Once every two years, Notre Dame students from England and Scotland come together to celebrate what is good in our schools. In 2023 we met in Walsingham, Norfolk and this year, we gathered at Buckfast Abbey, Devon.
The purpose of this student conference is to plant the following:
•SEEDS OF JOY: Enjoying each other’s company
•SEEDS OF LOVE: Finding ways to strengthen our links
•SEEDS OF HOPE: Inspiring young people to shape our future
Over 3 days, students from ND Glasgow, ND Norwich, ND Southwark, ND Plymouth, Our Lady and St Patricks, Dunbarton and St Julie’s gathered to stay in the grounds of Buckfast Abbey to spend time reflecting, getting to know each other and sightseeing around the beautiful Devon and Cornwall area.
Lots of new friends and connections were made for both students and staff and the UK Notre Dame family continues to go from strength to strength!
Our Night prayer on our last evening together at Buckfast:
PLANT in us, Lord seeds of solidarity,
So that, rejoicing in your gifts, we may cherish
your presence in each other and all creation
ROOT us, Lord, In compassion and justice,
Pour your Spirit down like gentle rain, soften our hearts,
Washing away division and selfishness.
CULTIVATE in us Lord, attentiveness to your call.
Give us hope to dream of a better world
And strength to play our part to make it a reality.
GROW in us, Lord, your ways of peace and courage,
So that, we may bear witness to your love,
Revealed to us in Jesus.
Amen
