S1 Welcome Masses 2020
End of Year Service 2020
Here is the end of year service that took place online for staff at Turnbull High.
Wishing everyone a well earned rest over the summer.
Keep praying!
Mr P
NET Retreat 2020
It seems difficult to remember the 14th of March-it seems like years since we were in school. One of my last memories of being together at Turnbull is our annual NET retreat which, over two days, offered our S3 pupils a valuable opportunity to consider their identity as a child of God.
The chosen theme ‘In His Image’ presented a message that is at odds with what many loud voices in the world encourage us to think. Where the world tells us that we are only the sum of our weaknesses, God tells us that his grace is sufficient. When we are told that we are not enough unless we act and dress a certain way, God says ‘you are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ When we base our worth on what others think, Jesus reminds us that he looks at the heart and sees who we really are. When we are told that our mistakes have ruined us and we have nothing left to give, we see the arms of Jesus outstretched on the cross, suffering to offer us a fresh start and longing for our embrace.
Through fun sketches, games and times of prayer and discussion, our young people were inspired by the joy of the NET team who embody our vision of of what it means to be a passionate and articulate Catholic.
As I think back, I hope that in these times of trial that we are facing, our young people have continued to reflect on their experience with the NET team and that they continue to open their hearts in simplicity as they seek what is true, good and beautiful.
Listen here to hear what the young people made of the experience!
Mr Pearce
Rorate Mass 2019
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.
Bearing Gifts- Advent Retreat
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.
Ven. Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage 2019
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.
Lenten Lunchtimes
On Mondays during Lent we have hosted devotions in the oratory. Pupils have enjoyed Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity to go to Confession. Our primary prayer intention has been for the pro-life movement and we continue to pray that the dignity of each person as created in the image of God will be upheld in all parts of the world. Classes have benefited from talks given by Rose Docherty from Forty Days for Life and Emmet and Eden from SPUC.
Rose kindly gifted Turnbull High School with an altar frontal made by the mother of former pupil, Sr. Andrea of the Sisters of the Gospel of Life.Â
Solemnity of ST Joseph
On the 19th of March we hosted the second in our series of early Masses, this time to celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph. Fr Monaghan talked about the role of St Joseph in the plan of redemption and taught us that we should remember to ‘Go to Joseph.’ We were thrilled that we were joined by such a cross-section of our school community who packed into the oratory to seek the intercession of the foster father of Our Lord. A rousing chorus of ‘Hail St Joseph’s saw us on our way to the conference room where we enjoyed the full benefit of a feast day during Lent with hot rolls with ‘Daddie’s’ sauce!
St Joseph, pillar of families, Pray for us!
Annual Rorate Mass 2018
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.
