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Paddy Leonard, 27 Jan
Wednesday night last saw a beautiful Interdenominational Service for
Christian Unity as part of the 30th birthday celebrations of the
north-west’s only Integrated College at Oakgrove when a capacity
attendance shared in prayer and worship.
The event, a collaboration between Oakgrove Integrated College and The
Corrymeela Community, was led in prayer by Rev. Dr. Alexander Wimberly,
leader of the community.
It was planned to focus on the close of the Octave of Prayer for
Christian Unity.
Hosted in the school’s assembly hall, pupils and staff from Oakgrove
College, St. Joseph’s Boys School and St. Mary’s College were joined by
staff from Longtower PS, St. Patrick’s PS, Oakgrove PS and other
primary schools as well as members of the local community in the
service.
Corrymeela is a movement of people based in Ballycastle, overlooking
Rathlin Island, who rally around one inspirational idea that ‘Together
is better’.
Founded in 1965 by Ray Davey, John Morrow and Alex Watson, they seek to
aid individuals and communities who’ve suffered through the violence
and polarisation of the Northern Irish conflict.
[25-01-23_Oakgrove_corry_17-1674815962450.jpg]
Members of the Board of Governors of Oakgrove Integrated College.
pictured at Wednesday’s event.
Every year the group welcome over 8,000 people from all walks of life
into their programmes in communities and schools around Northern
Ireland.
Oakgrove Integrated College was opened by parents in 1992 in the hope
of promoting reconciliation by educating together young people from
different backgrounds.
Speaking after Wednesday’s successful event, Acting School Principal,
Mr. John Harkin said: “It was an honour to host Corrymeela in our
school.
[25-01-23_Oakgrove_corry_20-1674815997050.jpg]
Staff and students from St. Joseph’s Boys School taking part in
Wednesday’s event.
“Throughout our 30-year history, some of our most powerful experiences
in integration happened with the support of The Corrymeela Community.
Our anniversary is about celebrating the journey to reconciliation in
Northern Ireland.
“At our service, we prayed together in thanks for all the friendships
between Protestant, Catholic and other.
“We took time out together to remember that we must humanise, not
categorise.”
[25-01-23_Oakgrove_corry_11-1674815926143.jpg]
Mr. Brendan McGinn, Principal, and Ms. Roisin Rice, Vice Principal, St.
Mary’s College pictured with Year 14 students Shannon, Leah, Lucy and
Tara at Wednesday’s Interdenominational Service for Christian Unity at
Oakgrove Integrated College.
Mr. Harkin also thanked Rev. Dr. Alexander Wimberly and his Corrymeela
group for coming along to share their experience and take part in the
prayer and workshop event.
And he concluded by appealing to past pupils to get involved in this
year’s litany of celebration events, adding: “Oakgrove’s programme of
activities for its 30th anniversary continues throughout 2023 and if
you would like to be involved, please contact the school office on
(028) 71860443 and we would be delighted to hear from you.”