Scottish Catholic Observer

A total of 21 groups from five local parishes gathered together in St Margaret’s to talk about upcoming and past events in their local parishes and to speak to pupils at the school. Lisa Harkins, St Margaret’s head girl, and Craig Hendry, head boy, helped lead the conference where they spoke to, and learned from, local parishioners.

The conference turned out to be a great success as the speakers that came along gave illuminating talks about their work and inspired many sixth year pupils to join the groups and dedicate their time to the Church.

Samantha O’Brien, one of the Caritas pupils at the school, said the experience helped her to engage more in the life of the Church.

“After the conference, I am confident to say that once school is finished and I have more spare time I will look further into joining one of these fantastic groups and dedicate my time to giving to people in my local community,” she said.

Samantha and her fellow Caritas students are involved in a number of worthwhile causes in their community. Once a month, the pupils visit Craigengar Sheltered Housing and perform and entertain the residents, some of whom do not have many visitors or are unable to leave the housing complex. “Every time we go you can see it in the residents faces just how much joy we bring to their day,” Samantha said. “As they can get quite lonely, seeing new faces and having someone different to talk to can really make a difference.

“Going to these monthly visits gives me a strong sense of humility as we are bringing a lot of joy to the residents and it makes me feel warm inside knowing that I am making them happy while doing something I enjoy.”

The Caritas Awards are open to young people of all faiths and denominations, with participants expected to gather and submit evidence of their faith witness, learning and reflection. St Margaret’s pupil Samantha said the award had made her stronger. “It has also strengthened my belief in God,” she said. “I chose to do the Caritas award because I felt I was drifting away from my faith and I thought that it would strengthen it again. The award has made me realise that God is always there for me, through the tough and stressful times but also the good times. It has taught me to love one another and if there is an opportunity where I could offer my help to another person who needs it, to take it.”

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