It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that the Leavers of 2012 attended their last assembly. It was not only the last gathering of the boys but also that of Mr Tiernan, as outgoing Headmaster. Below is the inspirational scripture reading given to the Leavers. Also included are photographs taken during and after the service.
SCRIPTURE READING
LEAVERS SERVICE
The Reading is taken from the book of Tobit (Chapter 4), and from St. Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy (Chapter 4) and St Paul’s letter to the Romans (Chapter 12).
Through all your days, my son, keep the Lord in mind. Never entertain the desire to sin or to break His commandments. Do good works all the days of your life and never get involved in anything evil, for if you act in truthfulness and are steadfast in your service you will be successful in all your actions. Give alms from your possessions. Do not turn your face from any of the poor, and God’s face will not be turned away from you. Don’t be stingy.
(Tobit 4:5 – 7)
My son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great wealth give alms out of your abundance, if you have but little, distribute even some of that, but do not hesitate to give alms. Taking care of the poor pleases God.
(Tobit 4:7 – 11)
Be on your guard against every form of immorality, avoid all loose conduct. Do not keep back until the next day the wages of those who work for you; pay them at once. Honour God in this way and He will reward you.
(Tobit 4:12 – 14a)
Be careful, my son, in all you do; be well disciplined in all your behaviour. Do to no-one what you would not want done to you.
Do not drink wine to the point of drunkenness, do not let excess be your travelling companion.
(Tobit 4 15a,15b)
Give your bread to those who are hungry, and your clothes to those who lack clothing. If you are prosperous give generously and do it gladly. Seek advice from every wise person and do not scorn any advice that can be useful.
(Tobit 4:19 – 20)
I beg you, therefore, my younger brothers to give yourselves, your human lives, as a living and holy sacrifice pleasing to God.
(Rom 12: 1)
Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world in which you live. Let the renewing of your minds transform you so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and mature.
(Rom 12: 2)
I say this to every one of you never pride yourself on being better than you really are. Let each one of you appreciate the measure of faith and talents given to you by God. Serve each other according to your different gifts
Be conscientious in your leadership. Be cheerful in your works of charity.
(Rom 12:3, 8)
Let your active concern and care of others be sincere. Hate what is evil and hold on to what is good.
Regarding brotherly love; have love for one another. Regarding respect; judge others as more worthy.
Regarding your duties, do not be lazy. be joyful, be hopeful, persevere in hardship; keep praying regularly.
Look for opportunities to be hospitable.
(Rom 12: 9 – 13)
Bless your persecutors, never curse them, bless them. Give the same consideration to all people. Pay no regard to social standing, but meet humble people on their own terms. Never pay back evil with evil. As much as possible and to the utmost of your ability, be at peace with everyone. Never try to get revenge.
(Rom 12:14,16,18,19)
Bless and praise the Lord your God in everything, and ask Him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavours and plans. So now, my son, keep in mind my instructions and never let them fade from your heart.
(Tobit 4:19,20)
Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I charge you in the name of His appearing and His Kingdom: keep steady all the time; put up with suffering; do the work of proclaiming the Gospel; fulfil the service asked of you.
(2 Tim 4:1,5)
Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who has no need to be ashamed.
Keep this message of truth on a straight path.
(2 Tim 2:15)
