Day of celebration in Templemore
Students receive John Paul II awards
There was a wonderful day of celebration at Our Lady’s last week for our students receiving John Paul II Awards.
We commenced the day with a pilgrimage walk in Upperchurch. We completed the Eamon an Chnoic walk together with Fr John from Zimbabwe and our local leader Tom Ryan Moakland and Frankie Shortt.
It was a beautiful cultural, historical and spiritual walk. Later, we had a beautiful lunch at Kinane’s in Upperchurch. The welcome in Upperchurch was fantastic. Fr Vincent Stapleton joined us for the meal and also for our traditional session afterwards. It was a memorable day of music, song and comradery.
This was followed by a Presentation Ceremony in the Sacred Heart Church in Templemore. 31 students in total received awards. 25 received Gold awards and six students received Papal Cross Platinum awards.
Some students had unavoidable commitments, so they will receive their awards next week in the school.
We appreciated the presence of Fr Conor Hayes, Fr Dominic Meehan, Fr Christy O’Dwyer, Fr Pat Murphy, Fr John and Fr Francis, both from Zimbabwe, and of course Fr Vincent Stapleton, the diocesan leader of John Paul II in the diocese. Thanks to all those who supported the John Paul II programme. Thanks to Fiona Kelly in Templetuohy, who mentors the students in this parish. Thanks to Brigid Jones and Mary D’Estelle Roe, who provide support and links with the parish in Templemore. Thanks to Anne-Marie Johnston and Eimear O'Callaghan, who gave us great support musically, especially with our Taize service.
A special word of thanks to Shauna Bourke and Amy Quinlan, who completed Trojan work with the students. The Bogathon in Lisduff, Errill for IMNDA charity was our highlight. We had such fun and enjoyment and collected €4,305 in total. We are very proud of this fundraiser.
We also collected €600 for Focus Ireland, by making and selling St Brigid’s crosses.
Thanks to the coordinator of the JPII Programme at Our Lady’s, Ms Tina Fogarty, who facilitates the students to reach their goals.