Ceist Catholic Schools Week 2026: Normal Lives, Called to Holiness

This week, our school community marked Catholic Schools Week 2026, celebrating this year’s theme, “Normal Lives, Called to Holiness.” Each day focused on how we are called to live out holiness in simple, meaningful ways in our daily lives.

Monday – Called to Holiness through Prayer

Monday marked the beginning of Catholic Schools Week, with a focus on being called to holiness through prayer. We were delighted to begin our daily intercom announcements with a prayer led by Lucy McCarthy and Lillie Ryan:

Our Catholic school is a place where we are called
to put our gifts and talents at the service of others.
Jesus shows us what it means to be a friend: to be
kind and caring to others, especially those who are
lonely and made to feel left out. May we learn to be
a school community where everyone has friends and
where everyone feels safe, happy and loved. Amen.

As part of the day’s activities, Ms Cullinane and Ms Murphy’s RE classes created their own prayers, which were placed in the intentions box at the Sacred Space. Students also spent time exploring the Ignatian Examen, reflecting thoughtfully on their daily lives and relationship with God.

Tuesday – Called to Holiness through Love and Friendship

Tuesday’s theme invited us to reflect on how we are called to holiness through love and friendship. Students were encouraged to think about how caring for one another is central to life in a Catholic school. Alongside academic learning, we are reminded of the importance of listening, including others, and being kind.

Jesus teaches us the Golden Rule — to treat others as we would like to be treated — and students were encouraged to serve one another with patience, kindness and friendship as children of God.
To mark the day, Ms Murphy’s RE class created a colourful and thoughtful display in the RE Room highlighting the key qualities of friendship.

Wednesday – Called to Holiness in Family Life

Wednesday focused on being called to holiness in family life. Thank you to Emma McCarthy for delivering the intercom announcement, which encouraged us to celebrate and appreciate our grandparents:

Grandparents are a special gift in our lives. They teach us about kindness, faith and trust in God, and they support us with love and wisdom. We are called to care for them, help them, remember them, and keep them in our prayers.

As part of the day’s activities, RE classes wrote gratitude letters and cards to a significant adult in their lives, taking time to reflect on the importance of family and care.

Thursday – Called to Holiness through Courage and Service

Thursday’s theme was Called to Holiness through Courage and Service. As part of the celebrations, 5th Year students attended Mass in the local church in Clonakilty, where they reflected on faith, service, and their role within the wider community.

Catholic Schools Week 2026 was a meaningful opportunity for our school community to reflect, pray, and celebrate how we are all called to holiness in our everyday lives.