Sixth Year Family Mass, Sunday 25th September 2016

Fr Larry Behan, PP (Bray), Chief Celebrant at last Sunday’s Family Mass encouraged the large gathering to consider “the realm of their responsibility”.  How far does our love and compassion go? Does our sense of community extends to all in society?  As Christians, be they known to us or not, whoever they may, everyone is our neighbour, is within the realm of our responsibility.

During the Mass, Ross Deegan, Scott Donohue, Peter Fitzpatrick, Barry Hudson, Bill Madigan, Mark Nealon and Brian O’Doherty (all 6^th Year) were commissioned as Special Ministers of the Eucharist.  We congratulate and thank the boys for making themselves available for this very important role.

After the Mass, the 6^th Years departed to 15 different Retreat Centres across 11 Counties.  The Retreats are a highlight of our Sixth Year programme.  They provide an opportunity for our boys to Think, Discuss, Belong, Pray and to Be Yourself; to build friendships and deepen faith; to consider the future and have fun.

Mr Brian O’Neill (Class of 1981), and his wife Evelyn represented the College Union at the Mass.  It was a wonderful celebration and it was great to have so many grandparents in attendance.  Always welcome. I thank, Chief Celebrant Fr Behan and the Concelebrating Community, Ms O’Connor, Mr Grumley Traynor, Ms Hegarty, Mr Kehoe, Mr Ryan, Mr Goan, Ms Brady and Ms Wade for their organisation of, and support for, the 6^th Year Mass.  I thank Brian and Evelyn, the boys and their families who made it so memorable through their attendance, encouragement and support.

I particularly wish to thank Mr Tom Ryan for his organisation of the Retreats, my colleagues who accompany them and also my colleagues who provide cover while they are away.  It is a Whole School effort which delivers enormous benefit to our 6^th Year boys.