Fr. Shaun Doherty reflects on family bonds during Catholic Schools Week in Derry

Catholic Schools Week was celebrated by Fr. Shaun Doherty with Mass in the oratory in St. Joseph’s Boys School on Wednesday afternoon when grandparents joined the students and teachers to mark the importance of grandparents in our lives

A number of the students took part in the readings and Fr. Shaun spoke how family is so important in the home and the love of one’s grandparents plays a major role in developing us through our teenage years.

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Fr Shaun referenced the late Pope Francis and how he valued the role of his own grandmother in passing on a deep faith.

The school Chaplain reflected on meeting his own grandmother who was from Blucher Street in the Bogside. He spoke about meeting her when she came to the family home in England when he was around 10 years of age. She left a profound effect on him although she died shortly afterwards and it was to be a once only meeting.

Fr. Doherty added: ‘Like many of her era, Granny Mary Ellen Gallagher was a woman who lived out her faith and lived it out in love and sacrifice.’

He went on to stress the importance of doing the small things for love of God impressing the point that grandparents and grandchildren have the ability to make positive memories that live on through the generations.

The school’s choir was also on hand to provide a number of hymns, under the tutelage of Mrs. Emma Barnaby and Mrs. Serena Doherty.

Speaking after Wednesday’s event, Principal Mrs. Ciara Deane said she was delighted to see such a huge turnout at both the Mass and afterwards for refreshments in the adjoining classroom.

‘This continues to be a truly wonderful day celebrated in our school calendar and the boys just love to see their grandparents coming through the doors. We are very happy to see so many grandparents play an active part in the life of St. Joseph’s.

‘Indeed, we give thanks for our grandparents, for all that they do for us and with us, for all that they teach us; for the love we share with them and, most importantly, for being the face of God’s love to us always.

‘A huge thank you to everyone who made it such a special day at St. Joseph’s to mark Catholic Schools Week and special mention of Fr. Shaun Doherty to give of his time and join us to celebrate everything that is special about family life and grandparents in particular. We all look forward to seeing everyone again next year.’