Pope Benedict XVI, Westminster Cathedral, 17th September 2010

The Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS AWARD encourages and promotes the ongoing faith journey of young people. It recognises that some are already active and committed within their homes, schools, parishes and dioceses and it invites others to respond to God’s call of love. It supports and celebrates the faith witness which young people give within their communities.

Introduced in 2011, as part of a legacy of the UK visit of Pope Benedict XVI in September 2010, this award asks young people to use their faith learning as a starting point for further faith reflection, leading to actions which show their faith witness. Participants in the Caritas Award will be supported in deciding how they can develop and use their gifts in a way that witnesses to God’s love (“Caritas”) in their communities.

Who can take Caritas? Any pupil in S6.

How is it delivered? There is a designated Caritas RE class who cover the core RE course alongside the Caritas Award.

What are the requirements? Faith Learning and reflection: 5 short reflections through the year and one longer reflection at the end. Faith Witness: 20 hours of activities in the parish and 20 hours faith witness in school. Your hours are recorded on a log sheet which is submitted with the evidence.

What kind of activities can be included? Anything that promotes or puts into action the Catholic faith.

At Turnbull High School, alongside the Caritas Award, we run the SQA Religion Beliefs and Values Award at Level 6. This enables pupil to achieve an additional qualification in RE using the same evidence as their Caritas Award. This qualification is appears on their exam results certificate at the end of S6. Some pupils also use their Caritas experience to achieve the Saltire Award.