Profits from CD will aid Mercy students" African trip

St Joseph"s Secondary School in Navan launched its first school CD, 'Mercy Voices", on the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, 24th September. The CD is a snapshot of the music which the students learn and perform during a typical academic year, and features each of the school choirs, some solo instrumentalists and the Feileachan traditional Irish music group. Profits from the CD will assist the school"s transition year students in their forthcoming trip to Zambia. CDs can be purchased directly from the school at the cost of €10. The transition year class and representatives from the staff are planning their African trip next Easter. The students will spend some time in Mazabuka with the Mercy Sisters, visiting local schools, hospitals and will also see their work in action. The girls are adopting the 'Life Start Project", which is managed by Sr Mary Cudden, as a focus for their trip. This project is a support programme for parents and children up to the age of five. The girls will be fundraising for this worthy project over the coming months. The Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, also placed a first class relic from St Oliver Plunkett in the new altar recently in the school"s oratory. This follows an ancient tradition of the Church where, in the early stages of Christianity in Rome, Mass was celebrated over the bones of the saints in the Catacombs. Bishop Smith also blessed and anointed the altar before celebrating Mass in nearby St Mary"s Church for staff, parents and students.