Catholic Schools Week 2014 began on Sunday 26th January and concluded on 1st February. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year was, ‘Catholic Schools – places of faith and learning’. This year’s theme was chosen to highlight that all learning takes place in a values context. Catholic Schools Week is an occasion to celebrate the work and achievement of Catholic Schools in Ireland, north and south.
Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, launched Catholic Schools Week on 20th January in Saint Dominic’s College, Cabra, Dublin. The launch comprised a liturgy and a discussion involving over two hundred students and staff from fourteen local schools as well as representation from across the country. St. Mary’s had the opportunity to be part of this launch. Megan Looney, Sarah Kelly, April Lamai, Casey Harris, Ciara Scott, Lisa Fitzsimons and Saoirse Scott attended the launch and participated readily in both the liturgy and the discussion that followed. The girls were a credit to the school, representing St. Mary’s very well. The discussion was facilitated by Ms. Maura Garrihy, Youth Officer for the Diocese of Galway. It also included input from special guest, Mr. Ger Brennan, teacher and Dublin GAA senior football player.
One of the initiatives for Catholic Schools Week, was the idea that St. Mary’s would plan and take part in Sunday Mass in Our Lady of Dolours Church in Glasnevin. Many of our senior and junior students volunteered to participate in the service. It was a unique opportunity to give the parish community a greater sense of how St. Mary’s celebrates being a Catholic school. The ceremony was hugely uplifting and very well received by parishioners.
Ms. C. Murtagh
