Newsletter of the Scottish Catholic Education Service SCES News supporting and promoting Catholic Education in Scotland August 2015

SCES make-over: new structures, newsletter and website

A number of changes have been taking place in recent months to ensure that the work of Catholic Education can be supported as fully as possible in the coming years. SCES continues to operate as the full-time professional support service of the Pupils of St Columbkille’s Rutherglen receive their Faith Awards from Bishop Joseph Toal Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. Its strategic priorities are developed Pope Francis Faith Awards and monitored by the SCES Executive Board. presented for the first time Meetings of the Catholic Pupils from St Columbkille’s Primary These Primary 7 pupils were just a Education Commission are School in Rutherglen were the very few of the 950 others who had been now run as Open Forum first to be presented with certificates enrolled by schools and parishes across sessions, offering teachers, showing that their actions had Scotland in the first pilot scheme for parents and members of merited the Pope Francis Faith Award. the new award which begain in 2015. the Catholic community the opportunity to be informed The awards were presented by Bishop With over 130 schools now enrolled about, and to express views Joseph Toal when he visited the parish of for the award, it is anticipated that on, important developments St Columbkille on the Feast of St Columba over 2,000 pupils will be eligible to be affecting Catholic Education - on Tuesday 9th June 2015. Bishop presented with certificates and medals by in Scotland. Toal was assisted by Parish Priest Fr Pat June 2016. By June 2017, the number of Hennessey and priests of the parish. young people invovled will have doubled. Details of these new support structures and of the new pages pages News of pupils with the Caritas Award goes from SCES website can be found Pope Francis Faith Award 6-7 strength to strength 10-11 in the inside pages of this new-look SCES Newsletter.

Vatican grants approval to Scotland’s Religious Education syllabus for the Senior Phase The ’s Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation has granted a Decree of Recognitio for ‘This Is Our Faith - Senior Phase’ - the new Religious Education syllabus for S4/5/6 pupils in Scotland’s Catholic schools. Building on the contents of the first edition of ‘This Is Our Faith’, the new document sets out clear expectations for the learning which will be experienced by young people in the final years of secondary school. The new syllabus will be formally launched on 29th October 2015. more details inside . . . Archbishop Philp Tartaglia SCES President I am delighted to have been asked by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to lead the Church’s efforts in support of Catholic Education nationally. Of course, we entrust this work in the main to Michael McGrath, Director of SCES, the body which has done so much in the past 12 years to raise the profile of Catholic schools and to offer teachers and parents support, resources and guidance. The Bishops are very much aware that Catholic schools play a huge part in the faith formation of childern and young people. We know how important it is to have teachers who are educated, formed, in faith, skilled, motivated, and supported so that they can deliver excellent Catholic education. We also know that we face a significant challenge in trying to ensure that we will have sufficient numbers of Catholic teachers for the years ahead. This is a key Archbishop Philip Tartaglia priority for SCES and its Executive Board.

Other members of the SCES Executive Board include: Mgr Hugh Bradley (General Secretary, Bishops’ Conference), Barbara Coupar (R.E. Adviser, Diocese of Motherwell), Carlyn Hill (HT St Joseph’s PS Busby), Mgr Ken McCaffrey (), Margery McMahon (School of Education, University of Glasgow), Angela Milton (HT, St Mungo’s Academy Glasgow) .

Anton Colella Chair of SCES Executive Board

As a former R.E. teacher in Cathoic schools, and as a parent, I know very well the expectations which are placed on teachers and Head Teachers in Catholic schools. My wish is to be able to support teachers, through the work of SCES, to meet these expectations. However, we must be realistic in our expectations of what SCES can achieve on its own. I am hugely impressed by what Michael has achieved working with only one full- time assistant and with the part-time support of Barbara Coupar. He has drawn upon the active support and collaboration of colleagues in schools and Dioceses, as Anton is Chief Executive of ICAS, the well as ‘recruiting’ retired colleagues to help. This has professional body for more than 20,000 allowed SCES to develop an impressive array of resources Chartered Accountants. Previously he was and initiatives which are admired beyond these shores. Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Anton became an Honorary My main focus will be to offer support and encouragement Professor of Education at the University to the extended SCES team so that they can continue to of Glasgow in 2012. He trained as an RE Teacher and was Depute Head Teacher of nurture teachers and to enhance Catholic schools. St Margaret Mary’s Secondary before joining the SQA. He is married with four children.

02 SCES News | August 2015 CEC OPEN FORUM MEETING: Developing and supporting teachers for Catholic schools As part of the new support structures for Catholic Education, meetings of the Catholic Education Commission will now be Open Forum meetings, discussing significant developments which affect Catholic education. The first meeting, on the topic of ‘Teachers for Catholic Schools’, took place in the Gillis Centre, Edinburgh on 13th June 2015.

The first Catholic Education Commission Open Forum on 13th June 2015 Archbishops & Philip Tartaglia, Michael McGrath & Ken Muir

en Muir, Chief Executive of Following Ken’s input, Michael In his closing remarks, Archbishop the Generel Teaching Council McGrath, SCES Director, spoke to Philip Tartaglia referred to the work Kof Scotland, was the main the particular challenges of ensuring of SCES and its Executive Board. He speaker at the first ever Catholic that Catholic schools were able to indicated that many of the priorities Education Commission Open Forum. recruit sufficient numbers of teachers indentified in the Open Forum Addressing an audience of teachers, who understand and are fully were already being addressed by parents, clergy and students, he commmitted to the values of Catholic SCES, in partnership with others. He highighted many of the current education. promised the support of the Bishops’ challenges and opportunities facing Those assembled were invited to dis- Conference who recognised the the teaching profession in Scotland cuss the key issues, to offer views and great value of Catholic schools in at this time. suggest ideas and strategies. grounding young people in faith.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Catholic Education 2015-2018

The SCES Executive Board has identified a number of strategic priorities to be addressed in the four years of its office. Among these priorities are: A Developing teachers & school leaders • improving the recruitment of teachers for Catholic schools • supporting student teachers in their formation • developing career-long professional learning (CLPL) pathways for teachers in Catholic schools B Forming young people • helping all schools to plan for effective R.E. teaching • helping secondary schools to implement This is Our Faith - Senior Phase • helping teachers to deliver RSHP (Relationships) education in line with Church teaching • extending participation in the Caritas Award and the Pope Francis Faith Award • improving Catholic school evaluation processes • developing resources for prayer & liturgy in schools C Working with others • encouraging greater awareness among parents and others of the value of Catholic education • working with Church groups, and national agencies • building capacity at SCES. A complete copy of the SCES Strategic Plan can be downloaded from the SCES website.

August 2015 | SCES News 03 THIS IS OUR FAITH Senior Phase The long awaited launch of the This Is Our Faith - Senior Phase is planned for the 29th October 2015. As we come towards the conclusion of the long process of the writing of this Senior Phase Appendix to our Relgious Education Syllabus, it is worth reflecting on what has been achieved so far.

Schools have been working with From this work a resource bank the draft core learning, written will be formed to enable R.E. by a SCES working group, for the departments to access ideas on: how last two school sessions. In that to map core learning, methodologies time Diocesan R.E. Advisers have to use in senior phase, appropriate offered in-service courses that have resources for upper school pupils supported schools as they became and assessment techniques. These familiar with the content of the core resources will be shared using ‘cloud’ learning, the areas of progression technology, allowing each school to from the Broad General Education download whatever is useful for their phase and the process to plan particular needs. challenging and enjoyable learning In that same period the materials in S4 to S6 Core R.E. have been scrutinised by the Holy R.E. departments have been See’s Pontifical Council for the New planning to ensure that the Senior Evangelization and we also saw the Phase is seen as a priority for all publication of Education Scotland’s those involved with the teaching of ‘curriculum area impact review’ R.E. Head teachers and Deputes of R.E. learning and teaching in have been introduced to the key Catholic schools. In responding to elements of the Senior Phase at the comments from the Pontifical their annual conferences and non- Council and the recommendations specialist R.E. teachers have taken from Education Scotland, SCES has advantage of a series of day courses constituted a Senior Phase Writing aimed at increasing their knowledge Group to continue the process of and confidence in areas of Theology creating quality resources and units and Church Teaching. of work for schools. The group will Last session we launched a project to work over a period of 4 years to write units and resources for Senior plan, develop and evaluate the new Phase R.E. All schools were invited resources. It is hoped that some of to create one unit of work using the the fruits of this group will be ready current tool for planning learning, to share at the launch of This Is Our teaching and assessment. Faith - Senior Phase of in October.

BREAKING OPEN: CPD for R.E. Teachers A series of 6 conferences for non-specialist R.E. teachers exploring the key themes appearing inThis Is Our Faith - Senior Phase. Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS from 9.30am – 3.30pm. £65 per conference - includes lunch and CLPL materials on each theme.

Evaluations of courses so far: “Excellent. Great delivery and insight into Catholic Social Teaching 7th October 2015 scripture” Church Documents 2nd March 2016 “Eye opening ‘breaking open’ of the Gospels and their authorship.” The Mystery of the Trinity 8th June 2016

“Each one of these sessions has been The Relationship between Faith and Reason 5th October 2016 excellent and has seen me leave with new ideas and more knowledge.”

04 SCES News | August 2015

. Catholic School NEW CLPL STRATEGY CLPL Strategy Group nurtures teachers in faith Remit

• To develop a coherent strategic approach to identifying the CLPL needs of teachers in Catholic schools • To map out a range of such CLPL opportunities which will meet the needs of: o Probationer teachers o teachers with no R.E. qualification o teachers at all career stages o aspiring school leaders o existing head teachers • To ensure that providers of Catholic CLPL opportunities work together to meet needs • To work with various national groups (e.g., GTCS, SCEL, ADES etc.) • To identify and train potential contributors to At a time when significant efforts As catechists, when teaching specific Catholic CLPL courses are being made nationally to programmes and courses of • To explore opportunities for mentoring new address the professional needs religious education, teachers Head Teachers of teachers and school leaders, are expected to know and to • To explore opportunities for the SCES and partners have been communicate the doctrinal accreditation of this CLPL provision considering how the particular teachings of the Church. They • To explore the use of technology to provide needs of teachers working in are regarded as witnesses to wider access to CLPL provision Scotland’s Catholic schools faith, expected to offer guidance • To ensure wide accessibility of provision should be met. on moral and social issues, and • To develop effective communications A new national CLPL Strategy also to offer their pupils support Further details of the work of the new group Group has been established to and counsel at particular times will be published in the course of this session. work with school leaders and of difficulty. Teachers are also others to nurture a particular regarded by students and by Group membership is drawn from the main culture of professional parents as people of integrity groups represented in the diagram below. development for teachers within whose lives reflect the values the network of Catholic schools. and beliefs which they espouse. This culture will be distinguished A range of events, courses and by its recognition of teachers’ experiences will provide various religious needs being part of opportunities of encounter with their professional needs within Christ which will enable teachers schools which are communities to appreciate their vocation and of faith and learning. reflect upon their own personal The need for a distinctive journey of faith. They will enable form of CLPL provision for teachers to become familiar teachers working in Catholic with the Word of God, exploring schools emerges directly from its meaning today. Courses the particular responsibilities will also help teachers to feel of teaching as members of a comfortable with addressing community of faith and learning. issues of religious and moral In this context, teachers are significance for young people. expected to support the aims, It is hoped that such events will mission, ethos and values of the be made accessible to teachers Catholic school. across Scotland.

August 2015 | SCES News 05 POPE FRANCIS FAITH AWARD gets results

“How beautiful it would be if each of you, every evening, could say: ‘Today at school, at home, at work, guided by God, I showed a sign of love towards one of my friends, my parents, an older person!”. (Pope Francis speaking to children)

The Pope Francis Faith Award has been developed to encourage children in the final stages of primary school to apply what they are learning about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by showing “signs of love” to others at home, in school and in their parish. With the first group of 942 pupils having received their awards in June 2015, many more are on course to do so by May 2016 and another 4,000 will commence their journey in September 2015.

It is clear from reports and photographs recevied from schools that there have been many joyful celebrations of the achievements of the pupils who were presented with the Pope Francis Faith Award in June 2015. However, these celebrations merely show the summit of efforts which were made over two school sessions. At this stage, as we see even more young people embark on the award, we are learning from the experience of the pilot schools to ensure that the award will have the impact which its designers intended. Some of the experiences of pupils, teachers and parishes are shown here. We give thanks to God Pupils of St Patrick’s PS in Strathaven receive their awards at the Leavers’ Mass with PP Fr Tom Devine, Head Teacher Iain McGuire and SCES Director, Michael McGrath for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

How did you use How have pupils used How has it affected your the Gathering Point the Faith Journal? Partnership with Parish? Resources?

“The Gathering Points provide a quiet, “The children are proud of their Faith “Parishioners have been very enthusiastic reflective time for children in a busy world Journal, and are keen to keep it updated about the involvement of the children in and help them to think about their faith.” regularly.” the parish.” “Pupils enjoy togetherness and spiritual “The Faith Journal has been great to “Our parishoners have commented on reflection and are attentive and respectful suggest activities for the children to take our children’s enthusiastic participation during the Gathering Points.” part in but we have encouraged children in parish activities e.g.altar-serving, “I have found the Gathering Points to come up with their own ideas.” readings, offertory and singing at Mass.” really useful and the children enjoy the “The children enjoy using the Faith “We have found our parish to be very reflection activities in particular.” Journals to record their experiences and supportive in encouraging the children “The children have found the Gathering attempts to develop the gifts of the Spirit to take part in various ministries. But Points very useful to help them deepen within themselves. I think they are an we do struggle to have regular Church their understanding of the Gifts of the excellent tool for the children as they commitment from a number of children.” Holy Spirit.” provide a focus for their reflections.” “Our parish priest encourages the “Having all scripture and discussion “I have used it as a folder where children children and visits the school regularly to points on the CD has been very helpful.” can store their reflections on the Gifts.” support their PFFA work.”

Holy Family Primary School Mossend, Lanarkshire St John’s Primary School Rosyth St Charles Primary School, Glasgow

06 SCES News | August 2015 Graduating P7 pupils of Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary in Motherwell display their certificates.

THE PARISH IMPACT OF THE FAITH AWARD A key aim of the Pope Francis Faith Award is to encourage young Catholics to commit to being involved in parish life, using the Gifts endowed by the Holy Spirit: Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder & Awe, Courage, Right Judgement, Understanding and Wisdom. To reflect this commitment, a young person can be awarded the Pope Francis Faith Award with a Parish Commendation, if they show how they are an active member of the parish community. The Parish Priest is asked to confirm that this commendation is deserved. Below you can read some of the comments made by priests who commended the actions of their young parishoners.

»» An active participant in the life of »» She is responsible, caring and has a and is helping to train others. the parish, always willing and happy in very generous side to her nature. Very »» This child has encouraged her offering her service within the Church, involved in fundraising, an excellent parents to practise their faith as well as School and Community. altar server. being committed herself. »» Shows a good example to others »» Always willing to serve at Mass »» His efforts have been noticed and by his active participation in the parish whenever he can. Reads bidding appreciated in the Parish Community. liturgy and conducts himself in a prayers with great confidence. »» She is deeply aware of her call mature and reverent manner. »» I have witnessed a positive to recognise and reverence God’s »» Despite taking care of his mother development in her Faith Journey presence in others, especially her who is very ill, he is always faithful to over the years and I am delighted family. An excellent witness to Christ’s his duties in Church and I commend to see how much effort and sincerity gospel. him greatly for his efforts. she puts into her faith. She has given »» An excellent witness to the true clear thought to the Gifts of the Spirit »» Is dedicated to her duties and is power of the Holy Spirit in her life. a big influence in Children’s Liturgy. and shown that she understands their »» He is an excellent young witness to Always caring and cheerful. meaning and purpose. the power of the Holy Spirit in his life. »» An excellent Altar Server who shows »» He has clearly thought through »» She is able to give eloquent great care for those younger than the Gifts of the Spirit and recognises testimony to the importance of an her. Always cheerful and happy in the where they have applied to his life active faith in her life. practice of her faith. over the years. I acknowledge his efforts and recognise his “Pope »» You can count on her to be always »» He has been so loyal to his altar Francis Experience” has contributed present, giving a wonderful witness serving and always wants to do to his personal growth and spiritual to other youths. She is extremely the right thing. He helps others to development. responsible and cooperates with others appreciate the value of reverence. »» He was a server prior to this award trying to involve them. A great witness »» Wonderful helper and example at but has taken on extra responsibilities in the parish. Children’s Liturgy.

August 2015 | SCES News 07 NEW-LOOK SCES WEBSITE provides resources and news to support Catholic education

In recent months a great deal of time has been spent on re-designing the SCES website, both to “freshen up” its look and to ensure that it wiil continue to meet the needs of teachers, parents and others who are interested in the provision of Catholic education in Scotland and beyond. The re-vamped website will “go live” in early September.

While the re-designed SCES website courses and events and to book is hoped that this will include access offers all of the information which its places on these directly via the to on-line versions of This Is Our Faith users seem to value, it does so in ways website. and God’s Loving Plan. which suit the technology as it evolves. New resources will be featured as We hope that the new SCES website So, it will be easier to access our they are posted on the site. Again, it will become the first port of call for news and materials from tablets and will be possible to order these directly. anyone seeking news and information phones as well as from laptop and Subscribers to SCES RESOURCES will about Catholic education in Scotland. desktop computers. be able to login more directly to the To ensure this, we need YOU to Anticpating the developing national library of resources which we offer to provide us with relevant news and CLPL strategy, it will be possible teachers whose school have enrolled photographs of events in your school to read about the details of CLPL as subscribers to this service. Later, it or parish.

POPE FRANCIS: On Care for Our Common Home

“Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capabale of rising above themselves, choosing agian what is good and making a new start.”

‘Laudato Si’ is an appeal from Pope Francis addressed to “every person living on this planet” for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility.

08 SCES News | August 2015 PARENTS WORKING TOGETHER in good faith

“Catholic tradition teaches that God has bestowed on the family its own specific and unique educational mission. . . The educational task of the family and that of the school complement one another in many concrete areas.” (Congregation for Catholic Education)

The Church, in expecting Catholic parents to provide opportunities for schools to develop as communities parents to express their views on the of faith and learning, encourages challenges facing parents in Catholic teachers to work closely with parents schools. A third National Assembly will in support of their children’s learning. take place in October 2015 (see below). The Church regards the parish as a vital The group has also offered support link in contributing to the partnership in the form of resources which have of home, school and Church in forming been developed specifically for parents. children in faith. These resources include leaflets on: SCES has estabished a Parental • the work of the Parental Involvment Working Group (PIWG) Involvement Working Group to encourage parents to involve • young people and prayer themselves in supporting their • how parents can help schools to Shine the Light of Faith. children’s learning and development in faith, both in and out of school. There is also a leaflet on Catholic School Parents: Getting Involved So far, PIWG has organised two (available on SCES website). National Assemblies of Catholic school PARENTS MAKING SENSE OF This Is Our Faith sense of what they are learning in school so that they can apply that learning in their daily lives. Participants will also be asked for their views on a new resource which is being developed to help parents to make sense of This Is Our Faith. The assembly will take place on Saturday 3rd October 2015 from 10.30am to 1pm in St Francis Xavier’s Hall, , near Motherwell (close to M8).

The third national assembly of Catholiic Parents and members of Parent Councils are encouraged to BOOK School Parents will focus on the theme: EARLY as places will be limited. ENTRY IS FREE but places must be Parents Making Sense of This Is Our Faith. booked in advance. At the assembly, parents will learn about To book a place at the National Assembly of Parents, This Is Our Faith, the national syllabus for email: [email protected] Religious Education in all Catholic schools. or They will consider how parents can play their part in helping their children to make use the booking form on the SCES website: www.sces.org.uk

August 2015 | SCES News 09

CARITAS AWARD SUCCESS shows that young people can and do act in good faith

The four thousand young people who have gained the Caritas Award since its introducton in 2012 are proof that faith is being put into action in schools and parishes - for the benefit of communities both near and far. The challenge now is to ensure that this active engagement in faith is sustained through parish activities and ongoing commitments.

The Caritas Award was developed to honour the request of Pope Benedict XVI for the young people of Scotland to “become saints of the 21st century” and to realise that “You are the Church”. It is aimed at young people in their final year of secondary school when their social consciences are likely to be acute. The resources provided through the scheme have been designed to develop their understanding of “Caritas” and its relevance in their lives. Coming to understand the various ways in which “God is love” is truly a transformational experience for young people and for those whom they love.

The Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others, and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others. The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis

FAITHFUL COMMITMENT

While most young people get involved in the Caritas Award through their schools, it is intended that it will result in them becoming active in their parish communities. Some may serve, read, play music or sing at Mass. Others might support the work of SSVP or Legion of Mary groups, showing how faith in Jesus Christ is not merely a philosophy but requires an active, living commitment to showing love for others.

Parishes are enouraged to provide opportunities for young people to contribute to parish life in various ways. Young people are expected to “negotiate” with their parish to agree how they might best make a contribution to the life of the parish community. In this way, parishes also benefit by “signing up” the next generation of active parish members who will sustain parish life in the years ahead.

Participants have been encouraged to plan for how they will sustain their parish commitments after they have left school.

When we live out a spirituality of drawing nearer to others and seeking their welfare, our hearts are opened wide to the Lord’s greatest and most beautiful gifts. Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something new about God. The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis

10 SCES News | August 2015

CARITAS AWARD CEREMONY 2015: recognising talent & worth

Pupil stars at the Caritas Award show STEPHEN MCLAUGHLIN, a pupil of Trinity High School in Rutherglen, Bishop Keenan, Archbishop Mennini, Bishop Nolan and Patricia Cassidy present some medals starred in the ITV hit show ‘The The 2015 Caritas Awards Ceremony, held in the Clyde Auditorium Glasgow Voice UK’ where he amazed millions on 3rd June, was a fitting celebration of the faith-inspired actions of almost of viewers with his performance. 1,200 young people from across Scotland. He also starred at this year’s Caritas In front of a capacity audience of 3000, medals were presented by the Award Ceremony when he sang Bishops of Scotland, Apostolic Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Scottish songs from West End musical hits Government Mnister Dr Alasdair Allan and a number of other VIP guests. ‘Wicked’ and ‘Oliver’. Pope Francis sent his blessing and a special message of encouragement to everyone in attendance. OUR LADY’S HIGH SCHOOL IN MOTHERWELL supplied pupils The presentation of medals was interspersed with musical performances who led the opening prayer in the and video presentations which illustrated the purpose of the Caritas Award. ceremony. The school’s “Caritas” music group closed the show with a rendition of “You Raise Me Up”.

ST JOSEPH’S ACADEMY IN KILMARNOCK “rocked” the Clyde Auditorium with their Celtic Rock Band and with the beautiful singing of their junior choral group (below).

Our Lady’s High School Caritas music group “Selfie” time with Des Clarke and others.

The ‘Production Team’ responsible As always, the backstage frenzy for the Caritas Award ceremony is a was calmly managed by producer small band of volunteers who give Barbara Coupar. On stage the up their time to administer, prepare, tone was set by the cheeky wit design and stage the ceremony, of comedian Des Clarke. The with all the challenges of organising professionalism of presenters David almost 1,000 young people to & Maura Currie came to the fore walk on stage in the right order at as they cheerfully accompanied the the right time. Each year, as the audience through 3 hours which number of participants swells, the seemed to whiz by. challenge seems to increase in Already our minds are turning to scale. next year’s show

August 2015 | SCES News 11 SETTING OUT ON THE ROAD TO TEACH During a summer school week in July 2015, a group of 55 participated in the first leg of a journey to learn about the teaching of Religious Education courses in Scotland’s Catholic schools. Gathered from across Scotland, from Arbroath to Oban, course participants learned from visiting experts in Education and Theology about teaching in Catholic schools and particularly about the Strands of Faith in ‘This Is Our Faith’. They also took part in sessions of prayer and devotion, as well as preparing for the celebration of Mass. The next stage of their learning journey continues throughout the coming school session when they will follow the contents of an R.E. Journal, which will help them to extend their learning about significant aspects of faith and the liturgical year. To complete the course they will submit designated assignments for assessment.

Jubilee Year of Mercy 8th December 2015 - 20th November 2016

Pope Francis: “I have often thought of how the Church may render more clear her mission to be a witness to mercy; and we have to make this journey. It is a journey which begins with spiritual conversion. Therefore, I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its centre the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36). . . . I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time. Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness.”

Details of Extraordinary Jubilee events can be found on www.im.va/content/gdm/en.html. Diocesan events will be announced locally. The theme for Catholic Education Week (31st Jan. to 6th Feb. 2016) is: “Learning to be Merciful”. Details of resources to be provided by SCES will be published on the SCES website.

CONTACT US to follow upon on any item in this newsletter, to seek advice or information, to send us photographs or news of school/parish events or to offer support of any kind.

Scottish Catholic Education Service Phone : 0141 556 4727 75 Craigpark, Dennistoun Fax : 0141 551 8467 GLASGOW, G31 2HD Email : [email protected] www.sces.org.uk