Students from St Colmcille’s Community School, Knocklyon, have been actively preparing for this year’s Lourdes pilgrimage through a variety of faith-filled and community-focused initiatives throughout May and June.
On 13 May, the Lourdes students organised a successful bake sale, bringing in a wide selection of homemade treats to raise funds towards their pilgrimage. The same day also marked a significant milestone for the group, as eight of the fourteen Lourdes students were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers by Fr Joe Mothersill after completing their training. The commissioning took place during the school’s End of Year Exam Mass for Third Year students, providing a powerful witness of faith and service to younger members of the school community.
The following day, 14 May, all students selected for Lourdes played an active role in the TY End of Year Prayer Service, contributing through readings, music, prayers, and the presentation of symbols.
On 21 May, the newly commissioned Eucharistic Ministers put their training into practice for the first time by serving at the school’s Sixth Year Graduation Mass.
The students have also been busy fundraising through sponsorship cards distributed among family and friends in support of a Pilgrim Walk to St Colmcille’s Well, which took place on 27 May. Along the route, students paused for prayer and reflection, deepening their understanding of pilgrimage while raising funds to help reduce the overall cost of the trip for participants.
Furthermore, members of the Lourdes group participated in a bucket collection at all three Masses in St Colmcille’s Parish Church over the weekend of 6–7 June. Students spoke to parishioners about the pilgrimage, explained their fundraising efforts, and asked for prayers as they prepare for their journey to Lourdes.
These longstanding traditions continue to play an important role in the life of St Colmcille’s Community School, helping students grow in faith, service, leadership, and commitment to others. The Lourdes pilgrimage remains a highly valued part of the school’s ethos, inspiring students each year to answer the call to serve and accompany others in faith. We wish all the students and staff every blessing as they continue their preparations for Lourdes.
