Each Fall we receive the grace to begin again:
New school year,
New parish ministry activities,
New retreats, new study groups
And taking up the old in new ways.
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Fr. Carl Chudy sx Fr. John Convery sx
Xaverian Missionaries USA Xaverian Missionaries UK |
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Young Scots inspired by Lourdes!
Seventy-five young people from Scotland have just returned from a 10 day -"life changing" - stay in Lourdes. All of these young people, from the Glasgow area, are members of The Saint Margaret of Scotland Youth Group which is led by Michael Canning, a member of the Education Team at the Conforti Institute.
Throughout the course of the pilgrimage these young people work a 15 hour day working with and ministering to the sick pilgrims within the hospital in Lourdes. All of these wonderful young people are immensely humbled by what they see but are also inspired as they witness at firsthand how they can bear witness to the gospel in a very real and practical way. One of the boys, Colin, spoke of the impact Lourdes has had on his life: "Those of us who have been to Lourdes know that it brings out the innate goodness that all God's children are capable of, and, I know that that feeling will live with us for a lifetime."
The St Margaret's Youth also sponsor families with sick children on their pilgrimage to Lourdes: being in such close proximity to these families and assisting them on their journey has a powerful impact on the lives of the group members. One of the girls, Erin explained how she felt "...inspired and humbled, not only by the pilgrims we were there to assist, but by those I was working alongside."
 The power of the call to Lourdes is evidenced by the hundreds of young people who apply each year for a place on the pilgrimage. Ironically, one of the highlights of each day on the pilgrimage is the Youth Group Night Prayers when the young people get together to reflect on their day and the part that they are playing in the miracle of Lourdes. Despite the fact that many of them are physically tired and emotional from the long hours and the hard work they greatly value their time together at the end of the day to reflect on what they have learned on their own journey.
Those feelings are once again best encapsulated in the words of one of the group members who had experienced her first pilgrimage to Lourdes:"I've never had so much fun, I've never been so inspired, I've never felt more useful, and I've never felt so emotional. It was an amazing journey that I wish everyone could experience for themselves. I find it hard to explain what it's like in Lourdes: seeing really is believing!"
To discover more about the work of The Saint Margaret of Scotland Youth Group or Lourdes itself visit:
smsyg@live.com or www.lourdes-france.org
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Praying without Borders  As Catholics, we recognize that prayer is of the utmost importance... Read more. Through this day of reflection, participants will learn about solidarity through an introduction to the spiritual wisdom of people who are working for peace and justice in developing countries. Download here. |
Scotland's Rio?
 "World Youth Day 2013 - Scotland's Rio" will take place in Stirling University in July 2013 in tandem with the XXVII World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. Given the distance and expense involved in taking part in the South American event, the diocesan youth services in  Scotland will work with partner organisations to provide 3 days of animation, prayer and reflection for young Scots here in our own country.
For more information contact Catholic Youth Service Scotland
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September is National Hunger Action Month
 Poverty is the leading cause of hunger in America. More than 40 million people in the United States live below the poverty line and are at risk of hunger. Learn More.
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Are you involved in the Pastoral Care of school pupils?
 The Conforti Institute ran a successful pilot programme earlier this year and we are now ready to offer this programme to teachers in Scottish schools during the 2012-13 session.
For dates and costs contact Michael Canning |
