Good Morning,
I’m Mhairi Finnigan from 4th year ,and I am going to talk about faith in St. Ninian’s and how the school helps to promote faith using different methods, such as: morning mass and various faith groups for example: The Life Group, The Worship Group and The Chaplaincy Support Group. This year the school also helped raise awareness of the Year of Faith to the pupils.
Pope Benedict XVI said:
“What the world is in particular need of today, is the credible witness of people, enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end.”
Pope Benedict XVI is telling us that God has opened a door of faith to each one of us and wants us to enter a deeper relationship with him. This is our opportunity to turn to God. During the Year of Faith, St. Ninian’s offered Eucharistic Adoration every Friday from 12:20 until 1pm. Morning mass is also celebrated every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8:20, and everyday during Lent and Advent.
Symbols of our faith can be spotted throughout our school constantly reminding us that our faith forms part of our daily routine. There are crucifixes in every classroom and our day begins with a morning prayer. We also have 2 periods of R.E a week. Sixth year students have the opportunity to become Extra- Ordinary Ministers through the support and guidance of the school. Our school provides opportunities for all pupils at every level of the school to deepen their faith, for example: the school also offers 6th year students the chance to take part in religious vocations such as the Rome trip and the Lasallian project. First year students are given the opportunity to vist Carfin and 2nd years are able to visit St. Ninain’s cave in Whithorn and celebrate mass to mark this special occasion. Every child is welcome to visit the oratory at any time; some 4th and 5th year students visit the oratory to say a quiet prayer before exams. Last Advent, St. Ninain’s helped to raise money for more than 20 charities in Scotland. Our lower school pupils handed in backpacks for Mary’s Meals and will begin to help the charity Mothers Care India. This charity provides support to mothers who struggle to provide necessities for their families. Mothers Care is Glasgow biased and brings hope to disadvantaged children.
I am a member of the Life Group and we meet every Friday lunchtime and discuss ways of raising money to provide layettes and funding for Pro Life. Our first and second year students are now donating baby items to the group which will form part of the overall layette. This is what is known as our Advent Appeal which is one of the many fundraising events we have throughout the year.
Our school’s chaplaincy support group is run by approximately 40 teachers, who give up their free time to assist our school chaplain and provide occasions for prayer and reflection. The worship group meet every Thursday after school in our oratory where pupils come together in prayer.
Our pupils are given the opportunity to use their talents to serve God, some use their musical talents whether singing or playing an instrument at mass, others are given the chance to read and others have the opportunity to serve God on the altar. We are also encouraged to use the talents God gave us to represent the school, those blessed with sporting talents can represent the school whether playing: football, netball, golf or hockey. We also have an annual sports day where our pupils can celebrate their talent. For the more artistically talented, they have a chance to use their talents in various events through the year: musicians practise every Tuesday night and have events coming up later this February, artist who are currently holding a photography exhibition and produce a calendar every year contain their work and budding actors who are all heavily involved on these wonderful occasions.
We would be unable to develop and use our talents to the fullest without the support and guidance of every teacher in St. Ninain’s- who willingly gives up their time to help us. I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunities given to me by the school to celebrate my faith every day. Without doubt our school helps us to live, enlightened in mind and heart and empowers us to open the hearts and mind of those we meet as we progress through life.
Thank you for listening.
