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The following items of news relate to the various aspects of the Catholic Church, Education and Faith, in Scotland and elsewhere.


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Video resource: What does Faith mean to me?

The attached video features some children, young people, parents, teachers and school chaplains talking about what faith means to them in short, snappy soundbites.  (Many thanks to all the Inverclyde contributors and production team.) Two versions o...

Cardinal Winning Education Lecture

The University of Glasgow's School of Education offers an open invitation to this year's Cardinal Winning Lecture on Saturday 18 February, to be held in Lecture Theatre 213, St Andrews Building, University of Glasgow. Title: European Religious Educat...

Resources for Catholic Education Week 2012

Resources are now available to support the celebration of Catholic Education Week in schools and parishes from Sunday 12th to Saturday 18th February 2012.  (Where school holidays fall at this time, schools and parishes are encouraged to organise the...

THIS IS OUR FAITH is moving fast!

Orders for THIS IS OUR FAITH are still being processed by SCES.  Since its publication in mid November, over 4,000 copies have been distributed to schools and parishes across Scotland, from Shetland to Dumfries. Many positive comments have been rece...

Pope urges parents and teachers to pay attention to young people

Pope Benedict XVI, in his message for the 45th International Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on 1st January 2012, encouraged young people to offer new hope to the world.  He called for parents, as the first educators of their children, to tra...

Latest SCES Newsletter now published

Copies of the latest SCES Newsletter have been sent to schools, parent councils and parishes across Scotland.  The Winter 2011 issue of SCES News features: the publication of THIS IS OUR FAITH; the work of a CEC Parents working group who are respon...

The Pope explains prayer to children

Addressing children during his visit to Benin on Sunday 20th November 2011, Pope Benedict XVI explained: What, then, is prayer? It is a cry of love directed to God our Father, with the will to imitate Jesus our brother. Jesus often went off by himsel...

THIS IS OUR FAITH now ON SALE

THIS IS OUR FAITH is a significant new document which now governs the teaching of religious education in Scotland's Catholic schools.  This is the first religious education syllabus to be originated wholly in Scotland and designed to meet the nee...

THIS IS OUR FAITH NOW LAUNCHED

THIS IS OUR FAITH, the new Religious Education syllabus for Catholic schools in Scotland, was launched by the Bishops of Scotland in Edinburgh on Monday 7th November 2011 before an audience of invited guests, including representatives of the m...

This Is Our Faith is ready for publication

This Is Our Faith will be launched in the presence of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland in Edinburgh on Monday 7th November with an audience of invited guests, including pupils, teachers, parents and clergy.  This significant occasion marks th...

Scottish Catholic teacher scoops UK Teacher of the Year award

A teacher from a Catholic primary school in Hamilton has seen off competition from 22,000 others to be crowned UK Teacher of the Year Christine Emmett, who has been teaching at St Elizabeth’s Primary School in Hamilton for 27 years, was presented ...

Dead Sea Scrolls go online

A new website developed by the Israel Museum and Google will enable anyone with an internet connection to see five of the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Pages for each of the five scrolls – the Great Isaiah Scroll, the Community Rule Scroll, the Commentary on...

Pope encourages young people to have faith

Addressing assembled young people at a prayer vigil in Frieburg, Germany on 24th September 2011, Pope Benedict encouraged young people with these words: We do not live alone in this world. And it is for the important things of life that we have to re...

Promoted Post Vacancies

A number of promoted post vacancies in Catholic Primary schools have recently been advertised.  As details of these posts are not currently available on the Glasgow City Council website, please telephone 0141 276 9911 if you require more information...

Dunkeld Pupils find a purpose in life

  Around 200 S6 pupils from across the diocese of Dunkeld recently gathered together for a day of reflection.  Young people from St John’s High School and St Paul’s High School in Dundee joined their fellow students in St John’s Academy, Per...

Vacancies for Primary Head Teachers

A number of vacancies for Head Teachers in Catholic Primary schools have recently been advertised.  Click on the School for more details of each post. Council School Closing date Glasgow St George's Primary School 30th September Glasgow St Francis o...

Recalling the Pope's Visit of September 2010

In celebrating the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the UK, schools and parishes have been able to encourage people to look back on those four days with great warmth and envisage many happy scenes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and B...

Music for Famine Relief

A special Concert in aid of famine relief will be given by the Spirit of Life Youth Choir in St Andrew's Metropolitan Cathedral, Clyde Street, Glasgow at 7.30pm on Thursday 15th September 2011.  Admission is by donation at the door.  All proceeds a...

SQA Proposals on RMPS Qualifications

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has published a number of important documents relating to revised and new qualifications in Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) at Higher, National 5, National 4 and Access 3 levels.  Some of ...

Bishops speak out on the meaning of Marriage

On Wednesday 7th September 2001 Scotland’s Catholic Bishops released a statement underlining their opposition to any attempt by the Scottish Government to undermine or re-define the meaning of marriage. The bishops made clear that the Catholic Chur...

Anna Keegan R.I.P.

We are sorry to report news of the death of Mrs Anna Keegan MA OBE, former Head Teacher of Our Lady and St Frances Secondary School, Charlotte Street Glasgow and former member of the Catholic Education Commission.  Anna will be received into Christ ...

Liturgical Calendar Resources: September Feastdays

To supplement the Liturgical Calendar, we have provided a number of resources which tell the story of various feasts traditionally celebrated  in the month of September.  These can be printed and displayed alongside the Liturgical Calendar wallc...

Resources from CHAPS Conference

At the recent CHAPS conference held on 1st & 2nd September 2011 a number of Power Point presentations were used to address This Is Our Faith and The New Missal Translation.  Copies of these are available to subscribers of the SCES RESOURCES webs...

New Translation of Roman Missal

Latest News on the New Translation of Roman Missal The Holy See has instructed that all translations from the original Latin of the Roman Missal should have a stricter adherence to the Latin, both in the words and the structure of the prayers. Thi...

Vacant Posts in Catholic Schools

A number of Councils have advertised vacancies in various posts in Catholic schools.  Click on the School for more details. Primary school vacancies Council School Post Closing date Renfrewshire St Anthony's Primary, Johnstone Head Teacher 9th Septe...

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy

Stirling Council have advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher at St Modan's High School, Stirling. The appointed DHT will be part of a Senior Management Team of 4 deputes and the Head Teacher. The current remit of this post includes;...

Faith Matters at Scottish Learning Festival 2011

Teachers from Catholic schools attending this year's Scottish Learning Festival are encouraged to pay attention to two particular ventures which will support the teaching of religious education in Catholic schools. To register for SLF and to book a p...

Are you an unemployed teacher?

Michael McGrath writes to teachers who have recently qualified and have not yet been appointed to teaching posts: Dear Colleague, I recognise that, at this time, there are still insufficient vacancies for teacher in many parts of Scotland. If this ...

Latest SCES News August 2011

In the August issue of SCES News, read about the 'Decreee of Recognitio' granted by the Holy See to THIS IS OUR FAITH, Scotland's new R.E. syllabus for Catholic schools; an update on the new CARITAS AWARD; and much more. Click here to read more >&...

World Youth Day Addresses

World Youth Day in Madrid ended on Sunday 21st August 2011 after Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass with over 1.5 million young people. To access a number of key addresses by the Holy Father during the World Youth Day celebrations, use these links to...

Caritas Award Update 10th August 2011

"Only if I serve my neighbour can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me." (Deus Caritas Est #18) During the school holidays we have been busy preparing resources to get the Caritas Award scheme fully underway in schools a...

Breaking News from Rome

The Catholic Church in Scotland has recorded a historic first this summer, having successfuly obtained the decree of 'Recognitio' from the Apostolic See for 'This Is Our Faith', its new Religious Education syllabus. The letter of decree, signed by Ca...

Time for Examination Results - Deo Gratias

At this time we give thanks to Almighty God that the anxious wait for school examination results is over. We congratulate all who have worked hard in the past year to achieve their full potential in different subjects.  We pay tribute to teachers an...

Liturgical Calendar Wallchart for 2011-12 - ORDER NOW!

SCES has published Liturgical Calendar Wallchart for 2011-12 for use in schools and parishes.  It is printed in full colour at B2 size (29 x 17 in) and will provide an excellent resource for classrooms and other display areas.  The Calendar display...

NEW Study Pack on Papal Visit to UK

This new resource is primarily meant for use by teachers who wish to develop their understanding of the religious, social and cultural significance of the Papal visit of Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom in September 2010. It attempts to identif...

Having Faith in the Curriculum

Having Faith in the Curriculum is the title of a new curriculum guidance document which has been written to support Head Teachers and teachers in Catholic schools to plan effectively for excellent learning and teaching in religious education and s...

St Bernadette's in Motherwell pack them in.

As part of their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Primary 3 class at St. Bernadette’s Primary school in Motherwell decided to launch a backpack appeal for Mary’s Meals. Photograph shows Tony Begley of Mary's Meals meet...

Caritas Award update 2nd June 2011

At the recent seminar for all schools which have expressed interest participating in a pilot scheme for the new Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award scheme in session 2011-12, there was a very impressive turnout of 49 secondary schools - almost 95% of Cat...

Values for Life at St Andrew’s RC Primary School, Falkirk

This year pupils and staff of St Andrew’s RC Primary in Falkirk have been promoting gospel values and virtues in a more active way. Each month, a value or virtue is reflected upon and, through assemblies and RME teaching, our young people develop t...

School Survey

All Catholic primary and secondary schools have been asked to complete a short survey on their projected rolls for session 2011-12 and on their plans for addressing some particular priorities. Information gathered from these will be used to plan furt...

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Ninian's Primary School, Prestwick

South Ayrshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Ninian's Primary School, Prestwick. NB Closing date is Friday 10th June 2011. For more details, click here....

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Ninian's Primary School, Prestwick

South Ayrshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Head Teacher in St Ninian's Primary School, Prestwick. NB Closing date is Friday 10th June 2011. For more details, click here....

Schools welcome new Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS AWARD

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 Scotla...

"Strive to be worthy" - sustaining a legacy of the Papal Visit

Reflections on Pope Benedict XVI’s UK visit in September 2010 have dwelt on the many powerful images of bright sunshine, large cheering crowds, joyful young people, beautiful celebrations of faith and the humble eloquence of the Holy Father’s...

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Matthew's Academy, Saltcoats

North Ayrshire Council have re-advertised a vacancy for a Depute Head Teacher in St Matthew's Academy, Saltcoats which has a projected roll of 1216 for August 2011.  NB The closing date for applications is 5 June 2011. To read more about this vacanc...

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Thomas Primary School, East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Thomas Primary School.  NB Closing date is Friday 3rd June 2011. For more details, click here....

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: Our Lady of the Missions, East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in Our Lady of the Missions Primary School.  NB Closing date is Friday 27 May2011. For more details, click here....

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Cadoc's Primary School, Newton Mearns

East Renfrewshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Cadoc's Primary School.  NB Closing date is Friday 27 May2011. For more details, click here....

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Blane's Primary School, Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Blane's Primary School which is located in the Summerston area of Glasgow.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Paul's High School, Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Paul's High School which is located in the Pollok area of Glasgow.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy: St Andrew's Secondary School, Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Andrew's Secondary School, which is located in the Carntyne area of Glasgow.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Saviour's Primary School, Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Head Teacher in St Saviour's Primary School, which is located in the Govan area of Glasgow.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Mungo's Primary School, Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Head Teacher in St Mungo's Primary School, which is located close to the centre of Glasgow city.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Oswald's School Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has advertised a vacancy for the post of Head Teacher in St Oswald's School, an ASL school located in the south side of Glasgow.  NB Closing date is Friday 3 June 2011. For more details, click here....

Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award

“Love - Caritas - is an extraordinary force.” All Catholic secondary schools in Scotland have been invited to participate in a pilot scheme for a new award which is being created to recognise and promote young people who commit time in their...

Vatican unveils 'Youcat' Youth Catechism

Recently the Vatican has unveiled 'Youcat' - a Catechism designed for young people, and especially prepared for participants in the XXVI World Youth Day to be held in Madrid from 16 to 21 August 2011. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pont...

Vacancy: PT Learning Support, Notre Dame High School, Greenock

Inverclyde Council has advertised the post of PT Learning Support in Notre Dame High School Greenock.  The closing date is 20th May 2011.  For more information, click here....

Latest SCES News May 2011

Find out more about the latest SCES ENews for May 2011 which gives details of the new Pope  Benedict XVI Caritas Award, a new document which captures some messages from the Papal Visit in September, the new Liturgical Calendar wallchart which is no...

Head Teacher Vacancy in St Andrew's Primary School, Kilmarnock

East Ayrshire Council has advertised a vacancy for the Head Teacher of: St Andrew's Primary School, Kilmarknock(Ref: 05/08.)   NB The closing date for applications is Friday 20th May 2011....

Head Teacher Vacancy in St Andrew's Primary School, Greenock

Inverclyde Council has advertised a vacancy for the Head Teacher of: St Andrew's Primary School, Greenock (Ref: EDUC/HT/2011.) NB The closing date for applications is Friday 20th May 2011....

Primary Head Teacher Vacancies in South Lanarkshire

South Lanarkshire Council has advertised vacancies for 4 Head Teachers in Catholic Primary schools: St Bride's Cambuslang (Click here for details.) St John the Baptist, Uddingston (Click here for details.) St Blane's Blantyre (Click here for details....

Recent HMI reports

A number of Inspections reports on Catholic schools have recently been published by HMI. To find summaries of these reports and links to the full reports on the HMI website, click here: School Inspections...

Head Teacher Vacancy: Greyfriars RC Primary, St Andrews, Fife

Fife Council has advertised the post of Head Teahcer in Greyfriars RC Primary, St Andrews, Fife.  NB Closing date for applications: 8th May 2011. Greyfriars RC Primary School serves a wide catchment area stretching east from St Andrews along the ...

Secondary Head Teachers building leadership

Head Teachers from Catholic secondary schools across Scotland came together at the recent CHAS conference in Crieff to focus on 'Building Leadership Capacity in the Catholic School'.  Speakers included: Bishop Philip Tartaglia, Fr Owen Ness, David W...

Reporting to Parents on Pupil Progress in Religious Education

Further to an earlier posting about the SEEMIS management information systems which some schools use to report on pupil progress, it appears that that the Es and Os for RERC have not yet been loaded on to school systems,despite previous assurances ...

Head Teachers Vacancies: Glasgow City Council

Applications are invited by Glasgow City Council for the posts of Head Teacher in St Margaret Mary's Secondary  (Details of this vacancy can be found by using this link.) St Mungo's Secondary  (Details of this vacancy can be found by using this l...

Surveying views of Parent Councils

A working group of parents on the Catholic Education Commission is seeking the views of Parent Councils on how parents can be supported by the Commission to become more involved with Catholic schools.  Each Parent Council is asked to provide answers...

Scottish Bishops confirm introduction of new missal

At their meeting in Edinburgh on Monday 11 April 2011, the Bishops of Scotland agreed to begin the introduction of the new English translation of the Roman Missal from Sunday 4 September. The full Missal will be in use throughout Scotland from the...

Restored St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow now open

Saint Andrew's Metropolitan Cathedral is now open, following a Solemn Mass on Sunday 10th April 2011, at which Archbishop Mario Conti dedicated the new Altar - "where the gift of Our Lord's sacrifice is offered to nourish the living stones and build ...

Liturgical Calendar

We have developed a Liturgical Calendar wallchart for session 2010-11 (full colour; A3 size) to enable teachers to refer quickly to the major feasts and seasons of the Church. Copies have been provided to every school and parish.  To download a copy...

Praying for the people of Japan

In the wake of the Tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, we pray for the people of Japan at this time of great hardship, suffering and fear.  We pray that people will be able to rebuild their lives and live in safety.  During Holy Week, the document at...

Westminster Primary Deputy Heads visit Scotland

The Diocese of Westminster organised a conference for Primary Deputy Head Teachers of schools in the Diocese to take place in Glasgow from 16th to 18th March. Their conference title was: "Heart speaks to heart in our celebration of Catholic Education...

Vacancy: Head of Primary - Fernhill School, Glasgow

Fernhill School - a Catholic Independent school in Glasgow - is seeking to appoint a Head of Primary on a part time (3 days per week) basis from 18th April to 22 June 2011.  The closing date for applications is Tuesday 15th March 2011.  Interviews ...

Fairtrade Fortnight

In Fairtrade Fortnight 2011, justice and peace groups around the UK are calling for greater commitment to  the Fairtrade movement. In this world recession, Fairtrade is more urgent than ever.   Here are some reasons to support Fairtrade, and so...

Video clips from Papal Visit

From the SCES website you can access video clips from various events durng the Pope's visit to the UK in September 2010.  You can see edited highlights of the four days or you can select particular events such as the Mass in Glasgow or the Big Assem...

Catholic Education Week 2011 Resources

Theme: "Grow in holiness: become saints of the 21st century "   The Catholic Church in Scotland encourages schools, parishes and other agencies to work closely together in order to celebrate the distinctive purpose of Catholic education during o...

Advice Notes on Religious Education and Religious Observance

With the adoption of Curriculum for Excellence within all of Scotland’s schools, the Scottish Government recognised the need to update the 1991 and 2005 Circulars on the provision of religious and moral education and religious observance. The impor...

Promoting Sales of the Papal Visit DVD

Celebrate the Holy Father’s visit to Scotland with the official DVD. This DVD celebrates the Holy Father’s visit to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.  As well as the Holy Father’s official engagements the DVD also features extracts from the St. Nin...

Recording Progress in Religious Education

In response to some school enquiries, SCES has contacted those who are responsible for developing the main management information systems which enable schools to report on pupil progress.  Despite come concerns that the Es and Os for RERC do not app...

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Benedict's High School Linwood.

Applications are invited by Renfrewshire Council for the post of Head Teacher in St Benedict's High School Linwood which provides Catholic education for the community in Linwood, Houston, Bridge of Weir, Johnstone, Lochwinnoch, Spateston, Howwood ...

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Paul's RC Academy Dundee

Applications are invited by Dundee City Council for the post of Head Teacher in St Paul's RC Academy in Dundee which is a new and purpose-built secondary school in Dundee with a roll of 976 pupils.   NB Closing date for applications: Friday 18th Fe...

Head Teacher Vacancies: 3 Catholic Primary schools in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council have advertised vacancies in the following 3 Catholic primary schools: St Bridget's, Baillieston St Conval's, Pollokshaws St Mary's, Maryhill. NB The closing date for applications is Friday 11th February 2011. A full recruitment ...

Head Teacher Vacancy: St Paul's Primary School Paisley

Applications are invited by Renfrewshire Council for the post of Head Teacher in St Paul's Primary School in Paisley.  St Paul’s is a Catholic primary school serving the Foxbar area and part of the Meikleriggs area of Paisley.  The current school...

Catholic Social Teaching and Citizenship

Fr Chris Boles SJ, Director of the Lauriston Jesuit Centre in Edinburgh, gave a short presentation at the recent LTS conference on Developing Global Citizens Through Religious Education.  His text and slides (attached below) provide an excellent sum...

Promoted Post Vacancy: DHT St Margaret's Academy Livingston

Applications are invited by West Lothian Council for the post of Depute Head Teacher in St Margaret's Academy, Livingston.  St Margaret’s Academy is a Catholic secondary school serving the communities of Livingston, Broxburn, East Calder, Pumpher...

Theme for Catholic Education Week 2011

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated in schools and parishes from Sunday 20th to Saturday 26th February 2011. This year's theme is taken from the words of Pope Benedict XVI during his vist to the UK in September 2010 when he spoke to young peop...

CPD event: Developing Global Citizens through RERC

Learning & Teaching Scotland are organising a FREE seminar for teachers (primary & secondary) on: Developing Global Citizens through RME and RERC. When: Tuesday 8th February 2011      Where: Glasgow Hilton Hotel        Cost: FREE ...

Pope gives BBC's Thought For The Day

Pope Benedict XVI delivered Thought For The Day on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Eve morning. The Holy Father recorded Thought For The Day in Rome on 22nd December . Gwyneth Williams, controller of Radio 4, said: "I'm delighted Pope Benedict is sharing ...

St Andrews' Falkirk PS supports Operation Christmas Child

The generous children in St. Andrews RC Primary School collected, sorted and wrapped 82 Christmas shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child appeal, supporting the Samaritan Purse charity this year. They also donated extra items to be added to other...

"Urgent need to educate laity in Church social teaching," says Pope

Pope Benedict has spoken of the "urgent need"  to educate laypeople in Catholic  social teaching. In a message to Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice  and Peace which is meeting to discuss how th...

SCHOOLS ‘GET CONNECTED’ TO COMBAT GLOBAL POVERTY

Scottish schools are being urged to ‘get connected’ and build stronger relationships with the people they support in poor countries. Scotland’s leading international aid agency SCIAF has just launched an exciting new initiative called Project C...

Deputy First Minister celebrates Catholic education

   Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP hosted a reception in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle "in celebration of Catholic Education in Europe" on Friday 8th October 2010. She welcomed, among the guests, representatives of twenty seven Eur...

Tell us how you celebrated the Pope's Visit

Tell us what your school / parish did to celebrate the arrival of Pope Benedict in the UK.  Perhaps young people created posters, or researched the life of the Pope, or created a Wiki for the Papal Visit. Using this page you can send us some informa...

In Nomine Patris: a poem by S5 pupil Daniel Gallagher

This poem was written by Daniel Gallagher of S5 in John Ogilvie High School, Hamilton as a reflection on his experiences of the visit by Pope Benedict XVI to the UK.  It captures the spirit of an assembly of the faithful, gathered before the Success...

The Big Assembly

On Friday 17th September the Holy Father participated in a Big Assembly of children and young people at St Mary's University College in Twickenham.  Scotland was represented at the Big Assembly A group of 140 Scottish pilgrims, with young people f...

Response to the Papal Visit

The Scottish Catholic Education Service would like to thank everyone in schools and parishes throughout Scotland, as well as colleagues in England, for all their efforts to celebrate the Papal Visit.  We realise that this has involved very considera...

Kevin goes to see Pope Benedict

A personal account of the Mass in Bellahouston Park, written by Kevin McHugh, aged 10, a pupil of St Mungo's Primary School, Glasgow. I was very happy when we got on the train to go to Bellahouston Park. The Police Officers gave us directions when ...

Pope rested in Castel Gandolfo after extraordinary UK visit

Pope Benedict XVI rested at the Papal Summer Residence at Castelgandolfo after completing a four day visit to the United Kingdom. In comments to the media before the Pope’s departure from Birmingham Sunday evening, Vatican Press office director ...

Papal Visit Downloads

Why not download the attached posters to advertise the Papal Visit, including the St Ninian's Day Parade? You can also used the weblinks below to connect to other free downloads: prayer, screen desktops, the Magnificat booklet (Web version) which con...

Papal Visit Bulletin 9 - 2nd September 2010

The Bishops of Scotland wish to encourage schools and families to prepare children in advance of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, to involve them in praying for its success, to celebrate the occasion joyfully and to participate in various ways in ...

Bellahouston Pilgrim Guide

On the Papal Visit website, some very useful information has been provided for pilgrims participating in the Papal Mass at Bellahouston Park. The attached document usefully suggests what to bring and what not to bring to the Mass. While these details...

St Ninian's Day Parade - registering school groups

On Thursday 16th September the St Ninian's Day Parade will mark the historic occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s state visit to Scotland. Schools and community groups are all invited to line the route in Edinburgh's famous Princes Street where thousand...

Papal Visit Bulletin 8

12th August 2010 - Update on school involvement in Papal Visit events Before the start of the new school session, updated information has been sent by post to every Catholic primary and secondary school, advising teachers how schools can participate ...

Preparing for the Papal Visit: resources for adults

A significant number of resources have been provided to assist adults to prepare spiritually for the visit of Pope Benedict to the UK in September. These are available on the BeingCatholic.org website which provides parish bulletin inserts, Sunday li...

Learning through the Papal Visit

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the UK in September offers a great opportunity for young people of all ages to learn about the Pope: who he is and what he teaches.  The visit will receive extensive media coverage, providing endless possibilities for cl...

Papal Visit Bulletin 7

IMPORTANT NEWS 27th July 2010 - Allocations of invitations to the Papal Mass in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow Now that details of the allocation of invitations to parishes have been provided, it is clear that, after careful consideration of the length o...

Papal Visit Bulletin 6 - New Resources

SCES is pleased to announce that a significant number of new resources, developed by a working group of teachers, is now available to help teachers and parents prepare children and young people for the arrival of the Holy Father in the UK on 16th Sep...

Breaking News on This Is Our Faith

New Guidance on Religious Education This is Our Faith is a major new document which has been developed by the Catholic Education Commission, on behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, to provide guidance to teachers on the religious education curriculum f...

Papal Visit Bulletin 5

Important update on Papal Mass in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow A number of factors which are now coming to light are likely to have a significant effect on decisions to bring school groups to the Mass in Bellaouston Park. The number of invitations avai...

Papal Visit Bulletin 4

Expressing your interest in participating in Papal Visit events Schools are about to receive letters from SCES, requesting expressions of interest in having pupils participating in some of the events taking place during the Papal Visit.  Some de...

Scottish Bishops' statement on Papal Visit

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, meeting at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh on Wednesday 9 June, released the following statement: "Following a meeting with officials from Glasgow City Council on Friday 4 June, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotl...

Latest issue of SCES News June 2010

The June 2010 issue of SCES News is now available for downloading from the SCES website.  The main items featured in this issue include: an update on the development of 'This Is Our Faith' (the new Religious Education syllabus for Catholic scho...

Lord Patten to oversee Pope Benedict's UK visit

Prime Minister David Cameron appointed the Catholic, Conservative peer, Lord  Christopher Patten of Barnes, as his 'personal representative' for the visit of Pope Benedict to England and Scotland between 16 and 19 September. The Holy Father's iti...

Join the Pope at the Big Assembly in Twickenham

The Big Assembly, Twickenham 17th September 2010 On Friday 17th September – the day after the Holy Father arrives in Scotland – he will take part in an Education event – ‘The Big Assembly’ - at St Mary’s University College in Twickenha...

Welcome the Pope to Scotland

Welcome the Pope to Scotland The Bishops of Scotland are keen to provide an opportunity for children and young people to enjoy a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience by being among the first to greet the Holy Father when he is travelling through...

Catholic Bible search engine launched

A new online Catholic Bible search engine, which enables people to find specific Scripture passages using keywords, has been launched. The program has been developed by Catholic.net with the support of the US Bishops' Conference. It is believed to...

Papal Visit - Update 11th May 2010

Papal Visit to UK - 16th to 19th September 2010 Pope Benedict XVI will visit England and Scotland on a four-day Papal visit from 16-19 September 2010. The Holy Father will fly to Scotland where he will be received at the Palace of Holyroodhouse b...

Curriculum Planning in Catholic secondary schools

Recently we have provided guidance to secondary schools, to support their efforts to offer appropriate curricula which are faithful to their Catholic mission while meeting the aspirations of the Scottish Government's Curriculum for Excellence progra...

Pope's Fifth Anniversary

April 19th marks 5-years since the election of Pope Benedict XVI. Watch this video for some of the highlights of key events during the Holy Father's Papacy.

Happy Anniversary Pope Benedict!

Resources for the Papal Visit

On 16th March 2010, the Queen confirmed the State visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland and England from 16th to 19th September 2010.  The Papal Visit is an historic event for Britain and all those involved in Catholic Education. Further detai...

Shining the Light of Christ in St Mungo's Academy

In the HMI Inspection report, published on 30th March 2010, a number of observations indicate some of the ways in St Mungo's Academy in Glasgow is "Shining the Light of Christ".  "Staff and young people have developed a high degree of mutual respec...

Haiti Stations of the Cross

Pupils of St Columba's High School in Dunfermline have created their own Stations of the Cross to illustrate how the meaning of Jesus Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection can be understood within the context of a natual disaster like the recent H...

John Bosco pupils to become UN ambassadors

Monday 15 March 2010 Pupils at St John Bosco’s Primary School in Erskine are set to become UN ambassadors after their school achieved UNICEF’s 'Rights Respecting Schools' award in record time.  Pupils and staff at St John Bosco’s started wor...

Pope's State Visit to UK welcomed

16th March 2010 The UK Government and the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Scotland, England and Wales today welcomed the forthcoming visit to the United Kingdom of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. At a joint press conference, they said that the Pap...

Age of the Super Head

They command six-figure salaries and have a role more akin to the chief executive of a corporation than a school. They are the new breed of head teachers emerging from the Catholic sector to share their expertise by taking charge of less successfu...

BBC programmes document life of Oscar Romero

This month marks 30 years since Archbishop Oscar Romero was shot dead in San Salvador while celebrating mass.  To mark the anniversary, the BBC World Service examines his life and legacy in two documentaries in its Heart and Soul strand.  'Voice ...

Archbishop Conti 'appalled at treatment of asylum seekers'

Following the tragic suicides of a Russian  family in Glasgow on Sunday, Archbishop Mario Conti has called for better treatment for those seeking asylum.In a statement of support for a march to be held in Glasgow on Saturday, 13th March 2010, the...

Parishioners have responsibility for mission of the Church

On morning of Sunday 7th March 2010, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass at St. John of the Cross, a parish located in the northern part of Rome and reminded the congregation that they are "co-responsible" for the Church and her mission.  He exhorted ...

What happened to our moral compass?

In the Sunday Herald on 7th March 2010, Professor John Haldane writes: The way we describe ethical challenges – using the concepts of equality, respect, justice, charity and so on – has a particular cultural and intellectual history. Central to...

Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP talks on 'Sharing Our Hope'

The most beautiful thing that you give anyone when you love them is nothing, the space to be, and speak or be silent, as they need. Our busy, frenetic world is filled with meetings and  projects, and trying to achieve targets and goals. But wh...

Will you give us your views?

The Catholic Education Commission is developing ‘This Is Our Faith’, to guide teachers who will deliver religious education in Catholic schools.  In January we received very helpful feedback from a number of colleagues in various schools on t...

Pope: The Church offers a message of hope

Speaking to the Scottish Bishops during their Ad Limina visit to Rome on 5th February 2010, Pope Benedict XVI urged the Bishops to present the Church's vision as a message of hope. The Holy Father said, "The Church offers the world a positive and ins...

Pope praises Scotland's Catholic schools

Pope Benedict XVI met Scotland’s Catholic Bishops during their Rome from 3 – 10 February 2010 for their 'Ad Limina', five-yearly visit to the Holy See. In his remarks to the Scottish Bishops on Friday 5th February 2010, Pope Benedict spoke agai...

Papal Message for Lent 2010

The 2010 Lenten Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI was made public on Thursday 4th February 2010. The text has as its title a passage from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans: "The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ"....

Education Minister praises Catholic primary school

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, visited Holy Family Primary in Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, on 2nd February to see examples of good educational practice. A recent HMIE inspection report described the provision ...

Pope confirms UK visit

On Monday 1st February 2010 Pope Benedict XVI received the Bishops of England and Wales at the end of their Ad Limina Pilgrimage to Rome. During his address, the Pope confirmed his first Apostolic Visit to Great Britain and asked the bishops to ens...

New volunteering initiative in Glasgow

The Jesuits in Scotland have launched a new volunteering initiative to support some of the most disadvantaged individuals and communities in Glasgow.Sixteen placements are available, offering volunteers the chance to become involved with a wide va...

Pope pleads for support for young people

Pope Benedict XVI made an appeal for provisions that would protect human development and families as he met with local elected officials in a private audience on Wednesday.  The Holy Father also called for all of society to collaborate in educat...

Haiti Earthquake Emergency

 SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal to help people in Haiti following a massive earthquake. The quake – the largest to hit the country in over 200 years – has completely destroyed large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Tens of thousan...

Cardinal challenges political consensus

In a hard hitting Easter message Cardinal Keith O'Brien has called on Scotland's politicians to stop passing "frenzied regulation" and instead" educate a new generation in morality and objective truth."The message is contained in the Cardinal's Ea...

Most Britons believe in heaven

BBC News reports that new research suggests that the majority of Britons believe in heaven and life after death. A survey of 2,060 people showed 55% believe in heaven, while 53% believe in life after death and 70% believe in the human soul. The stu...

"Recall Christian values", urges Pope

In his address to the head of the delegation to the Holy See of the Commission of the European Communities on 19th October, the Pope referred to the values of the European Union which, he said, "are the fruit of a long and complex history in which...

CPD Pack - Sacraments of Initiation

The Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow is pleased to announce the launch of a new CPD resource–The Sacraments of Initiation. This new resource will assist teachers in planning for learning about the sacraments of Baptism, Confirma...

CPD Catalogue updated

SCES has published its Faith & Teaching CPD Catalogue (updated 22 September 2009) providing details of courses available for teachers on a range of issues: religious education, curriculum for excellence, values, liturgy, scripture, Church teac...

This Is Our Faith

This is Our Faith is being developed to provide teachers with supplementary guidance on the teaching of Catholic religious education.  This guidance should be used by teachers and schools to shape the learning of children and young people in thi...

Faith & Teaching CPD Catalogue updated

SCES has published its Faith & Teaching CPD Catalogue (updated 22 September 2009) providing details of courses available for teachers on a range of issues: religious education, curriculum for excellence, values, liturgy, scripture, Church teac...

The Challenge of Secularism

Raymond de Souza, internaional lay apologist and founder of St Gabriel Communications (Australia) and Chairman of the Sared Heart Legion, will speak on the theme: 'Rising to the Challenge of Secularism' on Monday 18th May at 7.30pm in the offices of ...

Archbishop Conti on Catholic Social Teaching

Archbishop Mario Conti spoke on the theme of 'Inclusive Catholic Schools' at the recent Conference of Catholic Secondary Head Teachers in Crieff.

New Guidance on Religious Education

As the Scottish Government launched its new curriculum framework, Curriculum for Excellence, covering all areas of the curriculum for children and young people from P1 to S3, the Catholic Education Commission published the first part of its new gu...

Archbishop condemns pregnancy ads

The incoming Archbishop of Westminster has called on Catholics to oppose proposals to allow pregnancy advisory services to advertise on TV and radio, according to BBC News.The services, some of which provide abortion information, would get airtime...

Holistic approach of Catholic schools praised

"A Catholic school is not an isolated enterprise, living and functioning in a world of its own, concerned only about its own well-being", emphasised the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, Chairman, the Catholic Education Serv...

Catholic Education Week

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE   News Release     Catholic Schools are Bringing Values to Life   Throughout Catholic Education Week (1st to 7th February 2009) Scotland’s Catholic schools will celebrate their achievements in “Bringin...

HMIe on St Luke's Barrhead

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE   News Release     EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 Tuesday 20 January 2009     EXCELLENT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: ST LUKE’S HIGH, BARRHEAD   In an outstanding HMIe report, St Luke’s High School has been described as...

Schools are places of human formation

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi C.S., Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations Offices and Specialised Institutions in Geneva, speaking at the 48th international conference on education, organised by UNESCO, held from 25 to 28 November, indica...

Catholic schools conference discusses hostility toward Religion

Secularization was the main concern discussed at a European conference on Catholic education, dedicated to "The Catholic School in the European Public Sphere", sponsored by the Council of European Episcopal Conferences and the European Committee o...

Faith in the Classroom

ZENIT reports that Catholic schools in England and Ireland are defending their rights in the face of continuing attacks.

Education is key for the future

On 10th November 2008, ZENIT reported the views of Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, that education is key for the future of humanity.  Education, the cardinal explained, is not just knowledge and ...

Cardinal: Value of Life eroding further in UK

House of Commons Passes Embryology BillCardinal Keith O'Brien says that after last Wednesday (22nd October 2008), the value of human life in the United Kingdom is eroding even further.  The cardinal said this in reference to Wednesday's approval ...

The Emmaus story features at Synod

At the Synod of Bishops in the Word of God, the mkost commonly quoted Scripture passage is the sotory of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13:35). The story is a great model or paradigm for catechesis, teaching, Bible study and above ...

Catholic schools must oppose sexualisation of children.

Independent Catholic News reports the view of Archbishop Vincent Nichols that "Catholic schools in England and Wales must strongly oppose any action or proposal that would sexualize children or be seen as in any way promoting sexual activity outsi...

Catholic schooling is a right, says Pope

"Catholic schools are a concrete manifestation of the right to freedom of education and they contribute to the common good of society," says Benedict XVI. ZENIT reports that the Pope expressed this conviction on 25th Septmber 2008 during an addr...

Proposal to allow Royal Succession to Catholics

CNA reports that the British government has drafted a proposal to end the 300-year-old legal exclusion of Catholics from the British throne. MP Chris Bryant, under instructions from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, has written a planned parlia...

CPD Catalogue

You can download a copy of the SCES 'Faith & Teaching CPD Catalogue' for session 2008-09 by clicking here.

New pressure over faith schools in England

BBC News reported on 31st August that Ministers are being urged to stop faith schools in England selecting pupils and staff on the basis of their religion. Accord, a new coalition of secular and religious figures, wants the government to stop sta...

Advice on HPV Immunisation

This is the advice on the national HPV Immunisation programme which has been provided to Catholic secondary schools by the Scottish Catholic Education Service: VACCINATION AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER     The Scottish Government has decided to intro...

The Pope speaks to young people at World Youth Day

At various events organised as part of the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney, Pope Benedict XVI delivered some key messages to young people as they face up to challenges of modern life: Choose the path of life and shun the path of deathLet u...

"If you wish to remain young, seek Christ", Pope tells young people

ZENIT provides the the text of the message Benedict XVI wrote ahead of his trip to Australia to the people of the nation and the young pilgrims who will take part in World Youth Day, to be held in Sydney from July 15 to 20, 2008. * * *"You will re...

Guided by love - portrait of a young Catholic

A young Catholic lawyer writes in the Sydney Morning Herald on the eve of World Youth Day to "apologise" for her Catholic faith.

Pope Benedict - Is Religion in crisis?

ZENIT reports on comments made by Pope Benedict XVI to journalists as he travelled to Australia for Wordl Youth Day: "The Western world has had in the last 50 years great successes -- economic successes, technical successes; yet religion -- Christia...

Youth more religious than one might think

Youth More Religious Than One Might Think ZENIT reported on 11th Jul 2008 the outcome of a German research foundation report that, contrary to popular belief, teenagers and young adults are interested in religion.The German Bertelsmann Foundatio...

Eucharist is not a meal among friends, says Pope

This homily was given by Pope Benedict XVI transmitted by satellite from the Vatican to thousands of faithful gathered on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, for the closing Mass of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, held in that Canadian city...

Respect conscience, says Cardinal O'Brien

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, has challenged Westminster politicians to examine their consciences over recent parliamentary votes.Speaking at a Mass in the Crypt of the House of Commons, the Cardinal reminded MPs and...

School education should be founded upon the truth

CNA reports that Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera of Toledo has spoken out on school education, saying that, it should be founded upon the truth, especially nowadays, when there is a cultural climate that “seeks to keep human reason from tending ...

True Meaning of Freedom

If words such as authority and obedience touch a nerve, try looking at them again in the light of Christ, says Pope Benedict XVI.  Speaking to more than 58,000 people gathered in Yankee's Stadium for the last major event of his five-day visit on Sau...

Crises of Truth and Faith Linked, says Pope

ZENIT reports that Pope Benedict XVI has told a group of leaders and representatives of Catholic education that the modern "crisis of truth" is rooted in a "crisis of faith." "Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good Ne...

World at a crossroads, needs hope, Pope tells Americans

ZENIT reports that Pope Benedict XVI has told Americans that the world is at a crossroads between great promise for the future and the breakdown of the foundations of society, and Christians are called to give witness of their hope in this context. ...

Pope encourages us on the road to Emmaus

ZENIT reports the Pope's encouragement that, even though the trials of life can make one feel abandoned by the Lord, an encounter with the Risen Christ can help recover the hope of faith.  The Pope said this on 6 April 2008  in a commentary on the ...

Catholic schools are built on Christ's empty tomb

Our schools prepare children for eternity, not just for sitting examinations, says Fr John Bollan in this article in the Catholic Herald of 21 March 2008.

Free Presbyterians want 'faith schools'?

The Scotsman reports that faith schools based on hardline Presbyterian principles should be introduced, according to the Free Church of Scotland. The editor of the Free Church of Scotland's official magazine, the Reverend David Robertson, said it is ...

Pope’s third encyclical to be titled “Love in Truth”

Pope Benedict XVI’s third encyclical - expected to be titled “Caritas in Veritate,” “Love In Truth” - will discuss Catholic social teaching, touching on issues as varied as poverty, peace, wars, international cooperation, energy sources, an...

Baptised children to be given priority as RC primaries fill up

The Scotsman reports that Catholic primary schools in Edinburgh face being asked to cap numbers of non-baptised pupils following increasing demand from Eastern European families. (12th March 2008)St Mary's RC in Leith, which is suffering major capaci...

Schools should communicate moral principles, says Pope

Schools should communicate moral principles as well as scientific information, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of Italian students on March 12, according to CWNews.com The Holy Father met with the students in St. Peter's basilica just before his ...

Values can combat secularization, says Pope

CNA reports that, on March 8, Pope Benedict XVI told a conference organized to address the increasingly secularized state of the world, that he thinks believers are being conditioned by a “culture of images which imposes contradictory models and im...

Concerns over Westminster votes on Human Embryo Bill

Catholic Ministers of Parliament could revolt against Labor Party leader Prime Minister Gordon Brown over a bill on embryo fertilization and research, the Telegraph reports. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill will allow the creation of ...

First Minister celebrates Catholic education in Scotland

On Saturday 2nd February 2008, in the Bute Hall of the University of Glasgow, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, delivered the Cardinal Winning Education Lecture.  The title of his lecture was: 'Celebrating Catholic education: reflec...

Statements on Catholic Education Week

  CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK - 'Teaching Values for Life'27th January to 2nd February 2008 The Catholic community in Scotland will celebrate the achievements of Catholic education during the week 27th January to 2nd February 2008.  This year...

Young people need "real education", says Pope

ZENIT reports Pope Benedicts XVI's view that young people are need a "real education" to face the challenges of life.In a recent letter, Benedict XVI noted that education today "seems to be becoming ever more difficult. [...] Hence there is talk of a...

I do not come to impose my faith

A group of teachers and students forced Pope Benedict XVI to cancel his visit to La Sapienza Unversity in Rome this week.  But the Pope has made public the address that he had written for the occasion. It is the follow-up to the formidable lecture i...

Catholic resurgence?

In the past few weeks, co- incident with the reception of Tony Blair into the Catholic Church, there have been media reports that Roman Catholicism is already, or is soon to become, the largest practising religious grouping in the UK, overtaking Angl...

Fear of Christianity arises from misinformation

Respecting religious freedom in the world today means combating "Christianophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism," says Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states at the Vatican Secretariat of State. Archbishop Mam...

World must know about the life-changing impact of Christmas

CNA reports that Pope Benedict has recently stressed the impact of Jesus’ birth upon the world. That God’s son became a man means that mankind is able to become truly human, that this message of salvation must be shared and that peace will come t...

New document answers questions about sharing faith

CNA reports that a document entitled “A Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization" was published on 14th December 2007 at the Vatican. The note emphasizes the need for Catholics to share their faith in Christ and to be “instruments of His ...

Education should be a priority, says Pope

ZENIT reports that Pope Benedict XVI, in an address to seven new ambassadors on 13th December 2007, affirmed that Youth are a nation's greatest resources and that their education should be an international priority. Making reference to hop...

Young people are being deprived of true love, says Pope

Young people, deprived of the true love that gives meaning to life, are at risk of losing hope, said PopeBenedict XVI in his address before reciting the Angelus on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. He reflected on today's youth, who are "gr...

Schools need communion in relativistic world

The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education is convinced that the experience in Catholic schools should be understood as an experience of communion.  This is expressed in a newly-released document “Educating Together in Catholic Schools:...

The battle to teach moral values is won at school

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, writing in the Times on 7th December 2007, underlines the importance of schools teaching values to young people.In Britain today we risk undervaluing and misconceiving our schools. We think in terms of league tables of academic ...

Important new document on Evangelization and Catechesis

CNA reported on 6th December 2007 that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), headed by Cardinal William Joseph Levada, is about to release an important document on evangelization and catechesis. According to the Vatican sources, ...

Only one in five British schools will stage Nativity play

LifeSiteNews.com on 6th December 2007 reported a Sunday Telegraph survey of 100 British schools which found that only one in five is planning a traditional Christmas nativity pageant. One in three will stage a religion-free Christmas play or have no...

Why faith schools 'top the tables'

Article in the Daily Telegraph of 6th December 2007 by David Jesson, Economics professor, York University In a cynical age there is a tendency to look for hidden factors behind apparent success stories and the issue of "faith" school...

'Spe Salvi' - new encyclical brings hope

Pope Benedict XVI's second Encyclical, "Spe Salvi" which is dedicated to the theme of Christian hope, was published on 30th November 2007, the Feast of St Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland. The document - which has an introduction and eight chapters -...

A chance to get to know St Paul better

CNA reports that Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, has said that the Pauline Year, which will be celebrated from 28 June 2008 to 20 June 2009, will allow for “a greater understan...

Stem cell breakthrough hailed

Method Considered Better Than Cloning, Scientifically and Morally One cannot exaggerate the moral and scientific importance of a breakthrough that allows for research on stem-cell related cures to go forward without destroying human embryo...

Catholic schools key for countries in conflict

ZENIT reports on 20 November 2007 a Vatican official's view that Catholic schools are playing a key role around the world, even to the extent of helping to resolve conflicts and aiding in interreligious dialogue.Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski and Monsig...

New papal encyclical before Christmas?

The Italian newspaper La Repubblica has revealed that Pope Benedict XVI has finalized his second encyclical on the subject of Christian hope, and that it should be published before Christmas, during Advent. Benedict’s first encyclical, “Deus...

French Bishop appointed as Vatican education secretary

Pope Benedict XVI has named Dominican Bishop Jean-Louis Brugues of Angers, France, as secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. 11 November 2007

Youth must go against the tide

“Today as in the past, people who wish to be Christ's disciples are called to go against the tide,” said Pope Benedict XVI to a group of Catholic university students on 9th November 2007. He also told the young scholars-in-training “not to fear...

Virtual worlds threaten 'values'

BBC News reports Lord Puttnam's view that the growing number of toy-themed virtual worlds aimed at young people risks undermining the basic human values we wish to instill in children. Lord Puttnam was speaking at the opening of a London confere...

Abortion: a choice between life and death

The presidents of the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Scotland and England and Wales have issued a letter considering the forty years of legalized abortion in Britain. Their message emphasizes that "abortion is always a choice between life and dea...

Media benefits and dangers

ZENIT reports that an explosion in media technology means both parents and society need to be more alert to the dangers children face. This was the warning contained in the Oct. 15 report entitled "Good Servant, Bad Master: Electronic Media and the F...

"How often must we pray?"

The Gospel of Sunday 21st October 2007 begins thus: "Jesus told them a parable about the need to pray always and not to lose heart." The parable is the one about the troublesome widow. In answer to the question "How often must we pray?" Jesus answers...

Halt embryonic stem-cell research, insists the Pope

CNA reports that Pope Benedict XVI has issued a plea to all scientists today to stop using human embryos for research because it violates their God-given human dignity.  He made his appeal specifically to South Korea, which has been in the interna...

"Atheism for Kids" movie

CNA reports Catholic League President Bill Donohue's warning that a new movie starring Nicole Kidman will belittle Catholicism and promote atheism to children.  The movie 'The Golden Compass' is  based on the first volume of the His Dark Materials...

Archbishop Oscar Romero; A martyr for religion or politics?

Archbishop Oscar Romero was quoted telling the reporters of El Salvador, “You can tell the people that if they succeed in killing me, that I forgive and bless those who do it. Hopefully, they will realize they are wasting their time. A bishop will ...

Catholic schools in spotlight worldwide

State funding of Catholic schools has been a hotly debated topic in the lead-up to Oct. 10 legislative elections in the Canadian province of Ontario.  John Tory, leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, raised the issue when during the ...

Importance of natural moral law

Speaking to members of an international theological commission on 5 October 2007,  Pope Benedict XVI indicated that the doctrine on natural law achieves two essential aims.   On the one hand, it makes it clear that the ethical content of Christian...

"Can" doesn't equal "Should."

ZENIT reports that Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, has warned that everything technologically possible need not be ethically permissible, and that for this we need a bioethics that i...

Motherwell pupils go bananas

Pupils of St Brendan's Primary School in Motherwell have been telling their families and the wider community why they should buy Fairtrade products.  The children’s work promoting Fairtrade products, which ensure a fair deal for producers in devel...

Schools fight sectarianism, say HMIe

HMIe in Scotland has published a report intended to help teachers tackle sectarianism in the classroom. The report, entitled 'Count Us In: Promoting Understanding and Combating Sectarianism', outlines initiatives from schools across the country whi...

Importance of Catholic education

Archbishop Agustin Garcia-Gasco of Valencia has defended the importance of Catholic schools and universities in the formation of men and women who challenge today’s society to remain committed to the promotion and fostering of human dignity. ...

Funding of Catholic schools under threat in Ontario

CNA reports that arguments over when the State should support the Church are becoming louder and louder in Canada. The issue at stake for hundreds of thousands of students in Ontario is whether or not their Catholic schools will continue to receive s...

A choice between love and selfishness

On Sunday 23rd September 2007 Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit to Velletri, Italy where he presided over Mass and gave a homily on the Gospel of the dishonest steward. The Pope told his listeners that, fundamentally, life is always a choice between goo...

Formation in faith prevents divorce

Pope Benedict XVI, continuing in his series of catecheses on the subject of the Fathers of the Church, stressed how St. John Chrysostom teaches that if young couples want to avoid divorce, then they should be formed in their faith before marriage an...

Vocations Awareness Week

Vocations Awareness Week will take place from 16th - 22nd September. The purpose of this week is to raise the profile of vocations promotion in schools, universities and parishes throughout Scotland. The material available on the Priests for Scotland...

Cardinal O'Brien resigns from Amnesty International

The Scottish Catholic Media Office reports that Cardinal Keith O'Brien has today written to the Director of Amnesty International in Scotland advising him that he intends to resign his membership of the organisation following the decision by the Inte...

Cardinal O'Brien resigns from Amnesty International

The Scottish Catholic Media Office reports that Cardinal Keith O'Brien has today written to the Director of Amnesty International in Scotland advising him that he intends to resign his membership of the organisation following the decision by the Inte...

Crisis of truth

CNA reports that Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the crisis of the West as a "crisis of truth" in his holiy at a Mass in the pilgrimage shrine of Mariazell, in Austri on 8th Septmber 2007.  The Holy Father began his homily by speaking about the purpose ...

Faith in the education system

Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith school backers today, for the first time, unveiled a joint declaration and shared vision of schools with a religious character in 21st century England. In ‘Faith in the System,’ the UK Government an...

Latin Mass is part of living tradition

CNA reports that Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham has enthusiastically endorsed the Pope's recent statement Benedict XVI’s concerning the renewal of the 1962 Latin Mass.  In his speech to the Latin Mass Society in Oxford, Archbishop Nich...

Catholic faith coming under attack

Catholics in Scotland have been encouraged to be loyal to their amidst a rising tide of secularism, in Archbishop Mario Conti's sermon at the National Pilgrimage to Carfin Grotto on Sunday 2 September 2007, whihc commemorated the 25th aniversary o...

Pope urges young people to take care of the planet

The Times reports that Pope Benedict XVI yesterday ended a two-day youth rally by urging the young to “save the planet before it is too late”. Addressing half a million young Catholics camped out in a sea of tents and sun hats at the shrine ...

Bishops affirm Catholic education

Ahead of a new school year, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, and Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, President and Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales have writen a pastoral letter to all paris...

Be modest, the Gospel tells us.

We live in a society that has an extreme need to hear this Gospel message of humility again. Running to take the first seats, perhaps without scruple using others as steppingstones, being opportunistic and viciously competitive -- these are things th...

Liturgy should motivate Christians to be better citizens

CNA reports that, in a letter to the participants of the 58th Liturgical Week in Italy, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, explained that active participation in the liturgy prepares Christians to immerse themselves in the reality...

Get your "passport" ready for heaven

Heaven is an equal-opportunity destination, but to gain entry one needs a "passport" stamped with virtues such as humility, mercy and truth, says Pope Benedict XVI.  The Pope said this in a reflection he gave on the "narrow gate," before reciting S...

Moral values in classroom

The Herald reports that the teaching of moral values in Scottish schools and their link with religion is being ignored by the ongoing review of the curriculum, the Catholic Church warned yesterday. Senior church figures said that unless the Scot...

Funding for anti-sectarianism projects

The Scottish Executive has invited applications from schools to fund anti-sectarianism projects.  Projects should aim to do one or more of the following:- raise awareness of sectarianism;- improve pupil's understanding of these issues;- have a posit...

The Equality Act 2006: guidance for schools

New Guidance has been issued by the Scottish Executive to help education authorities and schools understand their obligations under on the Equality Act which came into effect on 30 April 2007 . Education authorities should have regard to this guidanc...

Scots education outspends England

The Scotsman reports that spending per pupil in Scottish secondary schools is nearly 25 per cent higher than it is in England, according to a comparison of education financing north and south of the Border.23 August 2007...

Spanish bishop calls on families to demand religious instruction for their children

CNA reports that Bishop Jose Sanchez of Sigüenza-Guadalajara will ask families next Sunday to demand religion be taught in the schools their children attend.  In his most recent pastoral letter, Bishop Sanchez said parents have the right to request...

Young Americans find happiness in family and God, not money

CNA reports that the current generation of young Americans are conflicted over money, reveals a recent survey of 13- to 24-year-olds, as reported in an Associated Press article. The overwhelming majority of the 1,280 young people surveyed did no...

Australian school cuts ties with Amnesty International over abortion policy

CNA reports that the headmaster of Sydney's St Aloysius College, Fr. Chris Middleton, has confirmed that his school will cut its ties with Amnesty International because of its policy that promotes abortion in some cases.According to Fr. Middleton, ...

Parent Council Welcome Pack

The Scottish Executive has published a Welcome Pack for members of new Parent Councils. The leaflets in this pack are designed to answer some of the questions members may have about Parent Councils and help them make their Parent Council work well. T...

Amnesty affirms pro-abortion policy

CNA reporrts that Amnesty International has affirmed its policy decision to become a pro-abortion organization and focus some of its efforts on creating universal access to abortion under select circumstances. The decision marks a significant shift f...

Concerns over S2 pupils' progress

The BBC reports that ministers have voiced concerns after a survey suggested less than half of second year pupils were reaching the expected reading and numeracy levels. The Scottish Survey of Attainment looked at how children were performing in prim...

Pope says that true peace is not free from division

CNA reports that Pope Benedict XVI told the faithful in the Angelus of Sunday 19th August that“The peace that Jesus brings is the fruit of a constant struggle against evil."  And he explained that that struggle can result in division.  The Holy F...

Edinburgh city schools earmarked to be shut

More than two dozen schools, nurseries and community centres, including two Catholic primary schools, have been earmarked for closure in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Council has revealed a hitlist of 22 schools including 13 primaries, three secondaries and s...

Pope’s next encyclical to focus on challenge of justice in a globalized world

CNA reports that the social encyclical that Pope Benedict XVI was working on during his vacation time in northern Italy this summer will address the challenge of the just development of nations in the context of globalization....

Resurrection of religion in Scottish schools

It may once have been marginalised as the preserve of those seeking a career in the clergy but religious education in Scottish schools is making a comeback.  The Herald reports that the number of pupils sitting Religious, Moral and Philosophical Stu...

Australian Catholic schools at a crossroads

The Bishops of New South Wales in Australia have released a pastoral letter inviting Catholic educational leaders, staff, parents and the broader Catholic community to reflect on the nature and role of Catholic schools and where they are headed. Th...

Higher results 'better than 2006'

The percentage of students passing Higher exams has increased since last year, according to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).  The exam body said the pass rate for 2007 was 71.7%, more than reversing a 0.4% drop to 70.8% in 2006.  Howeve...

Catholic charity forced to turn away children

CNA reports that one of the largest and oldest Roman Catholic adoption agencies in England, Catholic Care, will stop finding parents for children in need due to the government’s new laws on homosexual adoptions. The Sexual Orientation Regulati...

Cohabitation cannot be equal to marriage

The president of the Committee on Marriage and the Family of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Bishop John Hine, expressed his “special concern” for a law that “would make cohabitation equivalent to marriage,” giving them “leg...

Vatican office supports Brit PM's push to cut poverty

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace supports British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's project to rally leaders of government, business and faith-based organizations in pushing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals."The time for simple pro...

Benedict XVI calls Christians to look to God to create a “just and fraternal world”

The Holy Father resumed his weekly catechesis on Wednesday 1st August 2007, picking up where he left off in early July when he began vacation. The Pope held up St. Basil, a bishop and fourth-century Doctor of the Church as an example of a man who was...

Good neighbours can make Britain great

Only one in seven Brits is happy with the way society is at present and nearly seven out of ten (68%) want it to be more neighbourly, according to new research published today by Theos, the public theology think tank. Only 16% of people want to live ...

Amnesty International defiant on pro-abortion stand

Amnesty International has remained defiant about its new pro-abortion stance despite receiving international criticism for their decision to abandon their long standing neutrality regarding abortion and embrace it fully as a human right.29th July 200...

Pope Calls for peaceful use of nuclear energy

Pope Benedict XVI, praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at Castel Gandolfo on 29th July 2007, urged nuclear disarmament, suggesting that resources thus saved could be used to help the poor.Recalling the second article of the agency's stat...

Pope says Creation-Evolution debate is 'absurdity'

The debate between creationism and evolution is an "absurdity" since evolution can coexist with faith, said Pope Benedict XVI this week while vacationing in the mountains of northern Italy. While there is much scientific proof to support evolution...

Man Must Learn to Hear Truth, Says Pope

The task of the Church is to develop the human person's God-given ability to listen to the voice of truth, said Pope Benedict XVI during a question-and-answer session with 400 priests of the dioceses of Belluno-Feltre and Treviso where he was nearing...

Archbishop of Valencia questions "absolutism of State" in Spanish education

In his weekly letter, Archbishop Agustin Garcia-Gasco of Valencia said those who support the absolutism of the State in the area of education are violating the country's constitution and basic human rights. "In many places in Spain," the archbis...

Scottish Prelates Defend Right to a Dad

Scotland’s two most senior Catholics, Cardinal Keith O’Brien and Archbishop Mario Conti, are urging Prime Minister Gordon Brown to review new legislation that would diminish the role of fathers.In their July 13 letter, Cardinal O'Brien and Archbi...

Families Under Pressure

Marriage and family life continue to suffer the inroads of contemporary society. In England the number of women giving birth outside of marriage has risen by 22% in the last 5 years.According to a June 29 report published by the Daily Mail newspaper,...

Abortion Pressure Grows in Northern Ireland

ZENIT reports that pressure is mounting for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland to align its abortion laws with the rest of the United Kingdom.U.K. Members of Parliament are calling for an extension of the 1967 Abortion Act into Nort...

Pope Urges Care of Families & Catholic Schools

On 27th June 2007 the Pope received prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Togo, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. After highlighting the African prelates' commitment "to protecting and respecting life," Benedict XVI explained t...

Employment Tribunal Appeal

Referring to an announcement that Glasgow City Council had lost its appeal against the judgement of an Employment Tribunal in favour of Mr D McNab, Michael McGrath, Director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, made the following statement: "T...

Information on Catholic Schools for Polish children

Leaflets in Polish & English have been published to advise Polish families of the availability of Catholic schools in Scotland.

New Catholic Dictionary website

Trinity Communications has released a new website: CatholicReference.net. which houses a complete Modern Catholic Dictionary (authored by the late Fr. John A. Hardon) in cooperation with Eternal Life.  The dictionary is presented in a simple but att...