There has been a great surge of interest from Catholic secondary schools who want to enrol pupils for the new Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS AWARD scheme which has been launched by the Scottish Catholic Education Service on behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, with the generous support of the Knights of St Columba.  There was a packed house at a recent seminar, held in the Conforti Institute in Coatbridge, to brief school representatives on the CARITAS AWARD and to answer any questions about how the scheme will operate.

SCES Director Michael McGrath said: "We were absolutely delighted to see so many schools wanting to participate.  We have had positive responses from over 90% of our secondary schools.  This shows that the CARITAS AWARD is something which speaks to them.  They recognise that they want 'Caritas' to be a force in the lives of your young people and they know that many of their students will be able to achieve this award, with appropriate support and encouragement.

The Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS AWARD is intended to give public recognition to the achievements of individual young people who have demonstrated that their religious beliefs and values have influenced their commitments and actions in the service of others, particularly within their parish and local faith communities. It promotes Faith LEARNING, Faith WITNESS and Faith REFLECTION.

For more information about the CARITAS AWARD, click here: Caritas Award