National Advisory Council on Education Statement on “Operation Christmas Child”
5th December 2012 | News
The following statement was issued by the National Advisory Council on Education (NACED), Columba Centre, Maynooth in November, 2009.
Re: Operation Christmas Child
Insofar as aid groups approach schools for support, Catholic schools should ensure that the activities of such groups are in accord with the Catholic ethos of the school.
Catholic schools in Ireland have a long tradition of supporting those in need, not least in developing countries. The Church’s aid agency – Trócaire – organises a Lenten campaign each year which heightens awareness among teachers, students, parents and boards of management about development issues. Other agencies such as the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) run projects for children e.g. ‘children helping children’ and there are numerous local initiatives undertaken by agencies such as the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Thus opportunities are provided to make financial and other contributions to the lives of those in great need in other countries and at home. The Church encourages Catholic schools to focus their attention on supporting these organisations.
