Scotland celebrates Catholic Education

Scotland celebrates Catholic Education Week 2011 from 20 - 26 February. In a statement The Scottish Catholic Education Service said: '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 one particular week each year. The purpose of Catholic Education Week is to highlight the significance of education, not only for young people but for everyone. Students, parents, teachers and others are asked to reflect on their own roles in the education process - at home, in school, in the local parish and in other educational settings.

'This year's theme is taken from the words of Pope Benedict XVI when he spoke to children and young people during his UK visit in September 2010: "Grow in holiness: become saints of the 21st century",

'It will enable schools to help young people to reflect on the significance of these words for their lives and the impact on their actions - at home, in school and in the community. In effect, the Pope is encouraging all young people to lead lives of goodness and to become responsible citizens who will change the world for the better.

'Using this year's theme for Catholic Education Week, young people, teachers, parents, clergy and parishioners are asked to reflect on the various lessons which Pope Benedict XVI taught during his recent visit to the UK.

'At various events during the visit, when the Holy Father spoke to young people, he taught his ‘pupils’ a simple but important lesson - how to be close to Jesus, how to follow his ways, how to grow in holiness and how to follow a path toward sainthood.

'For every Catholic school participating, these words struck a chord because that is precisely their mission: to help their pupils on their journeys towards excellence, success and happiness. The Holy Father described this as “not being content with second best”.

'The main purpose of Catholic schools is to help young people realise what is meant by wanting “the very best” in their lives. This is not about money or fame; it’s not even about having lots of friends and experiences; it’s about developing our relationship with God who created us in love, who calls us to love him and to show this same love to others. The Holy Father described this as “the bigger picture” which Catholic schools help young people to see - the connections between what they are learning about the world and how they are developing in faith.'

Resources to support Catholic Education Week

The Scottish Catholic Education Service has provided schools and parishes with a range of resources which are designed to promote reflection on the Pope’s words and to celebrate the contribution of Catholic Education to the welfare of Scotland. To access these resources, visit: www.sces.uk.com

Cardinal Winning Education Lecture

On Saturday, 26 February 2011, the Cardinal Winning Education Lecture will be given by James Arthur, Professor of Education and Civic Engagement, Head of School of Education, University of Birmingham. The title of the lecture will be: 'The Ebbing Tide:
20 years on'.

Professor Arthur - who is a former pupil of Our Lady's High School In Motherwell - published 'The Ebbing Tide' in 1995, causing some controversy because of his criticisms of Catholic schools in England and Wales at that time.

The lecture will take place in the Univeristy's Charles Wilson Building, a converted Church building situated on the corner of Gibson Street and University Avenue.

To obtain further details or to book a place, email: arlene.burns@glasgow.ac.uk