Author: Pauline Martin

St Mary’s High School Downpatrick participating in the 2020 Holocaust Memorial Day.

Two students from our Head Girl Team had the privilege of experiencing the 2020 Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration at Belfast City Hall.

Tomi Reichental gave the key note speech. We were very privileged to host a talk by Tomi in October, in St. Mary’s. His honest testimony was astonishing and had everyone in attendance with him as he walked us through what life had been like for him during this horrendous time.

St. Mary’s High School is a partnership school in the Holocaust Education Programme. As part of this initiative two of our students were invited to speak at the event. This was a huge honour and both girls were very humbled by their experience. indeed, this was a humbling experience for all the young people involved. 

Tomi’s aim is to educate people about what happened during the Holocaust so that we can remember the people who died in it and to take action so it never happens again.

St Dominic’s Grammar School celebrations as part of Catholic Schools’ Week

During the week junior students received certificates for their acts of kindness.  The girls were encouraged to live in harmony with God’s creation by doing things for others in school and at home.

The year 8 pupils also gave an assembly on living in harmony with other generations, they focused on looking after the elderly in our community, valuing their grandparents and spending time with older generations.

The year 10 students created posters outlining  the different themes throughout the week:

Bishop Duffy’s visit to Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Enniskillen during Catholic Schools Week

On Friday 31st January Mount Lourdes Grammar School welcomed Bishop Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher as he joined them in celebrations to mark Catholic Schools Week.

Bishop Duffy was welcomed by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly PP, VG, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, and by Mrs Sinead Cullen, Principal and Head Girl Bronagh Duffy. Bishop Duffy was accompanied by Deacon Martin Donnelly and by Dr Gary Carville, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Clogher.

During the visit, Bishop Duffy met with staff and students including the student liturgy committee and fundraising committee.

The visit ended with a prayer service involving students from Mount Lourdes Grammar School, St Joseph’s College, St. Fanchea’s College and St Micheal’s College.

The Liturgy Group of Mount Lourdes Grammar School with Bishop Duffy
Bishop Duffy being welcomed to Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Enniskillen, on
Fri 31 January 2020.
Bishop Duffy with representatives of St Joseph’s College, Enniskillen, at the Catholic Schools Week liturgy in Mount Lourdes.
Student Representatives and Principal of St Michael’s College with Bishop Duffy following the Catholic Schools Week liturgy in Mount Lourdes.
Bishop Duffy with students and teachers from St Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen at the Catholic Schools Week liturgy in Mount Lourdes.



Celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week

Children attending the local community Mass in St.Malachy’s Church, Camlough where children said the prayers and took part in the offertory. This is one of the events taking place as part of the celebrations this week.