Putting Our Gifts At the Service of Others
At this special time in the liturgical year when young people are receiving the beautiful sacrament of Confirmation it is a timely opportunity to remember that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given freely by God to help us become better people through serving others, particularly those most in need.
It has been a privilege to recognise the service of our young people through sending financial help to a number of charities and also to recognise the exceptional work of our Sixth Year students and teachers helping those in need.
Thank you to Miss Maria McLuskey and teaching colleagues who have supported the Wayside Club S6 Friday Evening Volunteer programme since August. Thank you to the great number of S6 students who have given generously of their time to help those on the margins of our society.
The Wayside Club, founded and run by the Legion of Mary, provides practical and spiritual support for people affected by homelessness and social exclusion. It has been a privilege to support their mission and work.
Last night Sean O’Reilly of Sixth Year received on behalf of our Helping Hands Charity Group an ERC Convener’s Award at the ERC event held in Carmichael Hall in recognition of the invaluable work of our pupils and staff in sharing their gifts on behalf of men and women whom we sometimes forget exist.
Service and Volunteering are at the heart of a great school and our young people and staff take both very seriously.
This evening before all the pupils went home I was speaking to a number of pupils who offer their service volunteering in local charity shops, their church, homes for the elderly, through the Boys Scouts and Girlguiding, and many other great local organisations.
Today we sent off a cheque to the value of £4,500 to SCIAF. Through British Government support this total will be doubled to £9,000. Thank you to pupils for your selfless charitable efforts and to families and friends for your generous financial support.
With deepest thanks to our young people in all year groups for putting yourself at the service of others.
Mr. Docherty
