Category: Retreats and Events

Our annual Rorate Mass was, once again, a great success! Drawing pupils, family members and staff, the Advent Mass of Our Lady provided an opportunity for prayer and reflection on the coming of Christ at Christmas, at the end of time and His coming to us in every Mass in the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was sung to the ancient chants of the church and was celebrated by candlelight.

Mass was followed by breakfast in the conference room where we all enjoyed some delicious treats and good company.

Many thanks to Fr Monaghan for his support of this annual liturgy.

At Turnbull High School, we do our best to enable our young people to enter into the rhythm of the liturgical year through the planning of our curriculum and through our retreat programme. During December, BGE pupils enjoyed an Advent Retreat on the theme ‘Bearing Gifts.’ Through reflecting on the Annunciation, the Nativity Scene and the gift of the Magi, the young people considered the great gift of the incarnation, Our Lady’s gift of herself and the ways in which they can return their gifts to God. Pupils ended the retreat with praying the Angelus.

What can I give him, poor as I am,

If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb,

If I were a wise man I would do my part

yet what I have I give Him, give my heart.

On the 21st of May RE department ventured out of school on pilgrimage to the shrine of Venerable Margaret Sinclair. We were thrilled that pupils and staff from All Saints’ Secondary, John Paul Academy and Kilgraston School were able to join us for what was our second pilgrimage to Edinburgh.

Pupils were greeted with refreshments by the wonderful team at ST Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh before enjoying a fascinating presentation on the history of the area, the life of Margaret and the history of Hibs football club!

A prayer walk around the church and museum followed and pupils had the opportunity to learn about the building, pray, light candles and sing hymns. Our young people were on fine form an d entered into the experience with reverence and attentiveness. The life of Venerable Margaret is an example of how we can all be holy withing out state in life if we give our lives to God in daily prayer and receive His grace in the sacraments.

After a short break and some fresh air, the group gathered for Holy Mass offered by our school chaplain Fr Monaghan. The music was that which Ven. Margaret would have heard, the chant of the church and pupils knelt to receive Jesus at the same altar rail as she did daily. A May Procession to Our Lady’s altar followed and pupils prayed the rosary and laid flowers for the Blessed Mother as we sang ‘Bring flowers of the rarest.’

After enjoying lunch outside in the sun, Mr Hughes gave us a guided tour of Margaret’s street and the Royal Mile and pointed out the many historical, cultural and religious events which have taken place there.

We are incredibly grateful to the team of volunteers at ST Patrick’s who went to so much effort to make the day so meaningful and to keep the pupils fed and watered! Their generosity and personal witness evidenced their own faith and devotion to Our Lord and His saints. The atmosphere on the bus was a testament to how much everyone had enjoyed the day and conversations with pupils have confirmed that our pilgrimage gave them much needed time for prayer as well as the opportunity to be inspired by an ordinary young woman who gave her all to Jesus and, who we are sure, is interceding for us in the nearer presence of the the Most High.

The last week of the Advent term is marked by a number of events, social, charitable and fun. There is an event, now etched on the Turnbull Calendar that is growing in popularity for its silence and beauty- the annual Rorate Mass.

The tradition of Rorate Masses goes back into our Catholic history and is a sunrise Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary  by candlelight. Pupils, staff and family members filled the oratory, some having to stand as we gathered around the altar awaiting the coming of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and on the last day.

Refreshed in hope by the prayer and chant we shared in breakfast and had opportunity to spend time in conversation.

We thank Fr Monaghan for offering the Mass that day, the servers and singers and Liam, our Head Boy, who read.

Vocations Awareness Day

On the 11th of September this year, S1-S4 pupils had the fantastic opportunity to attend a Vocations event in Turnbull as part of National Vocations Awareness Week. The day-long event, arranged by the RE department in collaboration with SERRA proved a huge success, with various different speakers, with different nationalities, who had fascinating stories of how they found their vocations. This opportunity allowed our wider community to connect, celebrate, and through our faith, everyone was joined together in considering God’s calling for each of us. We were fortunate enough to welcome back three former pupils of Turnbull High who have each chosen religious paths to follow in their lives: Sister Andrea (Sisters of the Gospel of Life), Brother (Soon to be Father!) Anthony of the Passionists and Mairi-Clare who works for the Archdiocesan Youth Team. At the end of each talk, the pupils were able to chat and ask questions to any of the visitors, which gave everyone different perspectives on the idea of vocation. We were reminded that faith is the key to happiness and, from this fabulous experience, we pray that each pupil will

become stronger in their faith and begin to listen to God’s voice in their lives.

Eva  & Sophie

S6 Caritas Class