Bishop is welcomed to celebrate Mass

Pupils and staff at Fernhill School welcomed a very special guest amongst them when Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell Diocese, joined them to celebrate Mass.

They held the Mass in honour of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the patron saint of the school.

Father Alex Stewart, the school chaplain, concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by the whole school.

Bishop Toal took the opportunity to meet staff and pupils and enjoyed learning about the many and varied activities going on within the school and its wider community.

The celebration was made even more special for all in attendance by the fact that on that day eight years previously, the Bishop had celebrated his Episcopal Ordination of Argyll and The Isles.

Of his visit, Bishop Toal said: “It has been a great privilege to join pupils and staff on this special day in the school’s calendar and I look forward to joining you in the future.”

After Mass, Bishop Toal enjoyed lunch with the senior management team and members of the liturgical group within the school.

Dr Laura Murphy, head teacher at Fernhill School was delighted that Bishop Toal had taken time from his demanding schedule to join them for the day and said: “The spiritual development of our pupils is of paramount importance to us at Fernhill School and having Bishop Toal celebrate our Patronal Feast Day with us has enhanced what is always a very special day for us.

“We have several girls participating in the Caritas program this year and it was wonderful for them to meet Bishop Toal and discuss their progress so far and their plans for the remainder of the year.”