Moderator at Caritas
What a brilliant afternoon I had as a guest of Cardinal O'Brien and the Catholic Church at the launch of the Caritas Award Ceremony. The invitation came to me from the Scottish Catholic Education Service. Over 3,000 people packed into the Clyde Auditorium to watch 450 teenagers receive their Caritas Award. This award has come about as part of an attempt to keep alive the memory of the Pope's visit to Scotland in 2010.
It was a great afternoon hearing how teenagers are seeking to turn their knowledge of God into practical acts of service and love in their communities. Some have spent many hours helping children who require additional learning support others have made contributions to charities like Mary's Meals, while others have got involved with helping elderly people in their communities.
Got me thinking perhaps we in the Church of Scotland could start a similar award scheme for young people in the state school sector. Its something that presbyteries could organise in conjunction with school chaplains. All this could tie in very nicely with the Curriculum for Excellence. The Church and Society Council have been developing the Moderator's Medal, which has been focusing this year on the Olympics as an expression of Spirituality. How good would it be if we could inspire young people to become more pro-active in their communities. Its quite amazing what the youth team at Bo'ness have been achieving. Check out Avenue.
On returning from Caritas i had a most enjoyable evening in Edinburgh at the Electric Circus listening to two fantastic bands. We See Lights and Wooden Box. have a listen
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcMT3Se5ltE[/youtube]
