School Mass
Opening Masses are a feature of the beginning of the school year in most Catholic schools. Frs Donal Neary (Belvedere and Kings’ Inn St) and William Reynolds (Gardiner St Primary School) celebrated opening Masses in the local schools. Such events are an important feature of the faith life of young people. For many, the school and parish are the main spaces for faith. For some pupils it may be the only Mass of the year, or one of few. The preparation of the Masses by staff and pupils – selection of readings, meditations and music – teaches pupils about faith and liturgy. The celebrants pay tribute to the huge work of catechists and chaplains in our schools, particularly in schools where there is no regular presence of priests or religious.