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“ONE VISION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION ” The Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education invited Catholic managed schools in the diocese of Derry to a major seminar and training day for a new initiative, “Catholic Education – The Vision.” Bishop Donal McKeown, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Commisssion for Catholic Education states that, It is also a recognition of the contribution that Catholic Education has made in promoting a society that respects the dignity, uniqueness and diversity of the individual.” “ONE VISION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION ” The Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education invited Catholic managed schools in the diocese of Derry to a major seminar and training day for a new initiative, “Catholic Education – The Vision.” Bishop Donal McKeown, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Commisssion for Catholic Education states that, It is also a recognition of the contribution that Catholic Education has made in promoting a society that respects the dignity, uniqueness and diversity of the individual.” Bishop Hegarty with CGCE member Fr Eamon Martin and Diocesan team leaders At this week's seminars held in Omagh and Derry , Bishop Hegarty praised the work of Catholic schools and spoke of the importance of having a clear and concise vision of Catholic education that is focused on provision of excellent educational opportunity within a living faith community. He paid tribute to the work of the Consultative Group for Catholic Education (CGCE) who developed and produced the DVD and resource manual “Catholic Education – The Vision” which supports the initiative. This resource clearly outlines the distinctive, diverse and inclusive ethos of Catholic Education. One of the authors of the DVD and resource manual, Fr. Eamon Martin, President of St. Columb's College, Derry , and member of CGCE, stated that the he hoped the “Vision” would significantly contribute to the ongoing development of Catholic schools as providers of quality education. He spoke of the importance of providing education within a value filled environment. This initiative seeks to enrich and ennoble all who engage with Catholic education. “Catholic Education –The Vision” demonstrates the Catholic schools commitment to building peace and reconciliation and contributing towards the Common Good. It supports Principals, Governors, teaching and non teaching staff, pupils and parents in their understanding and awareness of the Vision for Catholic schools. Bishop Hegarty with the Diocese of Derry Diocesan Team Leaders
Bishop Walsh, Bishop Farquhar and Bishop McKeown with CGCE members and About CGCE • Through their work the CGCE ensure the ongoing development of the Catholic Education sector as an excellent, coherent and independent provider of Education in Northern Ireland.
CGCE Team
Workshop session for "Catholic Education - The Vision"
Archbishop Sean Brady gives an address to the delegates at the launch of
Bishop Donal McKeown opens proceedings at the launch and training day of
Recent seminars and training sessions The dissemination programme of Catholic Education – The Vision got underway in the diocese of Down and Connor. Two very successful seminars and training sessions have taken place this week in The Rosspark Hotel, Kells and The Clarion Hotel Carrickfergus. Bishop Anthony Farquhar, in his address to delegates in Kells, paid tribute to the contribution that Catholic schools make in enriching the life and faith of pupils and their families. He stated how proud he was of the Catholic school communities and their role in providing excellent educational opportunites for all. Speaking to delegates in Carrickfergus, Bishop Patrick Walsh endorsed “Catholic Education –The Vision” saying how important it was for Catholic schools to deliver the curriculum and provide education in a way that reflected the gospel values. He spoke of Catholic schools working to build peace and reconciliation and pursuing the Common Good. The Bishop paid tribute to the work of CGCE for the excellent DVD and resource manual that has been produced to assist schools in their work of ethos development. He also acknowledged his gratitude to the diocesan teams for their contribution to the training and dissemination process of the initiative. Two further days are planned for the diocese of Down and Connor. They are taking place on Wednesday 25 th October in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry and at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 26 th October.
Mrs Maria Gough and Rev Alan Mc Guckian, Down and Connor Diocesan Team Members
Members of Down and Connor Diocesan Team The Archdiocese of Armagh held its seminar and training days for “Catholic Education The Vision” in Cookstown and Armagh City . Monsignor Liam McEntegart praised the work of Catholic schools and their contribution to the enrichment of people's lives. He spoke on the Vision saying, “ We are confident that the Vision offers an education which no other theory of education can surpass or equal.” In his address he expressed the dioceses appreciation for the magnificent work undertaken by governors, principals, parish priests, diocesan religious advisers and the newly created Diocesan Training Teams for Catholic education. Rev. Declan O'Loughlin, Diocesan Advisor for the Archdiocese of Armagh, and member of CGCE, spoke of the enormous enthusiasm and openness from Governors, Principals and Trustees to promoting the Vision. He said, “There is a tremendous willingness within Catholic schools to positively engage with people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds and to face the challenges the rein, whilst at the same time cherishing and streng the ning all that we believe to be unique and special in the Catholic school community.” A Principal who attended the seminar and training day said that it was so enriching to be at a conference that validated the work of teachers and provided excellent resource materials that practically assisted schools in their delivery of the Vision for Catholic education. She expressed the importance of providing education within an environment influenced by Gospel values.
Mr Tony Devlin and Mrs Helene Murtagh, Members of the Archdiocese of Armagh Training Team
Archbishop Brady with the Archdiocese of Armagh Diocesan Training Team
Mr Enda Cullen, a member of the Archdiocese of Armagh Training Team
Members of the Archdiocese of Armagh training team at a workshop session The Diocese of Dromore seminar and training day took place at the Armagh City hotel. Prior to the seminar, delegates were entertained with a wide range of musical entertainment from the pupils of St. Teresa’s PS, Lurgan, St. Mary’s High School Lurgan and St.Michael’s Lurgan. Speaking on behalf of Bishop McAreavey, Monsignor Aidan Hamill, praised the outstanding work of the schools in the diocese and paid tribute to the dedicated leadership of the Principals. In his address he acknowledged the pride that the diocese had for the Catholic school communities and their contribution to enriching and enlightening the lives of young people. He said, “ The ultimate aim for those connected with Catholic schools – pupils, teachers, priests, parents and governors – would be the assimilation and living out of the values contained in the Vision statement.” Principals were very supportive of the initiaitive and looked forward to returning to their individual schools to continue the process of delivering the Vision to their primary stakeholders.
Catherine McCooe, Anne Doran and Joe Corrigan, members of the Dromore Diocesan Team
The Dromore Diocesan Team Seminar and Training Day for the Diocese of Clogher and Kilmore In his address to delegates Monsignor Seán Cahill praised the dedicated commitment of the leaders of Catholic schools.
Monsignor Sean Cahill He put on record the dioceses deep appreciation for all that schools were doing in providing excellence of educational experience and opportunity that so enriches and ennobles students of all ages. In an ever changing society he said it was important for schools to refocus anew on the aims of Catholic education. “ Catholic Education – The Vision” outlines the ethos of Catholic education. It is not simply about providing an education for Catholics alone, rather it involves delivering an education that is: • Developed in communities inspired by the Spirit of Christ; • Person-centred promoting the dignity, self-esteem and full development of each person who is made in God’s image and uniquely loved by God; • Inclusive, respectful of, and engages with people of all beliefs; it encourages the religious development of all in their own faith; • Rooted in the Gospel values of Respect for Life, Love, Solidarity, Truth and Justice; it aims to harmonise faith and culture, build a better society and pursue the Common Good. One of the facilitators and organisers of the seminar, Mrs Teresa Murray, principal of St. Ronan’s PS, Lisnaskea and member of CGCE said, “The purpose of the day was to acknowledge the excellent work already done by principals to support ethos development and to enable them to become familiar with the Vision which is not simply a document to be filed under “for the future” because much of what it articulates is in living practice within our schools.” Delegates at the seminar praised the document and resource manual for its freshness and openness to recognising the multicultural, multiracial and multifaith society that is now so much a part of Northern Ireland society. Principals said they had experienced a fulfilling and rewarding day and that they were filled with optimism for the future.
Students from St Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen provide musical entertainment for delegates
Monsignor Seán Cahill addresses Trustees, Governors and Principals about the
The Clogher Diocesan Training Team
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