This week in CORE Religious Education, we were delighted to welcome Father Damian to deliver a "Grill a Priest" Question and Answer session with our Sixth Form students. The session provided an incredible opportunity for students to engage directly with a Catholic priest, asking thoughtful and challenging questions about faith, ethics, and the Church.
Students posed a range of fascinating questions, such as:
"Did you ever have doubts in your faith and priesthood?"
"Is forgiveness always possible?"
"How can the Church become more appealing to young people?"
Father Damian responded with inspiring honesty, sharing personal insights about his own journey of faith and vocation. His openness created a powerful atmosphere, where students felt comfortable exploring deep and sometimes difficult questions. Many described the session as "powerful" and "insightful," praising Father Damian for his ability to speak authentically about his experiences and the teachings of the Church. His thoughtful responses not only provided clarity but also challenged students to reflect more deeply on their own beliefs and values.
Linking to the Sacred Heart Goal of Intellect
This half-term, our focus as a Sacred Heart school has been on the Goal of Intellect. The "Grill a Priest" session perfectly embodies this goal, as it encouraged students to engage their minds in the exploration of faith, ethics, and the role of religion in contemporary society. The session challenged students to think critically and to ask profound questions, demonstrating that intellect and faith are not mutually exclusive but can enrich one another.
A Huge Thank You to Father Damien
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father Damian for his time, wisdom, and willingness to engage so meaningfully with our students. Sessions like this not only bring our RE curriculum to life but also inspire students to think critically about their own spiritual and moral development.