness.

Outside of your work at Radford, what are some of your passions or hobbies that bring you joy?

I love film, I love theatre and I love BritBox! Spending time with friends and family, swimming, pickleball, cardio tennis, reading and discussing books bring me joy.

Your role at Radford is varied, from teaching Godly Play to leading services and providing pastoral care. Is there an aspect of your role at Radford that you enjoy most?

I really enjoy working with staff and students on projects, whether its major services or events like Dirrum Dirrum Festival. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the creativity and hard work that go into preparation, and then to experience the atmosphere and electricity when everyone comes together.

People would be surprised to know that...

I once rode a bike from Paris to London (including a ferry ride across the English Channel).