Archbishop Cushley commissioned new Lay Ministers for schools in Edinburgh last night.
During Mass at St Margaret’s Chapel at The Gillis Centre, he told them “Being a good example will make you successful chaplains in our schools.
“How you live your Christian discipleship is what will impress our young people and teachers.
“So it’s not always about what you say, but what you do, And that will bring pupils to a curiosity about God.”
Launched in 2025, the initiative saw lay volunteers work alongside school chaplains in eight Catholic secondary schools.
Now lay ministers have been introduced to Primary schools as the programme continues to form part of the Archdiocese’s wider mission of evangelisation and faith formation among young people.
Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, Lay minister Coordinator, said: “As we begin this next stage of Lay Ministry in our schools, I offer a heartfelt welcome to all those who have answered the call to serve.
“Their presence will enrich the spiritual life of our primary and high school communities and help our young people encounter Christ in meaningful ways.
“We are grateful to see this initiative grow, and we look forward with confidence to all that God will accomplish through their ministry.”
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝘄 (𝗹-𝗿)
Canon Jeremy Bath (priest at St Machan’s, Lennoxtown).
Anne O’ Grady, parishioner at St Machan’s Lennoxtown, Commissioned as Lay Minister for St Machan’s Primary, Lennoxtown.
Melissa Gavan, our Primary School RE Advisor.
Nora Charles, parishioner at St Mary’s Stirling, Commissioned as Lay Minister for Our Lady’s Primary, Raploch.
Fr John Deighan, Vicar Episcopal for Education (and priest at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas, Broxburn).
Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, Lay Minister Co-ordinator.
Andy King, parishioner at St Francis Xavier’s, Falkirk. Commissioned as Lay Minister for St Mungo’s High School, Falkirk
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘄 (𝗹-𝗿)
Marie Anthony, parishioner at St Mary’s Parish, Bo’ness. Commissioned as Lay Minister at St Mary’s Primary School, Bo’ness.
Mary Higgins, parishioner at St Alexander’s Parish, Denny. Commissioned as Lay Minister at St Patrick’s Primary, Denny.
Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Nick Masteron, parishioner at Our Lady & St Bernadette’s Parish, Larbert. Commissioned as Lay Minister at St Bernadette’s Primary, Stenhousemuir.
Patricia McInally, parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish, Grangemouth. Commissioned as Lay Minister at Sacred Heart Primary, Grangemouth.
Lay ministry is a volunteer-based pastoral and evangelising service in which trained lay Catholics work alongside chaplains to nurture the faith, spiritual growth, and wellbeing of pupils and staff in Catholic primary and secondary schools.
To find out more about Lay Ministry in the Archdiocese please email srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk
