Growing stronger, growing deeper and reaching higher

​On my parish pastoral visit to St. Mary’s in January 2019  I had the opportunity to celebrate a Dedication Liturgy for the Chapel at Holy Family Academy. Some representative students and their parents were in attendance and it was a reminder of the importance of the triad relationship of family – school – parish which is so important for the mission of  Catholic Education. This school also participated  with the parish in outreach to the Newbrook Lodge seniors home where once a month students from one of the school grades participate in Mass, prayed the rosary and visited with those living at the Lodge. I was amazed at the impact that this pastoral initiative had on the seniors and the staff. As Pope Francis often mentions, grandparents are essential in the life of society, the Church and our parishes. This is a true example of the permeation of the faith in and through our Catholic schools. Students learn by example and by being involved through such acts of service.
 
At the middle school Christ the King Academy and the high school St. Joseph’s Collegiate I met with all the students and gave a talk on technology, the media and internet  and then fielded their questions. Needless to say they were not shy but were also open to listen and to consider the benefits that we receive as well as the ethical challenges which we also face which can impact our dignity as human beings.

​In the discussions I touch upon how sometimes our experience of truth and beauty is altered through the media. At the conclusion of the session, the students encouraged one of their peers who possessed a developing artistic talent to share a picture that he had drawn of Christ as a child in the carpentry shop with St. Joseph. I was struck by the symbolism of what he had drawn. The picture showed Joseph’s back busy working at a table and the young child Jesus bending over to pick up some nails that had fallen on the ground. As the light  was shining in through the window onto the back of Jesus what you saw depicted across his back and tiny shoulders was the shadow of the cross. This memory has always stayed with me from that visit to the schools in Brooks is that in the wisdom of the Church our teaching of the truths of our faith are expressed in many mediums as depicted through such pictures of art. For students the human gifts of learning, art, music and even sports can that take on a deeper and more profound meaning in our Catholic schools. As Father Ronald Knox once stated about the unique identity of Catholic schools “ they fly to the heart of things” that truly matter.  I pray that this will continue to be the experience in the Catholic schools in Brooks.
 
As the community of Brooks and St Mary’s parish celebrate 25 years of Catholic education, I offer my heartfelt support and congratulations. It is evident that the faith and commitment shown by the early founders have allowed Brooks’ Catholic schools to flourish. Despite opposition, challenges, and times of despair, Catholic education in Brooks continues to grow stronger, grow deeper and reach higher. I will persist in my prayers for Catholic education  in this community, across the diocese of Calgary and throughout Alberta.

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Written by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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September, 2021