This Primary In-Service document outlines the agenda and key activities for the Primary Religious Education In-Service 2025, focusing on themes of silence, faith development, and the sharing of good practice in our schools.
The Importance of Silence in Catholic Education
Silence is essential for spiritual growth and connection with God in a Catholic school setting.
- Mother Teresa emphasized the need for silence to touch souls.
- Schools are encouraged to create moments of silence throughout the day.
- The Gift of Silence presentation by Marguerite Hamilton focuses on nurturing silence in educational environments.
Advent Activities and Resources
- Advent activities are planned to enhance spiritual engagement during the season.
- Advent 2025 activities are included in the program.
- Advent Calendar of Kindness
- Jesuit Institute UK Examen
- Missio Scotland Five-Fingered Examen for Children
Sacrament of Confirmation – Social Story for Children with Additional Needs
Carol Gallagher has created a Social Story to support children with additional needs who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Care for Our Common Home – Lisa Hendey
Lisa Hendey, author of “I am Earth’s Keeper”, shares a special message for teachers in Derry about her book and how as stewards at this time we are called to love, know and protect our world.
Saint Columba Heritage Centre – Darinagh Boyle
Darinagh Boyle, Engagement Officer, at the Saint Columba Heritage Centre, shared information on how schools can engage with the rich heritage of Saint Columba and how the centre is developing and sharing the story of Sr Clare Crockett. Further information is available at Home – St.Columba Tours
Charlotte Deeney – Easter Cloth Activity
Charlotte Gormley, Faith Formation Coordinator, Banagher & Claudy Parishes, explained how she engages with her local primary schools to create special cloths which are on display in the Churches in her parishes at Easter. The creation of the cloth allows time for prayer, discussion and creativity as the children explore the events of Holy Week and Easter.
Celebrating the Catholic Life of a School
Thérèse Ferry, Primary Diocesan Advisor, Diocese of Derry, led a discussion on how school communities celebrate the Catholic Life of their school and how this could be done together as a school community.
The Catechetical Centre is encouraging schools to engage with the Matt Talbot Prayer Promise, helping children to pray that they will avoid damaging their minds, bodies and souls, through the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of alcohol. It focuses on the story of Venerable Matt Talbot who overcame his addiction through prayer, attending Mass and Eucharistic Adoration
Important Dates for the Diary
Confirmation Online Preparation Sessions 9.30am – 12.15pm Wednesday7th January – Friday 9th January 2026
Mass to launch Catholic Schools Week Thursday 15th January 2026 10am Saint Eugene’s Cathedral
Catholic Schools Week Sunday 18th January – Saturday 24th January 2026 – Catholic Schools : “A Call to Holiness”
Sunday of the Word of God Sunday 25th January 2026
First Holy Communion Online Preparation Sessions 10am – 11am Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th February 2026
Fan the Flame Mass -Thursday 4th June 2026 for Year 7/Sixth Class Pupils who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
Diocesan Religious Education Conference Primary Day 26th August 2026
