As St Stephen’s Parish in Blairgowrie continues its journey from the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope celebrations, parishioners gathered on Sunday, 12th October 2025, for a special Mass at 11am marking the Jubilee of Education.
The celebration, led by Fr Gregory Umunna, brought together the parish and school communities to reflect on the continuing mission of Catholic education as a source of hope and faith for future generations.
During the Mass, Ms Lynsey Smith, Head Teacher of St Stephen’s Primary School, shared a heartfelt reflection on her experiences within Catholic education and the meaning of being a “pilgrim of faith” in today’s world.
“It is a great privilege to stand before you today, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, and to share some of my reflections on what it means for us to be Pilgrims of Faith in Catholic education,” Ms Smith began.
“When we hear the word pilgrim, we often think of a journey—a path that takes us from one place to another, not always easy, sometimes filled with challenges, but always with a destination of hope and promise. As Catholic educators, and indeed as a Catholic school community in St Stephen’s, we are very much on that journey.”
Reflecting on the legacy of those who founded Scotland’s Catholic schools, she paid tribute to the priests, sisters, teachers, parents, and parishioners who “believed that education should not simply fill minds with knowledge but should also form hearts in faith, love, and service.”
“They handed on to us a living legacy: the chance to teach not only subjects, but values; not only skills, but the dignity of every child as made in the image and likeness of God,” she said.
Speaking of her own vocation, Ms Smith said her role as head teacher had deepened her faith:
“My role has strengthened my faith in ways I did not expect, and at the same time, my faith has shaped the way I lead St Stephen’s Primary School. On days of joy, I have seen God’s light shining through the laughter of children… On days of challenge, I have leaned on prayer, on the Gospel values, and on the belief that Christ walks beside me.”
She added: “Each member of the school community—staff, pupils, parents, parish, and diocese—walks this path with me. Together, we hold on to the vision of Catholic education as a source of hope: hope for young people, hope for families, and hope for society that longs for compassion, justice, and peace.”
Quoting Pope Francis, Ms Smith reminded parishioners that “hope is bold” and that Catholic educators are called to “see beyond the immediate and to walk with young people towards the fullness of life God promises.”
“In this Jubilee Year of Hope,” she concluded, “let us embrace our call as pilgrims of faith… May our pilgrimage be filled with hope—hope that renews us, sustains us, and inspires the next generation.”
With emotion, she added that leading St Stephen’s is “much more than just being employed—it is a chance to give back to the same school that educated me as a child and helped me realise my ambition.”
Fr Gregory Umunna and the parish community expressed their gratitude to Ms Smith for her inspiring message, as the parish continues to journey in faith and hope, celebrating the living connection between school, parish, and home.