Cathal BarryFifty pre-Leaving Cert students will embark on courses in the sea-side village of Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
Secondary school students are set to take their faith to the next level during the school holidays with the formation of a new Catholic summer school.
Modelled on popular Gaeltacht courses and other language schools, the new venture aims to “enrich and deepen” participating students understanding of the Catholic faith in a “creative, fun and motivational way”.
In June, up to 50 pre-Leaving Cert students from all over Ireland will embark on two separate faith development and religious education courses in the sea-side village of Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo.
Each day will be a blend of learning opportunities, outdoor recreational and social activities. There will also be times of prayer and reflection, of rest and relaxation. Weekends will include field trips and outings.
Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin, whose diocese is spearheading the initiative, said the summer school is a “wonderful opportunity” for young Catholics.
“Young people who have faith very often feel isolated. It’s not always easy to wear your faith on your sleeve in our society today. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to explore their faith in a comfortable environment,” he told The Irish Catholic.
Prof. Eamonn Conway, who will present a seminar at the summer school, said the courses are a “unique opportunity for those who take part to grow in the understanding and knowledge of the Faith”.
“It will encourage young people in their faith and enable them to meet others who are serious about their faith too,” he said.
The cost of a place on one of the two-week courses ranges from €630-€740 and prospective students will be expected to participate in a short interview.
For more information see www.elphindiocese.ie/summerschools or call 071 91 76722.