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Chaplaincy
“Dear young people, let us not be satisfied with a mediocre life. Be amazed by what is true and beautiful, what is of God!” – Pope Francis
My name is Sr. Marjorie and I am the Lay Chaplain to the school as well as being a member of the RE department. The Chaplaincy is also supported by a number of staff and pupils from across the school.
What is Chaplaincy?
Perhaps Chaplaincy can best be explained by describing it as – Growing Together in the Spirit of Christ’s Love. We believe that school is a holy place because Christ is at the heart of all we do and are and strive for at ST. PATRICK’S.
We aim to serve all the members of our school community by offering encouragement, support and friendship. We help to create and nurture the Christian Ethos of the school through the Celebration of the Eucharist, Liturgy and Prayer, at various times throughout the academic year, the school retreat programme. It is also to be found in the very ordinary, day to day running of the school by our witness and awareness of the Christian values of truth, respect, compassion and love. Ethos is not an easy thing to describe but it can be felt and seen throughout the school.
We celebrate Mass together regularly. The Opening of the school year mass is celebrated in our parish Chapel. We celebrate a Mass of Welcome for the Year 8, we hold a Mass of Remembrance in November and a Year twelve and fourteen Pre exam Mass. Throughout the year there are various liturgies, services of Reconciliation and assemblies. Our school oratory is open daily for pupils and staff, which contains a prayer book where intentions can be written to be prayed for by the whole school community during year group assemblies.
We encourage all to take a full and active role in the preparation of the prayer life of the school, particularly with animating the Liturgy as musicians, readers, and Eucharistic Ministers. A well-prepared liturgy helps others to pray and come closer to God. Those who help prepare the liturgy offer a unique service to the rest of the school community and can develop a deeper awareness of what it means to pray as the Church.
We value our parish links and very much appreciate the support and encouragement of the clergy. Fr. Greg Carville is our link Priest. Our desire is to continue and develop these links through our services of Reconciliation and various Masses and celebrations.
I hope you enjoy and find the following prayers and clips a positive source of prayer.
Blessings
Sr. Marjorie
Another great example of our ability to show love and concern for those who need our help. Thank you to each and every person who contributed to this very worthy appeal.
“There are some children who have never received a gift from anyone and they have so much joy when they receive a shoebox… The shoeboxes collected and donated by our pupils help us to reach children of all ages… Thank you for helping us to share the Good News.”
Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help you. Jesus will reply I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.
Two moral values that our school promotes are:
1.Respect for ourselves
2.Consideration for others
Therefore in getting involved in this very worthwhile project we are putting theses morals into action and also helping to improve the lives of the children who will receive them.
Always in our religious education classes, we try to promote gospel values and to make the teachings of Jesus a reality for our world today: “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.
During our RE classes, we watched the DVD of the children receiving their boxes
This use of media certainly evoked a great sense of compassion among our pupils and staff as they have contributed well in excess of 200 boxes again this year.
Jesus is making a very important statement here if you help someone in need then you are actually helping Jesus himself. Often in scripture Jesus reminds us that it does not matter how rich or poor you are, anyone can give. What matters is the attitude with which you give and our basic Christian attitude was to put our words into action in completing theses boxes.
Because of people like you, over a million children overseas will experience the joy of receiving a present this Christmas.
And through each simple gift of a shoebox, we can show God's love to children who may never have felt loved before. Thank you again for completing your shoe box it will make a huge difference to the lives of these children.
Your support in completing this project was greatly appreciated. God loves a cheerful giver and in this instance so did I!
Enjoy the photos!
Thank you
Sr. Marjorie
As the excitment continues to build for the arrival of Pope Francis I offer you the following prayers as a family. The world meeting of familiies hopefully will be a festival of witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus.
please watch the attached clip from icatholic https://www.icatholic.ie/world-meeting-families-2018
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pUSWVvIcW0 Praying the family prayer together
Pray for families, receive an indulgence: Vatica
The Vatican announced that Catholics who participate in the World Meeting of Families in Dublin in August or pray with their families during the event can receive a plenary indulgence.
An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven.
“So that the faithful prepare spiritually to participate in the event in the best way, His Holiness Pope Francis willingly concedes the gift of indulgences,” said the decree released by the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
To receive the indulgence, it said, people must be “truly repentant and motivated by charity” and dedicate themselves “to the sanctification of the family, following the example of the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.”
The conditions necessary for receiving a plenary indulgence include having recently gone to confession, receiving the Eucharist and offering prayers for the intentions of the Pope.
Those who cannot travel to Dublin for the event still can receive the indulgence, the decree said, “if, spiritually united with the faithful present in Dublin, they recite as a family the Our Father, the creed and other devout prayers” for the good of families.
The decree, signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Vatican office that deals with indulgences, said a partial indulgence is also available to all Catholics who, no matter where they are, offer prayers with the pope for families.
Just before study leave began for Years 12 and 13, these pupils who are preparing for public exams gathered in the Assembly Hall on Tuesday 8th May for Mass and a time of prayer and reflection. Fr G Carville was our celebrant.
We are a Catholic School and so, it is fitting that we celebrated this special moment in our students’ lives with a Mass in the spirit of our Catholic faith.
The theme I chose for the Mass, focused on a passage from Isaiah 43:1-7 'Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you...', This was our first reading - Bean Ui Eireamhoin read it. This passage reminds with encouragement that God is always with us even through challenging times.
We gathered to ask God’s help. We asked God to let the Holy Spirit be with the pupils to guide their hearts and minds as they prepare and sit examinations.
I assured the pupils of the prayers and support of all the staff at St Patrick’s as they begin their exams. During the Mass each student received a prayer card which was made especially for them to use throughout the exam season and I encouraged all the pupils to keep praying these prayers right up until the results are due in August. (see prayers below)
COMMUNION REFLECTION – Mrs Cruise Head of Year 13
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine like children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in every one of us. And as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandala
Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value
Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and clam, confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me. Amen
The Year 12 pupils will continue with revision classes and are invited to come and use the school oratory to have some quiet time and reflect.
We wish all our pupils sitting examinations all the very best and encourage them to invoke the help of God’s Holy Spirit. Sr. Marjorie
Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value
Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and clam, confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me. Amen
Dear Lord, exams are the key to the choices we have in our future lives. Help us to face exams with confidence and a positive attitude in the knowledge that we have tried our hardest to prepare for these exams. May we be successful in exams so we can face the future full of hope. Amen
Dear heavenly father, we are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to go to school. Please help us to be mindful of those who have not been as fortunate and we ask that you bless them. Bless all our teachers who have worked so hard to help us succeed.
As we embark on a new course in our lives guide us so that we may always make the right choices and so that we can continue to grow into the persons you would want us to be. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
God of wisdom, give strength and guidance to our young people as they continue to sit their state exams. May they persevere and find support among one another, their community and their families. (pause) R. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
A simple Prayer Ritual for Someone who is taking an Examination
Gather as a family
Quieten down for the few moments this will take, and light a candle to remind everyone that the Lord is present.
Make the Sign of the Cross together.
Prayer: led by a family member
We thank the Lord for all the happy times we spend in School, for friendship, support and learning. We ask a special blessing at this time for all those doing Exams, and especially for ……
Scripture Passage: Read by a family member
A Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah
“For I know what plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you call to me, and come and plead to me, I will listen to you. When you seek me you will find me, when you seek me with your whole heart, I will let you find me. It is Yahweh who speaks.
The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Prayer: led by a member of the family
Holy Spirit, send your Gifts to ……………….. as he/she prepares for and takes these Exams.
Help him/her to remember that they do not define him/her as a person, but are merely steps on the road to a bright future.
Keep him/her calm and enable him/her to give of his/her very best and to remember all that he/she has studied.
St Joseph of Cupertino, who prayed at your own examination on your way to priesthood, pray now for …………………….
Help …………… and all students to think clearly and express themselves well,
and to know that no matter what happens,
they are valued, loved and cherished in their families and their school communities.
Mary, Mother of all of us, pray for and with us for ………………
All: Hail Mary, full of grace.
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Make the Sign of the Cross to conclude your time in prayer together.
Internal Summer Exams begin we place all our pupils into the hand of Jesus and entrust all their intentions to His loving care.
Pupils are encouraged to prayer the following before they complete all of their exams Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in You. – Sr. Marjorie
Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”
Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
Amen.
Blessings before the Summer Holidays
Take time to claim your strength; this is a gift from God.
Take time to have fun; it is God’s way of teaching you your strengths.
Take time to grow yourself; only you can grow you.
Take time to trust yourself; God trusts you.
Take time to be self-reliant; it is better than being dependent.
Take time to share with others; they will bless you and you will bless them.
Take time to have hope; you are a child of God.
Lord God,
We put ourselves into Your hands, and pray that You will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of summer. May we all help make our home a place of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety.
May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of summertime.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
A Summer Blessing
May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do and wherever you go. May you talk to God this summer and every day and in every situation. May you talk with God every day.
Prayer for the summer break
Lord, what about you and me? I don’t want to forget you just because I’m away from my normal routine. Keep close to me, Lord, and remind me that my relationship with you should never take a break.
Prayers for the children /young adults
Loving God, we pray for all children as they prepare for a new season in their lives.
As they start nursery or school for the first time – give them joy in new experiences
As they move to new classes/new year group – give them confidence in growing friendships
As they move to new schools/from primary to St. Patrick’s – give them strength in their growing independence
As they move on to college or university – give them wisdom in their maturity
And for all the teachers, assistants, helpers, carers and volunteers who teach and nurture our children and young people, we ask for your blessing, your joy, your wisdom and your patience as they re-charge their batteries over the summer break, ready for the new term!
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen
From an old Gaelic Blessing: “May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Prayer for all students and school leavers this summer:
O God of all beginnings and endings, we praise and thank you for the gift of this school year. It has been a time filled with grace and blessings, with challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows. The days have passed quickly, O Lord. The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days, the exams, breaks, and assemblies. All have come forth from your hand. While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each day, sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate just what you have been up to in our school.
Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer. Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit. Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion and bless us, according to your will, with the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams. Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead, and guide each day as you have done this past year. For those of us returning, help us come back to school with a new spirit and a new energy. May all of us, including those who have left, continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge and grace all the days of our lives. Amen.
REFLECTION:
Summer's a great time to experience this world, and to look and
listen for God in a special place far from the interference of
civilization. A boat on the water is a wonderful place to appreciate
the blessings of summer. But, for you, it might be a hike in the
mountains or camping in a forest. Your favourite summer place might
be a stretch of beach, a country road, a bike path, your backyard
garden or a picnic blanket in a park. There is a story about St. Francis, the great lover of God in all of creation. One day while at prayer he came upon a very old and knurled tree. He said to the tree: “Show me the beauty of God” and immediately the tree bloomed in full splendour.
God created summer and has filled the season with wonders to
behold if only we take the time to look and listen. Let's all make time to experience God in the stillness and beauty of the world He created before we created so many of the distractions that can separate us from Him. You just might hear in a birdsong, smell in a flower, see in a sunset, taste in a fresh ear of sweet corn, feel in a summer breeze, or notice in a comment from a
child a lesson from God that will refresh and sustain you when you
return to your daily routine.
That each of us will recognize and give thanks to You, O Holy
Creator, for all the gifts of creation, we pray:
2. That we will remember that You, O God, have made us a little
less than the angels. You have crowned us with glory, honour
and intellect, for this we pray:
3. That as stewards of God’s creation, we will respect and
treasure all the gifts of Your beauty, O Sustainer of us all, we
pray:
4. That all those who bring beauty into our lives: artists,
musicians, actors, sculptors, poets, authors, chefs, bakers, and
inventors be filled with creativity to enrich our world; we pray:
5. That during this time of summer may we be refreshed and
renewed and sing of Your greatness, O God, we pray:
6. That we see the beauty of You, O God, in the faces of the
youth as well as in the weathered faces of the elderly, we
pray:
7. That we will be alive with the beauty of God and sing of Your
glory, O Heavenly Creator, we pray:
Loving God, we are privileged with the gift of time, the days of the
week, the months of the year along with the four seasons that
parallel the life cycle.
You have blessed us with the ability to think and to learn, and to
make choices. We are gifted with our five senses that drink in the
wonders around us and the glories of summer.
We realize the fragility of our human condition and we readily accept one another as gift.
Bless all who bring beauty and joy into our lives through their
creative talents.
We pray for all who assist us in leading happy and productive lives
so that we are cognizant of Your love in creation all around us.
We remember in prayer all the sick and dying, the lonely, the broken-hearted, the lost and most especially for all our families, relatives and friends. Bless us with a happy and serene spirit.
He spoke to them of the challenges facing homeless people. He shared his experiences and recalled many of the sad situations he encountered in his work. All those present felt honoured to hear and learn about the work that Fr. Peter does and the Christ-like way in which he does this work. He certainly left us all in St. Patrick’s very challenged, and with a renewed sense of purpose, to want to go out and do what we can to make this world a better and more just place to live in. We have so much to be grateful for and as Fr Peter said –‘there but for the grace of God go I’ Thank you Fr Mc Verry for giving us so much of your time, we look forward to you coming to our school again. Sr. Marjorie
The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May is a month of growth, when nature is reborn. This month normally belongs to the Easter season, between Easter and Pentecost. Other months have more important feasts dedicated to Our Lady, such as August (Feast of the Assumption) and December (Feast of the Immaculate Conception).
The reason for dedicating May to Our Lady is associated with the particular season of the year. May is certainly known for its springtime beauty. It is associated with flowers and blossoms, with trees which spring back to life, and grass which sprouts. It brings to mind the idea of promise and hope, of new life
During the Easter season, Mary’s presence in the beginnings of the Church is emphasized. She was present in the first community of disciples. In Acts 1:14, she was present with the Apostles in the upper room as they prayerfully waited for the descent of the Holy Spirit with hopeful expectation.
“Mary was in the Upper Room, where the Apostles were preparing to take up this mission with the coming of the Spirit of Truth: she was present with them. In their midst Mary was “devoted to prayer” as the “mother of Jesus” (cf. Acts 1:13-14), of the Crucified and Risen Christ.” Her maternal presence was humble and discreet but fundamental. Among them, she acted as a guide, an exceptional witness of the mystery of Christ, a role she had since His conception and birth, as well as a model of true faith.
Mary brought Jesus into the world, raised Him and lovingly stood by His side during the years of His hidden life. She supported Him during His public ministry in a quiet way, beginning at Cana, where by her intercession Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1-12). She cooperated in His work, even uniting her own suffering with that of her Son, standing at the foot of His cross. Mary was Jesus’ first disciple, humbly following Him during every step of His journey and mission. She trusted in God completely and lived by His grace. She is our model of true discipleship and of complete faith.
The Blessed Virgin Mary offered the disciples her prayers, motherly care, and witness. She continues to offer us her motherly love and intercession. During this month of May, let us rediscover her maternal role in each of our lives. Let us offer our spiritual mother our sincere prayers, that just as she aided the first Apostles with her prayers, she may also guide and intercede for us in our journey of faith. Let us learn from her how to love and trust God completely and how to be faithful witnesses of the risen Lord. Our pupils are writing their prayers of intercession to Our lady and are invited to visit and bring flowers for our May altar in the foyer (see photos). During this month the teachers have been invited to bring their class to the foyer to say prayers or a decade of the rosary. We will continue to pray for our students doing their examinations at this time also. –Sr. Marjorie
What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
We said a ‘fond fare-well’ to our year 14 students – with a day filled with many different activities.
In the morning the pupils were all treated to a cooked breakfast in the dining hall. Then we were delighted and honoured to welcome Fr. Peter Mc Verry SJ who gave an emotive and very challenging talk to the pupils.
Fr P. Mc Verry has worked as a priest to support people experiencing homelessness, drug mis-use and those who are socially disadvantaged for over 35 years. Fr Peter recently received a ‘People of The Year Award’. The Awards are given to people who bring joy and light to the lives of others or have supported others in their darkest hours. These are individuals who have demonstrated their courage and energy in Ireland and throughout the world. Fr. Peter McVerry S.J. (second time awardee), for a lifetime dedication to helping the homeless.
The’ Mc Verry Trust’ is one of the leading homeless charities, doing incredible challenging and valuable work, making a huge difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable in our society. Our year 14 pupil were inspired and challenged by what they heard.
eThe day also included Mass. Mrs Corr HOY introduced the theme and spoke and advised the pupils that their life was a journey and she was proud and delighted to have shared the last number of years as their Head Of Year. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment – take the moment, make it perfect!”
Once again our choir provided uplifting music for the Mass – Mrs Doherty stepped in to help the girls out – Thank you Mrs Doherty.
It was lovely to have some of parents join us for Fr Mc Verry’s talk and the celebration of the Mass.
Parents were delighted to read what the pupils had written in year 8 about the hopes and dreams for their time in St. Patrick’s. Many of the pupils were amused at what they had written.
Thank you to Fr Carville for celebrating the Mass with us and Fr. Mc Verry for concelebrating and giving us more inspirational thoughts in the homily.
After the Mass Mrs Corr had a lovely tribute for the pupils – she had prepared a PowerPoint of photographs recalling some of the highlights of their time here in St. Patrick’s – this brought both laughter and tears for some.
The fun outside activities were enjoyed by all.
We wish our pupils all the best in their exams – please remember to stay calm, give your best and to say the prayers you were given. God bless. Sr. Marjorie
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me this same favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.
Through Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.
Amen.
O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayers obtained from God to be asked at your examination, the only questions you knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the (here mention the name of Examination eg. History paper I) examination. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.
O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me
O Holy Spirit enlighten me
Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me
Sacred Head of Jesus, Seat of divine wisdom, enlighten me.
Prayer Before an Examination
Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value
Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and clam, confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me. Amen
Our year 8 pupils have been learning about life in Palestine at the time of Christ as part of the teaching and learning programme of study. They were asked to complete a task where they used the information they learned, and their own research, to build a house that fitted into that period of time. –see photos. We were really delighted with the work, and effort that the pupils made to complete this task. The houses were all outstanding and were exhibited in our school assembly hall, were all staff and pupils were invited to come along and view.
A special assembly was arranged and the parents/guardians of the pupils in year 8, were invited to attend. A group of the year 8 pupils presented an impressive assembly to their parents, form teachers and Head of year.
We were delighted to welcome the parents and appreciated so much that many of them gave up their time to come to the assembly, see all of the houses, and then to visit the RE Department.
There were given the opportunity to visit all the RE class rooms and our school oratory and share a cup of tea with the members of the department. Thank you parents for your support and encouragement and sharing a lovely morning in the RE Department.
Thank you to all the pupils who contributed to the ‘Soup kitchen Appeal’
Your generosity and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated.
- Sr. Marjorie
http://www.stpatrickskeady.co.uk/news/year-8-retreat-a/?p=1
We here in St. Patrick’s are committed to enriching the life of everyone that passes through our school by living out the gospel values and seeing Jesus in each other. Our year 8 pupils were given the opportunity of a retreat experience. The had time outside the classroom to think and reflect. The ‘Siolta’ team came to the school to deliver the retreat. The theme chosen for the day was ‘Friendship’. The focus was to help them to develop and sustain friendships and to reflect on their progress so far in school as they journey to become the young people God created them to be. The pupils enjoyed the experience as you can see from their comments below.
‘Where there is faith, there is love; where there is love, there is peace; where there is peace, there is God; Where there is God, there is bliss’ – Sri Sathya
Year 8 retreat – pupil comments
It was good and I learned about other people
I enjoyed playing fruit bowl
The retreat was fun. I enjoyed the meditation, it was relaxing. It was a lot of fun working in teams and playing games
I enjoyed the retreat and they had some great team building exercises
I thought the retreat was very good and I would like to do it again
I had fun, met new people and learned more about God
The retreat was very calm and very relaxing
Best craic ever
I liked all the games
It was a nice day
I enjoyed spending time with my friends relaxing listening to the story and being able to write and colour
I thought the retreat was good. I liked all the fun activities
It was alright but I did not like sitting still for the long time
My experience at the retreat made me feel like I have lots of friends
It was fun with the games but overall I did not really enjoy it
I thought it was a nice interesting day
I really like the prayer with the candle in the middle with all of us around it
The retreat was good and educational
I liked the retreat and Bosco and Rachel were very helpful
I had a very good experience at the retreat, I thought it was very good and I enjoyed all the activities
I liked the retreat and would like more retreats in the future
I made new friends and had fun
My experience was some of it was fun and some of it was boring
I didn’t really like it
It was good fun and good craic – it made me think of other people
It was ok it would be better in the morning not during HE
Doing the bonding activities made a bond with others from other classes
It was not really that good and not much fun
I made lots of new friends and had lots of fun
Good thing was we got out of class and were with our friends we got to do fun stuff
It was alright it could have been more fun
The retreat was really good I had good fun it was 100/100
I liked the retreat, but it was not that necessary
It was fun and a good laugh
Making the towers was really fun
I liked making the tower out on newspaper and learning to work together
It got everybody up and doing something different
It was good because we worked on our team building The people doing the retreat with us were very nice and we got to do fun games
I liked working with others and playing the games
We got to experience different ways to follow our faith but at some instances it got a little boring
I learned how to be a good friend to God
The good thing was we got to be with our friends – the bad thing was our tower didn’t stand
We commemorate the loved ones who are no longer with us at this time of the year. But we must not forget those who no one remembers any more. Pope Francis reminds us that “Remembering the dead, caring for their graves and prayers of suffrage, are witness of confident hope, rooted in the certainty that death is not the last word on human fate” and the “supreme destiny” of humans, the final destination, is life in Heaven. On the day the Church commemorates the dead, we remember “those who have loved us and have done good deeds for us”. “But today we are called to remember everyone, to remember everyone, even those who no one remembers. We remember the victims of war and violence; the many "little ones" of the world crushed by hunger and poverty. We remember the anonymous who rest in common graves. We remember all those killed on our roads, all those who have died at sea. We remember our brothers and sisters killed because they are Christians; and those who sacrificed their lives to serve others. We especially entrust to the Lord, those who have left over the last year.” – We will have our own special time of remembrance in school on Wednesday 8th November in our school oratory. We hope you join us.
May the following thoughts prayers, reflections and clips bring you comfort Blessings – Sr. Marjorie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrEZYMsEy1U&sns=em Stand still – Take a few moments of quiet for yourself to listen to the work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Yxf0FC12E&sns=em All Saints day some of our great men and women who have gone before us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLGwUX8VExo&sns=em - All Souls Day is a holy day shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF0U0pVK0bk&sns=emet aside for honouring the dead. The day is primarily celebrated in the Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and a few other denominations of Christianity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF0U0pVK0bk&sns=em Seamus Heaney ‘Midterm Break’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5nDkIaHS24&sns=em - 6 minute reflection on All Hallows' Eve - Halloween - and its relationship to All Saints' Day
St Patrick's High School,
Middletown Rd, Keady,
Co Armagh, N Ireland BT60 3TH
T: 028 37 531393
E: info@stpatricks.keady.ni.sch.uk
