Scottish Catholic Observer

Working alongside South Lanarkshire Council, the diocese has produced three workbooks covering Confirmation, Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation that will now be used by children with disabilities in schools across Motherwell Diocese, with plans to extend their use across Scotland.

Bishop Joseph Toal launched the new resource in Rutherglen High—a school for children with additional support needs (ASN)—where he was joined by the workbooks’ co-authors Claire Neeson and Irene Houstoun and pupils from the school and from Trinity High, Rutherglen; Greenburn Primary; St Anthony’s Primary and St Mark’s Primary.

Bishop Toal said the project to write the workbooks was born out of a desire to ensure that all children could hear and understand the significance of the Sacraments.

“The Church recognises that, unlike other children, those with additional needs do not choose which school they attend,” he said. “It is important to understand how vital it is for families with children with [ASN] to still feel part of their local parish, even if their children are not able to attend a school within that community.”

Speaking to the pupils present, the bishop compared their teachers’ work to that of the Apostles. “They may not have fire on their heads and there might not be a mighty wind when they speak, but they want you to tell you all about the Good News about Jesus Christ,” he said. “I hope that these workbooks help to prepare you for these Sacramental celebrations and, once you have received them, you take your place in the Church alongside all the other boys in girls in showing the world what it means to be a person of faith.”

Claire Neeson, a principal teacher at Rutherglen High, previously made up her own resources based on dated Glasgow Archdiocese materials. Last year, she helped South Lanarkshire Council put together the new workbooks, and approached Motherwell Diocese for support.

The workbooks were compiled under the guidance of Fr Stephen Reilly, and Fr Gerry Haddock, chaplain for ASN schools.

“Barbra Coupar, co-ordinator of religious education in Motherwell Diocese, will soon take the workbooks to a meeting of RE advisors from different dioceses.

PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

—[email protected]

—This story ran in full in the June 12  edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.