Sunday, March 5th found us at Good Shepherd Cathedral in Ayr for the Rite of Election for all the catechumens of the Diocese. It is a great priviledge to assist the young people of our parish prepare to be received fully into the Church.
Newton Mearns, October 2005
-Jessica Williams-
Our very first retreat took place in St. Cadoc's Parish. With about 15 young people attending, we had a lot of fun learning more about God together.
I saw in this group a great hope for the future as we discussed important issues of the day with them. In our Ethics session we discussed a variety of topics such as poverty around the world.
These are young people who are willing to stand up and make a difference. I was very excited by the fact that they were interested to learn more about us and our faith in God. It was very encouraging to us.
Getting to know this wonderful group has helped me look forward to meeting and learning from even more young people throughout Scotland.
Coatbridge, October 2005
-Maure Kennedy-
In perfect rows and neat uniforms, the primary children filed into the auditorium. Tuesday morning. They obediently sat quietly, but their eyes danced with anticipation, and their smiles showed their readiness to jump up and sing for Jesus. And that they did with a strum of the guitar - feet stomping and arms flailing to the words of the up-beat, praise songs. A handful of volunteers acted out the creation story to the encouragement of a giggling crowd, amused by their peers in crazy costumes.
The rest of the week continued with matched enthusiasm as the team shared the Word through God's love demonstrations, plunger dramas, prayer puzzle pieces, elbow tag, letters to Jesus, and stories of "Lauren the Lamb". The Holy Spirit blessed our hearts and actions to inspire a deeper love for God and plant seeds that will grow as their faith matures. The rewards in return surpass our efforts with the generous hospitality of the school and the eagerness of the students. They politely raised their hands to add their insight of God, and they joyfully lifted their voices to praise His name.
If God asks us to have faith like a child, we believe this is what He has in mind.
Dundee, March 2005
-Matthew Farrell-
Dundee was a great experience. The pupils we met often had strong opinions and were willing to voice them, knowing we wanted to hear and would respect them.
The question and answer sessions were one of my favourite interactions with the pupils, because they got involved and they put something of themselves in. To ask a question means you have to expect an answer. I remember the… difficulty that visitors and teachers used to have getting me and my classmates involved in similar activities. We certainly didn’t ask questions!
I hope that all of the students will have taken something away for themselves. I certainly have fond memories, especially of one occasion where I discussed the pros and cons of Phillip Pullman with a student.More to come soon...
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Last modified November 2005