Inaugural Mass – Ascensio Scholarum
Our Inaugural Mass and Dedication of Studies was well attended by staff, pupils and it was really pleasing to see so many families join us. We were delighted to welcome Bishop John along with our Chaplain, Fr Jim and local priests – Fr Hill, Fr Burke and Monsignor Monaghan.
In his Homily on the Feast Pope St Gregory the Great, Bishop John described the feeling of the Joy of the Gospel at the Mass supported by so many people and a beautiful Music Ministry. Bringing this Joy of the Gospel into our day-to-day living is how we help people understand the Good News. Through the Truth that Jesus is risen we are called to progress not just academically but in our service to others. In the Gospel of the Mass spoke of Jesus invited Peter to be with him and he would receive gifts in abundance. However, Peter realised that only in the service of others would he be great. Pope St Gregory the Great was the first to use the title ‘Servant of the Servants of God’ for the Office of the Pope. This how we should advance and make our parents and our school proud of us – through the service of others.
During the Mass, Bishop John commissioned five new Extra-Ordinary Ministers of The Eucharis who would have the privilege of serving our School Community through bringing the Eucharist to others. We offer our congratulations and prayers to Frances Leahy-Kelly, Ciera Doohan, Mark Burns, Maria Ward and Mhairi Finnigan.
During the Mass, Mhairi Finnigan, Depute Head Girl, on behalf of all pupils said a ‘Prayer of Dedication of Studies’ which she composed.
Just before the Final Blessing we had a beautiful surprise, when Bishop John presented Monsignor Monaghan with The Saint Ninian’s Medal for his years of Service to the school as Parish Priest of St Cadoc’s.
Special thanks are due to our Altar Servers; Robbie Creighton, Harry Forshaw, Andrew Ward, Finn Docherty, Matthew Gibson, Stephen Gallagher and Liam McBride. Our Cantor Niamh McKendrick; Readers Stephen Shaw, Rosalyn Brown and Gabriel Curran.
More photographs from the evening can be viewed here.
