Although he first sensed a call to religious life as a child, his vocation unfolded gradually. While studying in Scotland, his faith deepened through the Catholic Student Union, where Dominican friars introduced him to the Liturgy of the Hours. Back in Canada, he spent 15 years in the federal public service, including serving as Canada's first Ambassador for Religious Freedom, before joining Cardus, where he advocated for religious freedom, conscience rights, Jewish-Christian relations, and combating antisemitism. His own vocational journey also led him into the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. After transferring from the Roman Catholic Church in 2005, he was ordained a deacon for the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada in 2017. Earlier this year, that same openness to God's call led him west. "The invitation from the Board of Directors at Clear Water Academy... was the third invitation I had received to move to Calgary in the space of two years," Bennett says. "So, I figured that perhaps God was wanting to show me something out west and asking me to take a risk."
As an educator, Bennett believes Catholic schools play an indispensable role in supporting parents as they pass on the faith while forming young people intellectually, spiritually, and humanly in the Catholic tradition. "In short," he says, "Catholic school has an indispensable role in helping the young person on the path to sainthood." His years working in religious freedom have also reinforced his conviction that faith belongs not only in the church, but in every aspect of life. "Our faith cannot be confined to the home or the comfortable pew," he says. "We must have the courage to live it out in our public lives." That conviction has been reinforced throughout Bennett's life by people whose faithful witness shaped his Catholic imagination. First among them are his parents. He also names close friends, priests, deacons, religious communities, and saints, including St. John Paul II, St. John Henry Newman, St. Maximos the Confessor, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and St. Charbel, as enduring influences on his faith. Looking ahead to this new chapter in Calgary, Bennett carries with him a lesson shaped by years of prayer, public service, and ministry. "Above all else," he says, "be faithful. Trust in God. Rejoice always. Become a saint." Story drawn from a written interview with Dr. Andrew Bennett, Executive Director of Clear Water Academy.
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 During Lent, Catholics are called to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, not as isolated practices, but as a way of turning our hearts more fully toward Christ and toward those He places before us. For the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF), this year’s Lenten Appeal was a powerful expression of that call, supporting students in the KARA program. KARA is delivered inside the Calgary Catholic School District at St. Anne’s Academic Centre. The program, founded nearly 40 years ago by Catholic women, supports pregnant and parenting teens as they continue their education while caring for their children. These young women carry responsibilities far beyond what many students their age are asked to bear. They are students, mothers, caregivers, and young women of hope. Their perseverance deserves more than admiration. It deserves practical support, encouragement, and a community willing to walk beside them. Through the CCEF, our Catholic community is encouraged to bear witness to these young people’s courage and strength. The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation proudly champions the KARA program by building relationships, inviting community support, and helping secure resources that strengthen the students’ experience. This work matters because it allows the school to remain focused on what it does best: caring for and educating students. Fundraising should not be a burden on teachers, school staff, or students. CCEF’s role is to carry that work forward on behalf of Catholic education so that the school community can focus on formation, learning, dignity, and care. Through the generosity of donors and the beautiful partnership with Catholic Women’s League ministries in parishes across Calgary and the area, CCEF awarded four post-secondary bursaries of $1,500 each to KARA students. These bursaries will help support the recipients as they take the next step in their education and continue building a stronger future for themselves and their children. The support of several of the CWLs in the Calgary Diocese has been especially moving. Across many parishes, CWL members live out their ministry quietly, faithfully, and effectively, and their service is rooted in prayer, community, and action. In supporting KARA students, they offered a clear witness to the dignity of every young mother and every child. They responded in a very practical and deeply compassionate way by donating baby items most needed by the students and their children. Their generosity helped fully stock the KARA pantry for several months, easing the pressure of securing essential baby supplies and allowing students to keep their attention where it needed to be: on their children, their studies, and their future. Gift cards were also donated, enabling students to make choices for their own families with dignity. That matters. True charity does not simply provide help; it honours the person receiving it. It recognizes that young mothers know their children's needs and deserve the respect to respond to them directly. This is the Church at work.  It is easy to speak about being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-education. It is much more powerful to show it. The CWL ministries did exactly that. They helped turn compassion into concrete support. They reminded these young women that they are not alone, that their children are cherished, and that their education still matters. For the students who received bursaries, the impact reaches beyond immediate financial support. A post-secondary bursary says something important: you matter and we care. Our Catholic community believes in your ability to continue learning, growing, and providing for your family. CCEF is deeply grateful to every donor, parish ministry, and CWL member who contributed to this appeal, which reflects the heart of Catholic education. Your generosity has helped strengthen young families and affirm the God-given dignity of both mother and child. Submitted by Janet Lymer, CFRE, Executive Director, Calgary Catholic Education Foundation & Communications Director, Calgary CWL Diocesan. Photos courtesy of Janet Lymer.
 The Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, who run a day care for young children in Calgary, recently welcomed two visiting Sisters from their convent in the United States: Sr. Charbel Joseph, their Vocation Director, and Sr. Felicity, her companion. Sr. Charbel comes annually to Calgary for vocation promotion for her community and visits schools to meet with students to help them respond to God’s call in their own lives. This year, these two Sisters visited several schools in Calgary and Strathmore to speak about vocations and discernment. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and administration of the schools. Our only regret is that we could not visit all the Catholic high schools in our Diocese. Their presentations were engaging and personal, as they shared their own vocation stories and responded practically to questions from both students and teachers. A video by Fr. Mike Schmitz, “What’s My Vocation?,” was also helpful in explaining the various types of vocations in the Church.
Written by Sr. Dianne Turner, OSE for Faithfully. Photos courtesy of Sr. Dianne.
Let us pray:
Teachers and administrators from across the Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Schools gathered last week for the division's annual Faith Days. Faith Days is a powerful two-day tradition centred on formation in the faith. The theme for Faith Days this year was “Encountering Goodness”, completing our three-year theme “Faith Seeking Understanding” focused on Beauty, Truth, and Goodness. Through worship, reflection and community, the event invited staff to deepen their faith and renew the shared purpose that guides Catholic education across the division. The days were dedicated to fostering a shared sense of mission, with faculty participating in daily Mass, a keynote address, and teacher-led breakout sessions. Day One opened with Mass celebrated by Bishop McGrattan, and concelebrated with priests and deacons from across our division. Following Mass, keynote speaker Brett Salkeld challenged and encouraged educators with practical ways to weave Catholic faith into every subject area, helping students see clear connections between faith and everyday learning. The day concluded with a special social event, allowing colleagues to further celebrate, connect, and build community. On the first day, CTR also recognized staff whose witness and service continue to shape the division in profound ways. Eighteen recipients were honoured with the Christian Witness Award, presented to staff members who make Christ known in their communities by joyfully living the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic faith. Former employees Pat MacDonald and Shona Dobrowolski were also honoured as recipients of the St. John the Apostle Lifetime Member Award, presented to former employees whose work is characterized by excellence resulting in significant, lasting, and inspirational contributions to the life of the division. Day Two began with Ash Wednesday Mass, offering educators a meaningful opportunity to begin the season of Lent together. The day continued with teacher-led breakout sessions focused on the four pillars of formation: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. The keynote speaker was widely praised for being excellent, engaging, and inspiring. The breakout sessions, particularly those led by CTR staff and fellow teachers, were very much enjoyed for their variety, quality, and the opportunity for choice and to learn from peers. One teacher reflected, "I really valued the opportunity to step away from the busyness of school and focus on faith and personal reflection. The keynote speaker and sessions were inspiring in different ways - from sacred art to personal stories of resilience. It was a meaningful reminder of the importance of hope, compassion, and faith in our work with students." Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Holowka, expressed profound gratitude for the commitment and faith-filled leadership of CTR staff. "Our Faith Days are more than just a professional development opportunity; they are a vital moment for us to come together as one community in faith," she said. "Seeing our teachers 'Encounter Goodness' and share their spiritual journeys reinforces the heart of our mission. It ensures that the faith, hope, and love we share is what drives every decision we make for our students." The positive experience of these two days is expected to resonate throughout the remainder of the school year, strengthening the bonds between schools and re-energizing teachers in their crucial work of educating and nurturing the faith of our students.
Submitted by Cindy Nickerson, Christ of the Redeemer School Division. Photos courtesy of CTR.
 At the start of the 2025–2026 school year, the Diocese of Calgary launched the Feed the Hungry School Outreach Program, a new initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among students and families within its Catholic school communities. Through targeted funding, the program supports practical, school-based responses that ensure children are nourished, supported, and better able to learn. As part of this initiative, Calgary Catholic School District received $60,000 to support a designated school in providing a four-day-per-week lunch program. This funding ensures consistent access to nutritious meals for students who might otherwise arrive at school hungry, helping to remove a significant barrier to learning and overall well-being. Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools received $20,000 to support its Grocery Cards to Support Families in Need program. This initiative assists families experiencing food insecurity by providing grocery gift cards, enabling them to purchase food and essential nutritional items with dignity and flexibility. Medicine Hat Catholic Schools received $120,000 to establish and deliver a school-based food program at St. Mary’s School in Medicine Hat. This investment strengthens the school’s capacity to respond directly to student needs through a structured and sustainable approach to daily nutrition. Reflecting on the impact of this support, Shari Gustafson, Principal of St. Mary’s School in Okotoks, shared: “Children are not truly available for learning when their tummies are hungry. It is heartbreaking to see nearly empty lunch kits in a world of abundance.” She emphasized that the program provides not only food assistance but also dignity, stability, and hope for families in need. Gustafson further described the response within her school community: “There were hugs, hearts overwhelmed, and it was clear that they knew they were loved, they mattered, and they belonged.” She added that the support has made “a tangible and meaningful difference” and stands as a living witness to the Gospel call: “For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35). The Feed the Hungry School Outreach Program is available to all five Catholic school districts within the Diocese of Calgary through an application process. The initiative reflects the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to caring for the most vulnerable and to forming school communities rooted in compassion, justice, and faith in action. www.feedthehungrycalgary.ca Photo created with the assistance of Gemini Nano image generator.
 Written by Quinton Amundson, The Catholic Register Calgary Bishop William McGrattan said the Church cannot ignore the profound implications of the rapidly advancing technological revolution that is artificial intelligence. Speaking at the AI symposium hosted at St. Mary’s University in partnership with the Diocese of Calgary Oct. 17–18, McGrattan emphasized “we must not be an AI-illiterate Church,” urging participants — technology experts, theologians, ethicists, clergy and laity — to avoid both a “paralyzing fear” and an “uncritical embracing” of artificial intelligence. The Calgary bishop shared a potential AI action strategy that arose out of a previous summit staged in Edmonton this past May by the Mission Collaboration Initiative (MCI). The MCI is a forum created by the Alberta bishops in 2018 to empower key Catholic organizational leaders to advise diocesan shepherds about key issues that could impact the Church’s evangelization mission. Four pathways forward were formulated through synodal listening sessions, an exercise also conducted throughout the symposium at St. Mary’s. Path one is education and formation where the Church needs to be open to dialogue and learning, as a sufficient knowledge base will enable Canadian Catholic leadership to effectively present its ethical voice. “This is critical for us to have the sense of confidence and authority when dealing with issues of health care and education,” he said. McGrattan also stressed that “it is incumbent upon us to double down on the formation of the human person.” We must be mindful of the “competing visions at work in our society and culture” undermining Church teaching about personhood. “Not to generalize, but we have these ancient heresies that continually resurrect themselves in various forms,” said the native of London, Ont. “The Gnosticism that in some ways the human person is disembodied, that our consciousness, our thinking, is what defines us solely as a human person without reference to the gift of the body. Or the reductionism of the human person to what is just simply material, to what we’ve heard as the temptation of this transhumanism, to actually see our humanity be transformed into a material machine.” The second path ahead is developing guidelines for the responsible discernments and adoptions in the use of AI. McGrattan first outlined some of the key ethical considerations — AI challenges. These quandaries include privacy concerns, job displacement, social isolation, idolatry, environmental impacts, algorithmic discrimination and depersonalization. He also detailed the Catholic doctrines, linking with these aforementioned dilemmas, that must be championed during this unfolding sea change. 
The dignity of work principle acutely corresponds with the concerns of mass job displacement. This creed could be promoted by advocating that the affirming value and purpose of labour could be safeguarded by ensuring there are meaningful human-centric roles available for workers who see some of their assignments overtaken by automation. For example, if AI takes charge of administrative tasks, healthcare workers can devote more time to personalized patient care. Fostering authentic community and human accompaniment is the third pathway. Strengthening community life can help to confront the loneliness epidemic at work in society today and could magnify further as AI development continues to proliferate. McGrattan also suggested that cultivating authentic bonds of fellowship can “be a way of mitigating unhealthy dependence and reliance on AI for companionship.” Pathway four is continued proactive engagement with technology leaders and policymakers. “The goal here is to have the Catholic Church’s voice heard and also integrated into the development of AI,” said McGrattan. He concluded by spotlighting AI's potential to advance the Church's mission, such as amplifying evangelization efforts by overcoming language barriers, enriching catechetical formation through personalized learning and freeing clerical staff for more pastoral care. The next steps for the Alberta bishops are to establish a commission on technology, advocate for the inclusion of AI ethics in school curriculum and Catholic institutions and organize public forums to engage the broader community on artificial intelligence. As the municipal election approaches on Monday, October 20, 2025, Catholics are encouraged to pay close attention not only to mayoral and council races, but also to school trustee elections in Catholic school divisions, where the values and direction of Catholic education are at stake. In Alberta, trustees serve four-year terms and make decisions on fiscal oversight, policy, curriculum support, and the priorities of Catholic education. Here’s a quick guide to where to look up candidates in your area:
As the new school year begins, our Catholic schools and communities across the Diocese are alive with excitement, faith, and the shared hope for a year filled with growth, learning, and grace. During last week’s School District opening Mass, Bishop McGrattan reminded teachers and staff that "it is a time to focus on those you will serve, especially the students and their families who are seeking an authentically Catholic education within our Catholic schools." As we embark on this year, the bishop acknowledged the challenges that may lie ahead—whether through experiences of persecution, affliction, or suffering. He emphasized that, as St. Paul taught, these trials are opportunities to strengthen our faith.
The Bishop also highlighted that "all of your work, efforts and accomplishments will always be fulfilled by His power and grace." The growth in charity and unity within our Catholic schools is not solely the result of human effort but is deeply dependent on the grace of God. "These simple signs that can foster the growth of the Catholic faith must become evident in the teachers, staff, students, and their parents within our Catholic schools.” Our diocesan Pastoral Renewal invites us to deepen our relationship with God, recognizing that we are Called, we Matter, and we Belong. "I hope that in this coming year you will in fact experience this same spirit of Renewal within your classrooms," says Bishop McGrattan, encouraging us to rediscover our passion for the vocation of Catholic education. He referenced Dr. Brett Salkeld’s Educating for Eternity, which offers an expanded vision of teaching that integrates faith into every aspect of the curriculum—an approach that is not merely an additional task but a central element of our mission. 
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff had a blessed day on August 28, 2024 as they held our Opening Mass for the 2024/2025 School Year in Lethbridge. "We're excited to move forward with Year 3 of our Faith Plan with a focus on Proclaiming Our Faith. Thank you to everyone who helped make this glorious day a huge success!! We look forward to welcoming students into the classroom next Tuesday on September 3, 2024, for the first day of school!" (Photos: Holy Spirit Catholic Schools Facebook) 
 Calgary Catholic School District staff gathered at parishes across Calgary to celebrate the District Opening Mass. "It was wonderful to gather as a community and kick off the 2024-2025 school year. We are blessed!"
 Opening Mass at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary In this video, Monique Baker, Director General of the Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, highlighted the start of the school year in the FrancoSud School District, where around 4,000 students will return to 16 schools. Staff are ready to offer a year of learning and enjoyment, with various educational, cultural, sports, and social activities planned. Monique also thanked parents for their support and trust, wishing all families a wonderful school year. Watch video Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools teachers from across the division gathered in Okotoks for our opening professional development day on Aug 26, 202 marking the start of the new school year. The day began with a Mass and a blessing from Bishop McGrattan, continuing our cherished tradition. The focus of the day was our Catholic faith, with the afternoon dedicated to professional learning and teacher planning. "We pray for our teachers and staff as they prepare to welcome our most precious gift - the students of CTR - on Wednesday, August 28!" | (Photos: CTR Facebook) “Heavenly Father, as we gather together to prepare for this new academic year, we ask for Your blessing on all of us. May Your Spirit set our hearts ablaze with love of You - love that we can share with our students, their families and each other. Bless our planning and be with us each day.”
 CTR welcomed 32 new teachers to the CTR family this new school year. The teachers gathered for two days of learning, orientations and collaboration. On the final day, CTR staff extended a traditional farewell blessing to the teachers as they look ahead to welcoming students to the classroom next week (photo above). Photos: CTR Facebook
MHCBE: "Yesterday our friends at Southland Transportation hosted two “My First Ride” events for our school division. The program is intended to teach first riders or new students about school bus safety and allow them to ride the bus for the first time prior to the first day of school... Wishing our students a wonderful first ride next week!" | Photos: MHCBE Facebook.  Thirteen new teachers begin their journey as educators in MHCBE Catholic schools. "We look forward to seeing them in our classrooms and hallways this school year. Please join us in welcoming them to our MHCBE family!"  Clear Water Academy, a Catholic private school in Calgary: "As we prepared to welcome students to school this week, we began by preparing our hearts and minds. Faculty Faith Day, led by our amazing formation team, was an enriching time for faculty to worship, reflect, and build community. We look forward to the start of the 2024-25 school year!" (Photos: Clear Water Academy Facebook)
 Human trafficking is a distressing and complicated issue that affects people all over the world… sadly it’s not something new. The Calgary Catholic School District has been increasing their awareness and building strategies to combat human trafficking by preventing our youth from being groomed and exploited, growing in our ability to identify potential vulnerable youths, and providing supports to those who are victimized. The prevention strategy starts in our Religion and Wellness courses where we teach our students about the gift that God has given us in the form of our bodies and that these bodies deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. We also talk about what healthy, good relationships look like. As we move upward in our grades, we do explore family life in terms of anatomy and discuss the concept of consent. Having students understand their worth and value as a child of God creates the understanding that they do not deserve to have anything but love in their life and if it is not love, it should not be tolerated. There are still students who have been traumatized in their life and this trauma may lead to a greater vulnerability of being exploited. Make no mistake, the traffickers groom their victims with great sophistication where the young person may not even realize until it is to late what is happening and feels trapped and ashamed by what they have involved themselves in. Calgary Catholic is proud to promote the education course on the Not In My City to help educators and staff understand signs of potential trafficking victims. When we find a potential youth at risk of being trafficked, being trafficked or have ben trafficked, we work to support them and their families through targeted supports that may include supports though a mental health professional such as a psychologist or District Wellness Worker, collaborative supports with agencies outside of CCSD and creating a learning environment where the student feels safe enough to learn and brave enough to try. One of the examples of ways that we raise awareness and help to support victims is by supporting IWIN (I’m Worth It Now). This wonderful organization is based out of St. Michael's parish in Calgary, and has strong spiritual connection and support through the Diocese of Calgary. They have two projects that schools in Calgary Catholic can participate in. The first is building backpacks that are provided to survivors of human trafficking who are entering a wrap-around program to support them emotionally physically and spiritually. The backpacks contain brand new items such as a change of clothes, toiletry items, a handwritten car of encouragement and a bracelet. A matching bracelet is given to a volunteer prayer warrior to support the survivor through prayer. The second is an awareness prayer service called the Red Sand Prayer Service where red sand is spread through the cracks in a sidewalk or tarmac to bring awareness to the atrocity of human trafficking. St. Josephine Bahkita school, whose patron saint of victims of human trafficking, participates in the Red Sand Prayer Service every year on their feast day.
The Calgary Catholic School District works hard to provide learning environments for all of our students that are safe enough for them to learn in and help our students become safe enough to try new adventures in their learning. Human trafficking is one way that a student can be victimized by those who look to exploit the vulnerable. The district works hard with families and parishes to create safe environments for students to experience success. We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve those who need our help.
 Good Friday, 2024. Photo courtesy of Maria Hernandez, St. Mary's Cathedral
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) With grateful hearts, we rejoice in the opportunity to engage staff and students in Eucharistic Adoration in Calgary Catholic School District high schools. Through the collaborative effort of local clergy and high school principals and chaplains, over 45 hours of Eucharistic Adoration for vocations was hosted in high school chapels, the Cathedral and Central Office between February 26 to March 6, 2024. Eleven high schools committed to offering four hours of adoration and engaged participants in private and collective prayer, reflection on scripture, music, and silence. In one case, local parishioners joined the school community in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and in another, a Eucharistic procession took place throughout the school. This time of prayer and adoration exalted the greatness of our Lord, helped deepen participants' understanding of God’s call to vocation, strengthened the bond between parish and school communities, and created a desire in staff and students for more opportunities to engage in Eucharistic Adoration. Together, let us continue to pray for hearts and minds open to the voice of God and the grace to faithfully follow his call.
Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us." ~Saint Alphonsus Liguori Contributor: Michelle Hoogveld, Calgary Catholic School District
Photos courtesy of Calgary Catholic School District
 GrACE Summit 2023 in Edmonton, AB. Photo credit: ECSD.
 Holy Spirit students sharing their dancing talents during the Children of St. Martha Pow Wow on October 5, 2022. On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, The Children of St. Martha School hosted a Fall Pow-Wow. True to the spirit of its patron saint of hospitality, they invited community members and students from other schools in the division to come and partake. As part of the day’s celebration, Elder Peter Strikes With a Gun (Piitaiipoyi) provided an exceptional gift to the school community by bestowing a traditional Blackfoot Name: Naatoowootak’oyis - “Holy Spirit Lodge” In his explanation of the name, Peter spoke about the school’s patron, St. Martha, and her example of compassion, dedication and, ultimately, forgiveness. “This is what we have seen in this building that we have come to many times - the compassion of the young children, the dedication and service of all the schools we have attended. We feel at home when we walk in and we hope that we will continue in our reconciliation.” After imparting his wisdom, Peter purified and blessed the building while his grandsons, Donovan Strikes With a Gun and Mason Yellowfeet, shared a ceremonial grass dance that reinforced connection to the land.
 “We are truly humbled,” says Principal Shannon Collier. “This name is just another example of how blessed we are to have the guidance and wisdom of Peter, his wife Jeannie, and all of the Elders who are part of our school community. With our Elders, students and staff, we really are a family and we have so much to be grateful for.” “It was a remarkable day,” notes Superintendent Ken Sampson. “I can’t think of a more perfect name to describe the welcoming and loving daytime home provided for our students by The Children of St. Martha School…it’s very fitting.” This new Blackfoot name will be prominently displayed, reminding all who enter that they are welcome.
 Catholic Central High School (Lethbridge) returned to their large in-person graduation this spring. Graduates receive their candles as they enter into Mass together. And here is the traditional cap toss at the end of the convocation. One of the traditional rites of passage in our society is high school graduation. All schools, from small town to big city, take time at the end of the school year to recognize the culmination of the kindergarten to grade 12 educational journey for students, their families, and the wider community. In our Catholic schools, we understand these ceremonies as an opportunity to reflect our Catholic identity and to contribute to a shared spirituality of communion. Our students have experienced the richness of our faith in many ways through their time in our schools, from classroom prayers and liturgies to service projects and retreats. In Holy Spirit Catholic schools, each of our graduating classes also mark this moment with a Mass as they are sent forth on their next steps. In the past three years, schools across the province have had to shift these ceremonies through many different modes, from online delivery to drive-through graduations, hybrid versions and outdoor events, as they sought to comply with the regulations prevailing at that time. While these celebrations were meaningful, personal and reflected the best efforts of each school staff, one of the blessings of this spring has been the ability to gather together again. In the third year of our Holy Spirit Catholic Schools three year Faith Plan, Making our Mark, Journey of an Intentional Disciple, our key scripture to focus on has been from Romans 12: “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” This has been a most fitting verse for us this spring, as our gatherings in each of our communities have powerfully reaffirmed the deep human need that we have for spiritual connection with one another, and how vital it is for us to be together as we celebrate. While we know that we are one body in Christ whether we are gathered in one place or not, graduations this spring have reinforced the scale and scope of our faith community, and how we belong to one another in that community. Our physical presence with one another shows us that even as we proceed along our educational and faith journeys individually, we are never detached from the one body in Christ.  As I reflect upon this year’s graduation class, I am again reminded of God’s providence for us in all of the experiences of our lives. The three year journey that we in Holy Spirit have experienced in our faith plan, and the three year high school journey that this graduating class has experienced, were marked indelibly by the Covid pandemic. However, as a collective group, we are not marked solely by the pandemic. We might think instead of the wide range of educational experiences that students have had to prepare them to graduate, and the warmth of the interactions between staff and students as they engaged in the learning process. We might think of the ways in which our schools and communities have supported each other, and our shared joy in recognizing our graduates. We might choose to see the recent past as an opportunity to focus on and develop the virtues of fortitude, patience, and constancy. We might remind ourselves that one of the great things about a high school graduation is, that as an end and a beginning, it is a time filled with hope. And, in our Catholic schools, we know that hope is not solely our hopes for something, but a hope in Christ and in God’s promises and plans for us. As we pray this month for our graduates, let us pray that their hope be abundant and expansive, that they continue to deepen their faith, and that they witness in their words and actions the unity we share in the body of Christ.  St. Michael’s School (Pincher Creek) also returned to their in-person graduation this spring. graduates after receiving their candles as they were sent forth from Mass together. Above: the traditional cap toss.
After three challenging years, the 2022 graduates gathered last month at Holy Family Parish to celebrate their graduation Mass. These students were in grade 10 when the pandemic hit, having the entirety of their high school education impacted. But they focused on opportunities rather than challenges, and persevered to reach this wonderful milestone. Our division's theme this year was “Created in the Image of God”. Throughout the year, staff and students focused on the dignity, beauty, and uniqueness of each person. This theme was embedded in the graduation Mass in many facets. On the steps near the altar, each student’s graduation picture was displayed. In the homily, Fr. Rodel Abanto spoke of graduation being a commencement, i.e., a beginning. He reminded the students that they have all been made in the image of God and have been given unique gifts to impact the world in countless ways. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Rodel prayed a special blessing over the cross necklaces, which were given by the Administration for each graduate as a stirring reminder of Jesus’ abounding love for them.  This graduation was a celebration of a community of members with unique backgrounds, experiences, and stories, all coming together in a beautiful tapestry. Many students have been part of Catholic education since kindergarten. Other students joined our Catholic division at various points in their educational journeys. In a recent religion review performed in our division, Dr. Dean Sarnecki asked students who had attended school in both the public and Catholic schools if they found a difference between the school systems. The students could not specifically identify the difference but noted that there was a special feeling in the Catholic system - that it was “just different” and offered “something more.” Hard to put their finger on, perhaps, but that “difference” was pervasive. Another tremendous aspect of celebrating our graduating class was the 16 international students who graduated alongside their Canadian classmates. These students came from Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Denmark, Columbia, Ukraine, Japan, and Poland. They forged friendships that will last a lifetime and span many miles across the globe. Each one of these students was an important piece of the patchwork, the tapestry, of the Graduating Class of 2022. We do not know what the future holds for our graduates, but we do know we are sending them out with numerous lessons learned. They have learned to be flexible; they have learned the value of working together; they have learned perseverance pays off; they have learned to be welcoming to others in their midst, and they have learned that they are created in the image and likeness of God. With these experiences woven together, forever a part of the tapestry of the Class of 2022, undoubtedly, they will thrive. Photos from the Monsignor McCoy High School Graduation for Class 2022
 In March of 2020, our world changed irrevocably with the immediate implementation of lockdowns, churches shuttering their doors and frequent moves to online learning for many students. We knew the pandemic and ensuring restrictions would impact upon our students but to what degree remained to be seen. During the nearly two years of living through a pandemic, students have repeatedly shown us a myriad of reactions and emotions to the ongoing issues and restrictions that have become a daily reality. As a Catholic school community, we have consistently sought to remind students of God’s continuous love for them, and that they play a very real and necessary part in God’s plan of Salvation. Faith and hope in the future are front and centre of our Christian message. Thankfully, this important and timely message was integral to an important day that we planned especially for our middle-year students at Bishop David Motiuk School and delivered virtually on January 27th, as part of our annual Faith Day. This was a day created specifically for our students to connect with God and to find inspiration for building community within our school. We began the day with a simple but profound Liturgy led by Father Paul Kavanagh and Deacon Ryan Sales. This led us into sessions with three guest speakers. Father Leo Patalinghug, a priest and professional chef from Boston, led us on an entertaining but meaningful journey to develop our understanding of Jesus as food for our mind, body, and soul. Deacon Ryan Sales of Edmonton, shared his heartfelt journey to becoming a Deacon and how the journey is just as important as the destination. He reminded students that they are already living God’s plan for them. Finally, we finished the morning off with a video presentation created by Father Rob Galea, an Australian priest and international speaker at youth conferences, who was also a contestant on Australia’s Got Talent. Fr. Rob touched on the pandemic and how technology has been a wonderful way for us to keep in contact with each other but that it cannot replace personal connection and community. All the videos shared were specifically recorded for Bishop David Motiuk's MYP Faith Day, which was such a blessing to our school community. The sessions were directly relevant to and meant for our students during this time of great upheaval. The execution of the day was a collaboration between several of our staff members who have become experts in navigating the challenges presented by the current pandemic restrictions. Many students shared wonderful reflections on what they heard, saw, and experienced as inspiration as they continued to live by the restrictions of a difficult school year. Many remarked that it was like the presenters were speaking directly to them and what they are going through. As Catholic educators, we continue to teach through the lens of our faith tradition and our scriptures. We commit ourselves to “bringing Christ into our classrooms” so that students recognize that all of the facets of life and action are imbued by the presence and compassion of our loving Lord. Taking a special day each year to remind our students through the wisdom of great speakers, that we are meant for God, is a privileged opportunity to engage in the ongoing mission of evangelization. Our students are aware that the Lord accompanies them through difficult times, as members of a family, of a larger society, and at school. They know they are loved by God because they see it in action around them, and they hear about it through events such as our MYP Faith Day. What a grace it is to be able to cooperate with the Lord in sharing the beautiful message that reminds students that, “I am here with you always.” Our speakers tell us the truth of this message, and demonstrate through their inspirational talks, just where and how the Lord works in the ordinary, and in the extraordinary events such as a pandemic to draw us closer to the life of faith and hope Written by Sunata Halliday from Edmonton Catholic School District.
“Those schools in Brooks are sure doing amazing things.” This comment made by my father-in-law started it all. I was four months away from graduating, unsure where I would end up, so I decided to look into ‘those schools’; after all, they were in my hometown. I remembered the old brick building from my primary school years. Aesthetically, the outside still looked the same, but I would be forever changed by the inside. As I opened the heavy brown metal door, I clearly recall being overcome with an indescribable feeling. My heart fluttered and an overwhelming sense of peace and calm came over me. Even to this day, I cannot explain exactly what I experienced, but I do remember thinking, I need to be here. The secretary, who is one of the most amazingly kind individuals I have ever met, greeted me at the front office. Her eyes were so welcoming and warm. We exchanged pleasantries and the reason for my visit. I took a seat, and shortly afterwards I was greeted by the principal. She too made an impression on me. Sitting in her office, not knowing her for more than five minutes, I could tell she was a sincere, kind, and compassionate soul, the kind of person anyone would want to work for. I shared my desire to do my teaching practicum at Holy Family Academy. It was a new adventure for the school to take on a practicum student, but she granted me the opportunity. We finalized plans and exchanged information, and that was the beginning of my journey in Catholic Education in Brooks. Over 20 years later, my journey continues. Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching at Holy Family Academy and St. Joseph’s Collegiate, and currently I teach at Christ the King Academy. I have taught some of the best students one could ask for in almost every grade and subject. I have also taught the toughest of the tough, the ones others might give up on. Being able to use my faith as a guide, helped me immensely. They were the most challenging group I taught, but they had the biggest impact on me. I am blessed to see Catholic education come full circle, as I am now teaching the children of some of my past students. The values and morals we instilled in our students then are becoming evident in the parents they are now and are reflected in their children who sit before me in class, an affirmation that we are doing good things here. I still sense that indescribable feeling every day when I go to work. It fills me with contentment every time I open the doors. I was reignited in my faith and finally felt a sense of purpose, and I will be forever grateful for walking through those doors the first time. Trust me when I say, “Those schools in Brooks are sure doing some amazing things.” You should check them out.
 Madison and her colleagues in Christ the King Academy My journey with Catholic education started in St. Catharines, Ontario, at a job fair that was being held by Brock University. Gary Chiste was standing at the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools’ booth with a pack of Smarties and a contagious smile on his face. “Come for an interview!” he exclaimed. I had never thought about moving to Alberta. My plan in life was to work for the school board I had grown up in. I’d move back to my hometown, teach at my local Catholic high school and likely live with my mom to help around the house. But Christ the Redeemer had Smarties… and I couldn’t resist the Smarties. I have grown up in Catholic schools all my life because I was blessed with parents who believed in the value of Catholic education. But after spending time with students in the classroom, something was definitely different about the Catholic culture at Christ the King Academy. Each interaction with students was done through a love of Christ and with authenticity. Conversations became more meaningful because of the vulnerability that students and staff experienced. It was evident my colleagues were called to be educators and that they were living out their vocations by having real and genuine interactions that were mastered through the teachings of the Gospel. Even through challenging moments, when students had to be disciplined, they were met with grace and with the understanding that they, too, were a child of God. What I love most about Catholic education is how we pray before a hard quiz or exam; how we can stop what we are doing to teach a lesson from the Bible, how we discipline with the teachings of Jesus. What I love most about Catholic education is how we can have prayer services for fish that have died in our classrooms, the love that our students have for one another, despite their differences because they share the same faith. What I love most about Catholic education is the moments that go unexplained because of the Holy Spirit at work: when a student who is struggling the most “gets it” or when a student who has no connections to friends in the class suddenly gets invited to play at recess. I am thankful for the many opportunities I have had with students and conversations I have had with staff members. I’m thankful for the moments that have challenged me both personally and professionally. I look forward to what the Holy Spirit has in store for me and my students.
 Fr. Troy with students at St. Mary's School in Okotoks From the perspective of a priest, I, Fr Troy Nguyen, have seen the gift of Catholic education. Beginning with my time as a Deacon, I was able to visit a Catholic school in NW Calgary once a month and dedicate the whole day to speak to different grades in 30 minute intervals. From sharing the mystery of Advent with the little ones to speaking about the rational basis for our faith to the junior high students, it was a great opportunity to share the Gospel. One of my favourite things to do is to do question period with any grade but particularly the younger kids. They ask a variety of tough questions: who created God? Does the bible talk about dinosaurs? These and many other questions challenge me to translate complicated philosophical and biblical topics into bite size pieces for an 8 year old! Most importantly, it is time just to be with the students in a very human way just like Jesus did. Whether it’s walking through the halls, going to a high school football game or playing sports with the students, it reveals that faith is not contrary to our everyday life. I had an opportunity during lunch at an elementary school in Christ the Redeemer (CTR) to walk around and was invited to kick the ball for kickball. So I took up the challenge in my priestly attire and smoked that ball into the end of time! The kids were shocked and elated at the same time that a ‘priest’ could play kickball. At a junior high school in CTR during a girls basketball finals game, I was invited to say the opening prayer for the team and give them a blessing to calm their nerves because they were worried about this particular opponent. When they started playing, the girls from CTR played with great freedom, crushed their opponent and won the championship. They were extremely grateful for the spiritual boost and ‘divine intervention.’ To be able to share in the joys of these students with faith is a great gift.  Fr. Troy and students at St. Mary's School in Okotoks after Christmas hampers preparation. There are many more instances I could describe where Catholic education creates opportunities to encounter our Lord and the Catholic faith. These opportunities to reach out to students are only available to me because the administration and teachers allow me to come to visit the school. It may be much more difficult if not impossible to enter another school not focused on Catholic education. So, while there is much to be grateful for, there is much to continue to strive for if we want to maintain Catholic education. We need to pray for our teachers and administration and we need to continue to be intentional in forming their faith so that they can evangelize to our children from an authentic heart. We need to remain firm in our Catholic identity so that we can transmit the Catholic faith in its fullness and this is what differentiates us from public education. Catholic education is a gift, but gifts need to be protected and preserved. So we give thanks to God for the gift of Catholic education, and we ask him to protect and preserve this gift so that all of our children may continue to have the opportunity to know and to love this amazing God.
 Even moments of stress can be holy. When complaining about getting the ladder up to put up Christmas lights in the cold, a student re-framed the situation to say at least you have a house and are healthy enough to climb up! By shifting our perspectives slightly, we were able to see ordinary encounters as holy moments. The impact of teaching and learning through the various waves of the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted everyone and affected us in different ways. We noticed in conversations that at times it was challenging to see the light along the journey. Even as faith-filled educators we had to cope with uncertainty and make sense of God’s intention for us. It is in times like these that our faith can really be our strength, if we look for it. At our school we started with a reflection on our daily encounters. Rather than simply overlooking a helpful gesture or beautiful sunrise, we wanted to absorb those moments. Those moments can be fleeting, yet so powerful. To transfer this to students, among several initiatives, we implemented a call to identify holy moments. One of the activities that we had students participate in was a “Holy Moments” chain. Students would add their moments to the chain which was connected and displayed in the hallways.  Students prepared the Holy Moments chain for display. We found that by intentionally sharing holy moments, perspectives changed. The act of re-framing situations to see the blessings in our midst allowed us to see our call to be joyful people, who act with gratitude. However, joyful participation in the challenges of life isn’t always easy. By identifying holy moments, it has also affirmed the gift that we have in our Catholic school with faith in the Lord at all times. We walk with Jesus every day! It is a blessing to be able to journey through hard times together knowing that God calls us to lift one another up when we are down. When you stop and look for it, even on your hardest day there is a holy moment that will make you smile. The foundation of our school as a community of faithful has not been more relevant than it is today. We need to know that God is with us. It is up to us to actually pause and notice His presence in our lives. The only question left to ask is, what holy moments have you had today?
 Kasi and his family. Photo submitted by Ryan Ledene. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit… Despite his upbringing in a strict Hindu Orthodox home in India, Kasiviswanat Ganesan carefully recites the Trinitarian prayer complete with careful hand placements to mark out the sign of the Catholic faith. Kasiviswanat or ‘Kasi’ as we all know him as, is the Cafeteria Manager at our newest high school in Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. He has held this position since the school opened and has become well-known throughout the school division for his culinary expertise and the amazing lunches and dinners that he provides as part of the catering responsibilities that his team holds throughout the division. Kasi is also a parent in our division with a son and a daughter in our French Immersion program. This allows him to have a unique perspective and I sought him out to discuss his observations and understanding in relation to Catholic education. In our conversation, Kasi shared that he works two full time jobs. He is a supervisor at one of the top restaurants in Red Deer. He begins this job everyday after working 8 hours at our high school. Kasi indicated how hard this has been on his relationship with his son, Mukesh, who he often doesn’t even see on a normal workday. He tells me that he is supporting his own extended family back in India as well as in-laws in Indonesia. Kasi also tells me that he has been offered twice as much money at other restaurants or a promotion at the restaurant he currently works at if he would give up his job at St. Joseph’s High School. I asked him why he doesn’t do that especially given the financial obligations he carries. He replies, “I stay because of Mr. Daniel”.  Kasi and his Cafeteria Staff receive a 'Soaring Falcon' award (Covid style with oven mitt protection!) from Graeme Daniel and the Administration Team. Mr. Daniel is the principal and Kasi goes on to inform me that he learns so much watching Mr. Daniel lead the school community. “He has built a family at our school.” I want to lead like Mr. Daniel who is tough on the outside, but has a really big heart.” I ask Kasi for an example and he describes a time when Mr. Daniel came to him and told him about a young man in their school who has a very difficult home life and was supporting younger siblings basically on his own. “Mr. Daniel told me to quietly give this student a lunch every day and just send the bill to the office and they would take care of it.” Kasi also recalls the time when Kasi, himself, became a Canadian citizen. “I did not tell Mr. Daniel that I was doing this, but the next day, the school had organized a special gathering for me and celebrated my new citizenship.” Kasi knows that his kids are getting more than just a good education in our Catholic school division. “They are learning how to live in a relationship with others. Catholic school changes their character and puts them on a good path. It is a good thing that they are learning there is one superior power out there guiding them.” This takes me back to the first line of the article where Kasi perfectly demonstrated the sign of our Catholic faith. Kasi has not joined the Catholic Church nor does he have any current desire to do so, but he knows Catholic education is good for his kids. Kasi explains, “My daughter taught me this as part of her prayers of gratitude she leads when we eat meals together and before she goes to sleep at night.” Kasi’s daughter’s name is Avanthika which means ‘beautiful sky’. She is five years old.
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August 2026
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