Sixth Year CPC Class Graduation
A seminal piece of advice was given to the graduating class from CPC by Bishop Eamonn Walsh, writes Brian Byrne, when he said that if anyone amongst them found they didn't like what they eventually were doing, then do something else.
"When you're unhappy at what you do, then you're making everybody around you unhappy," he said. "So don't be afraid to change."
It was a very compatible advice to that given later in the evening by the CPC Principal Catherine Moynihan, when she reminded the class that they had wonderful choices in careers. "When I was your age there were maybe four career options — the bank, the civil service, teaching and nursing. I was very lucky that I fell into a career that I loved." She said the class of 2013 had the opportunities to 'explore new horizons'. "But if you come to a crossroads, and think you want to go in a different direction, then trust your instincts."
She said it was a 'very proud night for all of us' and very special because Bishop Eamonn had joined them in the 125th Anniversary year to concelebrate the Mass with Fr Martin Harte. She welcomed the parents and the grandparents present, and said she was sure that it didn't seem so long ago that those parents had shed tears as they had left their children off at school for the first time. But it was now a night to celebrate the growth, the development and the learning of the graduating class.
The event was built around a Graduation Mass on the theme of 'Shine' in a Service of Light. It included contributions representing the Leaving Certificate class, the school staff, the younger students 'left behind', and the parents.
The elements of the service had been chosen by the Sixth Year class, and included the Ecclesiastes extract dealing with 'for everything there is a season and a time', the 'On Eagles' Wings' responsorial psalm, and St Paul's admonishment to the Corinthians that being 'ambitious for the higher gifts' wasn't the ultimate aim.
In his homily, Bishop Eamonn reminded the class that they shouldn't expect to all achieve the potential they had at the same time. "All of you are equal, but different people achieve different things, at different times. Give it the time."
Representing the multiculturalty which has now become the modern Ireland, the Prayers of the Faithful were in English, Irish, German, French and Spanish.
Music for the Mass was provided by a number of the students and included guitar work by Robbie, singing by Thomas and the Choir, an 'Ave Maria' solo with piano by Ailigh, Jeremy's solo 'Somewhere over the Rainbow', and a concluding set which set its theme with 'Ain't no Mountain'.
Presentations were made by Catherine Moynihan to all of the Sixth Year students, and the Principal's Prize was awarded to Conor Gilheany. Joe O'Connor presented a plaque to the school to mark the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Cross & Passion sisters, and the event concluded with a speech of appreciation by Sheila Naughton, chair of the Students Council.
