Kerry students unite to explore issues of faith

OVER 300 STUDENTS FROM ACROSS KERRY ATTEND ANNUAL DIOCESAN EVENT

THE Diocese of Kerry welcomed more than 300 secondary school students to the Brandon Hotel in recent days as part of its Céiliúradh na nÓg celebrations – an important part of a series of events that has already included many school and parish-based initiatives.

The programme has been carried out through a number of stages during the 201718 academic year, inviting students to delve into a programme based on exploration, action and reflection. Organisers have aimed to achieve this by means such as visiting a nursing home, helping parish liturgy groups, or organising school choir performances.

Last Wednesday’s event involved faithbased workshops offered by Scala Retreats, Trócaire, the World Meeting of Families Team, and KDYS, and also included a Christian meditation session and a Siamsa Tíre-organised session on faith through dance and drama.

Deirdre Walsh was at hand in the morning to emcee as students went through short project presentations, while Bishop Ray Browne was present to provide a keynote address on the theme of “Finding our Identity”, and to present students with their certificates of participation.

The day was further enhanced by the presence of Jonny Somerville, founder of the NUA senior-cycle religious education programme, and event organiser, Post-Primary Diocesan Advisor for Religious Education Tomás Kenny, was quick to point to the benefits of the day.

“People always ask the question ‘what can the Church do for young people?’ – we rarely take note of what young people are already doing within our Christian communities,” he said.

“The Diocese of Kerry has always strived to journey with young people...This event is but another way of connecting with our young people.”

Photo by Donald Walsh Photo by Donald Walsh Photo by Donald Walsh Mercy Mounthawk Tralee students Joy Murphy and Jessica Murphy. Coláiste Phádraig Castleisland students Redmond Horan, Matt Caine and Oisín Carwely attending the Céiliúradh na nÓg event in the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday. Ava Mulvihill and Roisín Chambers at the Diocesan celebration of youth.

Photos by Donald Walsh LEFT: Ellen Lenihan and Niamh Ferris from Mercy MountHawk Tralee attending Céiliúradh na nÓg in the Brandon Hotel on Wednesday.BELOW: Carlos Tanganelli, Anthan O’rouke and Antonio Cortes from Coláiste Phádraig Castleisland.