We have a vibrant and innovative religion department here in St. Mary’s.  The department is involved in preparing liturgical services, providing retreat experiences, examining personal faith and imparting knowledge on a variety of topics such as Christianity, world religions and moral issues.  Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion, prayer, project work, art work and simulation games.
Senior cycle students are taught through team teaching with rotation of 5th year students and the use of the Ballygall project in 6th year.  This involves teaching the full 6th year group together with the aid of speakers, DVD’s and simulation games.  Every effort is made to address relevant issues such as addiction, depression, sexuality, justice, domestic violence and faith development.
The religion department continues to partake in projects such as the Zambian Immersion project and the Meatheil leadership programme.  Throughout the year the school works in co-operation with the local parish, with particular involvement from the Chaplin.
We also work in conjunction with ERST and SchoolEthos.ie, the ERST founded centre providing a wide variety of resources and personnel.
Students are brought on many trips by the religion department such as retreats in the junior cycle and workshops in other schools.  Transition year students participate in many projects such as researching their local church history with a trip to St. Lazarian’s Cathedral in Leighlinbridge and The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow.  Our department showed particular innovation by developing and piloting a now nationwide programme in Development Education.
The highlight of the year for the religion department is the graduation night which is organised in conjunction with the 6th year students.  We hope it reflects the culmination not only of what was learned in religion class but of the growth our students have experienced in all aspects of their lives.