Fr. John O’Gara
Fr. John O’Gara joined our ethos team two years ago. Fr. John is a Marist priest who has worked in schools in both as a teacher and as Chaplain. He has spent 11 years working in schools in New Zealand and came to us after 18 years in parishes and schools in Hull and Sheffield, England. Fr. John will be working with both CUS and Chanel College, Coolock.
We look forward to working with Fr. John in the future and wish him well in CUS.
2016 Graduation Mass
Graduation for the Class of 2016 took place on 23rd May in University Church. This was a wonderful occasion celebrating the culmination of the students school days together. It began with a mass for the students, their families and school staff. The celebrants were Fr. Daly and Fr. O’Gara. During the Offertory symbols representing aspects of school life were brought to the alter,these included academic, sport, art and religious. Each student presented a red rose to their mother. Prize-giving followed the mass and the ceremony concluded with the students singing their year song. Everyone then returned to the school for refreshments and much conversation.
While this was a very happy, upbeat occasion filled with a sense of achievement and anticipation for the future it was also tinged with a little sadness for the end of an era and days that we hope will be looked back on with good memories and fondness.
2016 Incoming First Years Mass
A Welcome Mass was held for the incoming 1st Years who will join CUS in September in University Church. Most of the incoming boys and their parents were able to attend and all were invited back to the school for refreshments afterwards. This was the first opportunity for to meet each other and we hope the begining of lifelong friendships.
We look forward to seeing them in September and wish them well as they start secondary school. In the meantime we hope they and their families enjoy the summer holidays.
4th Year Trip to Croagh Patrick
This year our 4th Years opted to climb Croagh Patrick rather than attend a traditional retreat day. On 16th April the students, accompanied by Fr. O’Gara, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Brett, Mr. Conway travelled to Co. Mayo to undertake the climb. We were unbelievably lucky with the weather, clear blue skies and sunshine. The views of Clew Bay were breathtaking.
Although it’s a challenging climb everyone reached the summit, some very quickly and some of us taking a bit longer. When everyone was assembled at the top Fr. O’Gara led a very apt prayer and reflection on creation.
The climb down is in some ways more difficult than the ascent and when we got to our accommodation we were all ready for a good meal and rest. We stayed overnight in Westport and returned to Dublin the next morning after breakfast.
The trip ticked a number of boxes, in addition to the spiritual element it was also fun, challenging, interesting and fostered a sense of camaradarie among the whole group.
5th Year Retreat
Our 5th Years had a day away from the regular school routine to attend a Day of Reflection at the Emmaus Retreat Centre, Swords in April. They were accompanied by Fr. O’Gara, Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Brett. The day was led by the Emmaus Retreat Team who engaged the students in ice-breakers, discussion, reflection and meditation.
Feedback from the day was very positive and we extend our thanks to the Emmaus team.
