Dr. Judith King facilitating the Diocesan Gathering of Post Primary RE Teachers.
On Thursday October 19th, a group of 53 RE Teachers drawn from 31 Post Primary Schools throughout the Diocese attended a Religious Education Teacher In-service gathering at Innishannon House Hotel.
Hosted by Bishop Fintan, it was the first time that RE Teachers working in the various school settings within the Diocese had an opportunity to gather since the Covid 19 pandemic.
Following the opening words of welcome by Bishop Fintan, the day was arranged into three sessions facilitated by Dr. Judith King. The introductory session was presented by Elaine O’Sullivan, School Chaplain in Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway.
It focused on organisational aspects of the RE Department in the Contemporary Post Primary School. The Morning Prayer was led by Brian Pentony, School Chaplain at Kinsale Community School.
The second session titled: Witness as Resonance - When who you are, sounds through what you teach; was presented by Dr. Judith King. Judith shared with delegates some personal insights into beneficial practices arising from experiences within her own faith, work and life journey.
The afternoon session provided participants with an opportunity to discuss and share experiences of the joys and challenges of teaching RE in Post Primary schools today and explored how the Diocese can offer support to RE Teachers spread throughout Cork city and county. Arising from this, further in-service provision for Religious Education at Post Primary level is currently being planned.
Bishop Fintan with the choir and music group from Mayfield Community School with teachers Ms. Siobhan Carne, John Casey and School Chaplain, John Hurley.
The day concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan. He was assisted by local Innishannon Co-PP, Fr. Finbarr Crowley. The liturgy was greatly enhanced by the wonderful talents of the musicians and Choir from Mayfield Community School under the guidance of their teachers Siobhan Carne, John Casey and School Chaplain, John Hurley.
This In-service opportunity was warmly received by participants and the feedback from the gathering has been very positive. It is envisaged that an annual RE Teachers Gathering will continue to be a feature of the school calendar in future years.
