Sixth-year pupils venture out into the highly acclaimed Caritas Award. Read on to find out what the award involves.

Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award is a recognition for pupils in their last year of highschool, for their constant involvement in the school as well in the faith environment. It was set up by the bishops of Scotland in 2011, after Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK and the main aims are to:

use their faith learning as a starting point for further faith reflection, leading to actions which show their faith witness

The award is inclusive of all religions or those who are eager to have a faith. The pupils are to then document their Caritas journey of learning, reflection and witnesss through number of formats.

WHAT WILL THE PUPILS BE DOING

The newly appointed candidates have enrolled themselves into twenty hours of voluntary work both in school and in their local parish/Faith group. They have a number of activities they can get involved in such as the Children’s Liturgy, a charity group such as Mary’s Meals, helping out in classes and many more! Genuinely, it’s a recognition for all the work pupils are currently committed to, and providing a faith aspect to it. This voluntary work will form the witness section.

The learning aspect of the Award will be made up of four assessment tasks conducted within the school during their RMCE period. This will give pupils a chance to think about where their faith journey is and how they can improve or continue that faith for further life.

All this will be concluded with a final report by pupils on how Caritas has impacted their life and this will make up the reflection part.

WHAT HAVE THEY COMPLETED

The pupils have took part in a few events already with the school from the Leadership Retreat in June where they learnt what a good leader is with many examples of famous leaders. It also gave them a chance to think about the leadership qualities they have acquired throughout their life and how they can improve upon them.

On the 28th of August, candidates took part in the Annual Vocations Mass in the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Good Aid. This was a great service with pupils attending from all corners of the Motherwell Diocese to give thanks “for all those who are answering the call and to pray that the Lord will send more priests, deacons and religious to labour in his vineyard”. During the homily, Fr. Paul Denney reminded us that saints were real people that lived extraordinary lives. He gave a powerful example of St Augustine and his complete conversion from living against the morals of Christian life to being a well-known father of The Church. Many pupils were moved by this example and as it encouraged them to pray for priests who are also real people called to do the work of God.

Without doubt, the pupils will also be doing the work of God through all their Caritas actions as the word caritas means Christian love of humankind. As our pupils engage in the award scheme, let us pray that they are able to spread that love through all their actions.

  • By Ritty Tomichen, Editor of Faith
  • Sources: SCES.org.uk
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