Schools are about to receive letters from SCES, requesting expressions of interest in having pupils participating in some of the events taking place during the Papal Visit.  Some details of these events are provided in these letters and further details will be provided as soon as possible.  

NB We are looking to receive responses to these letters fairly quickly so that places can be allocated as far as possible, in response to identified expressions of interest in the events listed below.  

A St Ninian’s Day Pageant will take place in Princes Street, providing pupils with the opportunity to greet the Holy Father as he travels through Edinburgh.  All the Scottish schools named in honour of St Ninian (11 Catholic & 3 non-denominational) have been invited to participate in the pageant (also featuring Pipe Bands) which will parade along Princes Street, ahead of the Papal motorcade as it travels back from Holyrood Palace.  All other schools are invited to bring pupils to be flag-waving and cheering spectators who will be assigned safe areas to congregate in Princes Street.

Now that the total capacity for Bellahouston Park has been confirmed, we hope that there will be spaces to accommodate some school pupils in the park.  While the Mass will not begin until 5.30, it will be necessary for participants to assemble some hours before then.  During this time various activities will be arranged to prepare the assembled crowd.   

When considering the involvement of pupils, you may wish to consider carefully the timing and duration of this event and of any necessary travelling arrangements.  For now, we need to know if you wish to bring pupils to the Mass so that decisions about the allocation of invitations can be made.

Secondary schools – in addition – are being asked if they can nominate 15-20 S6 pupils in uniform who will be asked to undertake various duties in Bellahouston Park, including escorting priests to communion stations during the Mass.

We have already invited every secondary school to nominate 2 senior pupils to join with the Pope in ‘The Big Assembly’ where over 3,000 children and young people will gather in St Mary’s University College, Twickenham.  With live streaming of this event on the Internet, all schools will be able to join with the Pope at this Assembly.  Details to follow.

What do schools need to do now?

We need you to complete the form which you will find in your mailing, indicating your interest in these events.

Or download one of the attached forms below.

Please email or fax us:  mail@sces.uk.com; Fax: 0141 551 8467.

Or telephone us on 0141 556 4727

This is the fourth in a series of news bulletins designed to keep schools (and others) informed of arrangements for the Papal Visit.  To see previous bulletins, click here.  Please note the official website for the UK Papal Visit: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk