Carrigaline Community School Student Council and Meitheal Team with Bishop Fintan
Recently Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Carrigaline Community School where he was warmly welcomed by School Principal Mr. Paul Burke
Members of the Senior Management Team, Board of Management and Student Representatives. Msgr. Aidan O’Driscoll Co-PP, Fr. James McSweeney Co-PP and Fr. Michael O’Connell MSC CC were also in attendance.
Bishop Fintan visited the Staffroom where he was warmly received, spoke briefly and circulated informally with staff members A short tour of school facilities followed including the Resource Centre where Bishop Fintan had an opportunity to meet with Student Council and Meitheal Team representatives as well as some Learning Support Students.
The school community gathered for a Prayer and Carol Service with Bishop Fintan based on the message of Advent and Christmas. The Liturgy was prepared and presented by School Chaplain Mr. Colm O’Brien and members of the Religious Education team. Revd. Canon Elaine Murray representing the Church of Ireland also participated in the Prayer Liturgy. The ceremony was greatly enriched by the beautiful singing and musical accompaniment provided by students with the assistance of the Music Department.
Bishop Fintan blessed the school crib which had recently been refurbished by the Art Department before he addressed the school assembly. His words embraced the Christmas message as he urged students to realise the extent of God’s love for each one of us as we reflect on his coming into our world as a vulnerable little baby. He also encouraged students to listen to God speaking to us through our lived experiences and to not be afraid.
In the course of the ceremony a cheque for €7,000 was presented to Mr. Joseph Fahy, Treasurer of the Carrigaline Conference of SVP arising from the CCS students recent fundraising efforts on behalf of the poor and vulnerable in the local community. The visit concluded with words of thanks from the Principal Mr. Burke who presented Bishop Fintan with a beautiful Christmas Hamper of local produce as a token of appreciation for his visit to Carrigaline Community School.
