12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care
May 1 - 7, 2022
| palliative-care-kit-2022-final.pdf |
Education and Health: Vacant: [email protected]
It is with great joy that the CCSTA Board of Directors announces Joan Carr as the 2022 posthumous recipient of the Justice James Higgins Award.“...and what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, and to love kindness and walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Selfless leadership, unwavering faithfulness and a Christ-like presence – these are the marks left by the legacy and ministry of Joan Carr, a true Champion of Catholic Education.
Having spent 45 years in faithful ministry of Catholic Education with the Edmonton Catholic School District, 14 years of which were spent as a Superintendent, Joan made a notable, lasting impact – an impact which led to the nomination and joyful acceptance of Joan as a very worthy recipient of the 2022 Higgins Award.
We know that Catholic schools in Canada could not operate without faithful leaders like Joan, who, one day at a time, with one person at a time, incarnate the love of Christ in our school communities. Joan’s faithful, unrelenting “ yes” to Christ and His mission is the foundation of her long list of admirable successes and long-lasting impact.
Selfless LeadershipThroughout decades of working in Catholic Education, Joan’s primary focus remained on the wellbeing of students. Faced with the many, all-too-familiar struggles of Catholic schools, such as limited funding, increased outcome demands and the many, varied needs of students and families, Joan responded with generosity, creativity and a willingness to “think outside the box”.
This Christ-like approach to each and every challenge led to the creation of outstanding educational programs and initiatives, gaining far-reaching admiration from around Alberta and throughout North America, for their leading-edge innovation.
In reflecting on Joan’s legacy, Sandra Palazzo, Board Chair of Edmonton Catholic School Board, shared,
“The partnerships she fostered with the government and stakeholders resulted in creative approaches to providing education. The use of sports centres, children’s services and libraries for outreach programs for early learning is one example of how she worked with local and provincial governments to meet the needs of students and families…
Joan strongly advocated for programs to serve early learning and vulnerable students. The Early Learning Mobile Unit, as well as One World… One Centre and the Sacred Heart Centre (which provides educational and cultural support to newcomers to Canada and Indigenous families) were ground-breaking programs.”
Unwavering Faithfulness“Joan never lost sight of the fact that children and Jesus should be at the centre of decision making… At the foundation of Joan Carr was a deep faith and love of our God. She lived her life sharing in the vision of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and working to bring children into closer relationship with Him.” – Remarks submitted in Joan’s nomination for the Higgins Award
Attributed with countless successes throughout her decades of work, the foundation of Joan’s entire ministry in Catholic Education was her love of Jesus and her desire to bring students to Him. Rooted in her own relationship with Christ, she found the enduring strength and dedicated passion to be a true leader in Catholic Education.
Most Reverend David Motiuk, Eparchial Bishop of Edmonton, spoke highly of Joan’s faith and her deep relationship with Christ. “The virtues of faith, hope and mercy were instilled in Joan from an early age and formed her conscience and very being.” he expressed in his letter of support for Joan’s nomination. He continued, “… Joan’s motivation in all this? Joan was inspired by the words of the Prophet Micah (6:8) to ‘…act justly, to love faithfully and to walk humbly with our Lord.’ Indeed this biblical reference appeared on a plaque which stood day after day, year after year, on her office credenza, as a constant reminder for her ministry in Catholic Education.”
A Christ-like PresenceTo love and serve the mission of Catholic Education as Joan Carr did, is to bring the presence of Christ into the here and now; into the circumstances and situations which our Catholic schools are facing today. In pouring herself out, selflessly, for 45 years, in service of Catholic Education, Joan brought the unmistakable presence of Christ to the countless students, families and staff she encountered. It is this very presence of Christ which animates a leader to think ‘creatively’ and ‘outside the box’. It’s this presence of Christ which elevates a person from being a leader to being a ‘witness’. It’s this presence of Christ which transforms a board meeting or a school assembly into an opportunity to form saints.
Joan’s life was bursting with the presence of Christ and her legacy was founded upon her desire to give this presence to those around her. This is a witness to all of us of what it means to be a true champion of Catholic Education.
After the CCSTA Board discussed and approved Joan’s nomination, CCSTA President, Patrick Daly, remarked, “It is with great pleasure and deep gratitude that the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association posthumously awards the 2022 Justice James Higgins Award to Joan Carr. We do so in recognition of her 45 years of outstanding service as a Catholic Educator including 14 years of faith filled leadership as Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic schools. We give thanks to God for Joan’s significant contribution to the mission of Catholic education.”
In recognition of Joan’s faithful leadership and the long-lasting legacy which will continue to bear fruit in Catholic Schools for years to come, it is a privilege and honour to posthumously award Joan Carr the 2022 Higgins Award.
Joan will be recognized posthumously at CCSTA’s 2022 virtual AGM on Friday, June 3.
Selfless leadership, unwavering faithfulness and a Christ-like presence – these are the marks left by the legacy and ministry of Joan Carr, a true Champion of Catholic Education.
Having spent 45 years in faithful ministry of Catholic Education with the Edmonton Catholic School District, 14 years of which were spent as a Superintendent, Joan made a notable, lasting impact – an impact which led to the nomination and joyful acceptance of Joan as a very worthy recipient of the 2022 Higgins Award.
We know that Catholic schools in Canada could not operate without faithful leaders like Joan, who, one day at a time, with one person at a time, incarnate the love of Christ in our school communities. Joan’s faithful, unrelenting “ yes” to Christ and His mission is the foundation of her long list of admirable successes and long-lasting impact.
Selfless LeadershipThroughout decades of working in Catholic Education, Joan’s primary focus remained on the wellbeing of students. Faced with the many, all-too-familiar struggles of Catholic schools, such as limited funding, increased outcome demands and the many, varied needs of students and families, Joan responded with generosity, creativity and a willingness to “think outside the box”.
This Christ-like approach to each and every challenge led to the creation of outstanding educational programs and initiatives, gaining far-reaching admiration from around Alberta and throughout North America, for their leading-edge innovation.
In reflecting on Joan’s legacy, Sandra Palazzo, Board Chair of Edmonton Catholic School Board, shared,
“The partnerships she fostered with the government and stakeholders resulted in creative approaches to providing education. The use of sports centres, children’s services and libraries for outreach programs for early learning is one example of how she worked with local and provincial governments to meet the needs of students and families…
Joan strongly advocated for programs to serve early learning and vulnerable students. The Early Learning Mobile Unit, as well as One World… One Centre and the Sacred Heart Centre (which provides educational and cultural support to newcomers to Canada and Indigenous families) were ground-breaking programs.”
Unwavering Faithfulness“Joan never lost sight of the fact that children and Jesus should be at the centre of decision making… At the foundation of Joan Carr was a deep faith and love of our God. She lived her life sharing in the vision of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and working to bring children into closer relationship with Him.” – Remarks submitted in Joan’s nomination for the Higgins Award
Attributed with countless successes throughout her decades of work, the foundation of Joan’s entire ministry in Catholic Education was her love of Jesus and her desire to bring students to Him. Rooted in her own relationship with Christ, she found the enduring strength and dedicated passion to be a true leader in Catholic Education.
Most Reverend David Motiuk, Eparchial Bishop of Edmonton, spoke highly of Joan’s faith and her deep relationship with Christ. “The virtues of faith, hope and mercy were instilled in Joan from an early age and formed her conscience and very being.” he expressed in his letter of support for Joan’s nomination. He continued, “… Joan’s motivation in all this? Joan was inspired by the words of the Prophet Micah (6:8) to ‘…act justly, to love faithfully and to walk humbly with our Lord.’ Indeed this biblical reference appeared on a plaque which stood day after day, year after year, on her office credenza, as a constant reminder for her ministry in Catholic Education.”
A Christ-like PresenceTo love and serve the mission of Catholic Education as Joan Carr did, is to bring the presence of Christ into the here and now; into the circumstances and situations which our Catholic schools are facing today. In pouring herself out, selflessly, for 45 years, in service of Catholic Education, Joan brought the unmistakable presence of Christ to the countless students, families and staff she encountered. It is this very presence of Christ which animates a leader to think ‘creatively’ and ‘outside the box’. It’s this presence of Christ which elevates a person from being a leader to being a ‘witness’. It’s this presence of Christ which transforms a board meeting or a school assembly into an opportunity to form saints.
Joan’s life was bursting with the presence of Christ and her legacy was founded upon her desire to give this presence to those around her. This is a witness to all of us of what it means to be a true champion of Catholic Education.
After the CCSTA Board discussed and approved Joan’s nomination, CCSTA President, Patrick Daly, remarked, “It is with great pleasure and deep gratitude that the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association posthumously awards the 2022 Justice James Higgins Award to Joan Carr. We do so in recognition of her 45 years of outstanding service as a Catholic Educator including 14 years of faith filled leadership as Superintendent of Edmonton Catholic schools. We give thanks to God for Joan’s significant contribution to the mission of Catholic education.”
In recognition of Joan’s faithful leadership and the long-lasting legacy which will continue to bear fruit in Catholic Schools for years to come, it is a privilege and honour to posthumously award Joan Carr the 2022 Higgins Award.
Joan will be recognized posthumously at CCSTA’s 2022 virtual AGM on Friday, June 3.
Diocesan Book Project
The book, Everybody's Welcome by Patricia Hegarty, was presented to the following schools by members of the St. Jospeh's Basilica CWL:
St. Vincent Catholic School presented by Mary Molloy, Mary Dunnigan and Alene Mutala for one book
St. Catherine School presented by Mary Molloy and Anica Baricevic for 3 books
St. Paul Catholic School presented by Nida Henriksen for one book for one book
Austin O'Brien Special Needs Class presented by Anica Baricevic for one book
Holy Child presented by Anica Baricevic and Melanie Elliott for 3 books
The books were welcomed and well received by all the schools. Member and School Board Trustee for Ward 75 Alene Mutala was St. Vincent Catholic School presented by Mary Molloy, Mary Dunnigan and Alene Mutala for one book
St. Catherine School presented by Mary Molloy and Anica Baricevic for 3 books
St. Paul Catholic School presented by Nida Henriksen for one book for one book
Austin O'Brien Special Needs Class presented by Anica Baricevic for one book
Holy Child presented by Anica Baricevic and Melanie Elliott for 3 books
The books were welcomed and well received by all the schools. Member and School Board Trustee for Ward 75 Alene Mutala was able to attend and read the book for St. Vincent School.
St. Vincent Catholic School presented by Mary Molloy, Mary Dunnigan and Alene Mutala for one book
St. Catherine School presented by Mary Molloy and Anica Baricevic for 3 books
St. Paul Catholic School presented by Nida Henriksen for one book for one book
Austin O'Brien Special Needs Class presented by Anica Baricevic for one book
Holy Child presented by Anica Baricevic and Melanie Elliott for 3 books
The books were welcomed and well received by all the schools. Member and School Board Trustee for Ward 75 Alene Mutala was St. Vincent Catholic School presented by Mary Molloy, Mary Dunnigan and Alene Mutala for one book
St. Catherine School presented by Mary Molloy and Anica Baricevic for 3 books
St. Paul Catholic School presented by Nida Henriksen for one book for one book
Austin O'Brien Special Needs Class presented by Anica Baricevic for one book
Holy Child presented by Anica Baricevic and Melanie Elliott for 3 books
The books were welcomed and well received by all the schools. Member and School Board Trustee for Ward 75 Alene Mutala was able to attend and read the book for St. Vincent School.
| 2021_-_diocesan_education_communique_fall_.docx |
Catholic Education Week May 10 to 14, 2021
World Catholic Education Day May 13, 2021
Wear Blue to support Catholic Education
Prayers for Catholic Education Week can be found in the following link
https://www.ecsd.net/_ci/p/16656
Prayers for Catholic Education Week can be found in the following link
https://www.ecsd.net/_ci/p/16656
Provincial Prayer with the bishops of Alberta. Hosted by Catholic school districts and shared virtually at 11:00 AM each day. The focus will be a devotion to St Joseph.
- Monday, May 10 Liturgy Bishop David Motuk Eparchy of Edmonton Edmonton Catholic
- Tuesday, May 11 Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph Archbishop Pettipas Archdiocese Grouard-McLennan Grande Prairie Catholic
- Wednesday, May 12 Holy Mass Archbishop Smith Archdiocese of Edmonton Edmonton Archdiocese
- Thursday, May 13 Liturgy World Catholic Education Day Bishop Terrio Diocese of St Paul Calgary Catholic
- Friday, May 14 Liturgy Consecration to Joseph Bishop McGrattan Calgary Diocese Calgary Catholic
- We pray for all educators, administrators and staff who dedicate themselves daily to authentic Catholic education
- We pray for all students, for their safety and their learning, that they may know the love of God
- We pray for all families, that they may grow in faith and unite in their prayers
| grace_newsletter_april_2021.pdf |
| poster_catholic_education_1_-_february_2021.pdf |
Palliative Care Week May 3 - 9, 2021
12 Hours of Care for Palliative Care
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| education_and_health_communique_lets_talk_january_28th.docx |
September 22nd, 2020 – ”The Orange Shirt Story” with Phyllis Webstad
see EVENTS page for details
see EVENTS page for details
World Catholic Education Day
Thursday, May 21
Archbishop Smith will celebrate a livestreamed Mass for World Catholic Education Day at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. This mass will also be broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 8915.
Bishops across Alberta and the NWT will be celebrating special liturgies for Catholic education in their dioceses throughout the week.
Celebrate and Pray for Catholic Education
We invite you to prepare for a first-ever virtual celebration of Catholic education in Alberta. Despite isolation, Catholic students are growing in faith and embracing their learning. Teachers, schools, school districts and families are adapting to the current educational environment. We invite you to celebrate Catholic Education with all of us.
Catholic Education Week of Prayer
Join the Bishops of Alberta, as they lead livestreamed prayers at 9 a.m. each day:
May 19 Holy Rosary- Bishop Terrio
May 20 Divine Mercy- Archbishop Pettipas
May 21 Mass- Archbishop Smith
May 22 Liturgy & Blessing- Bishop McGrattan
Prayers of the Faithful
For Catholic Education…
Thursday, May 21
Archbishop Smith will celebrate a livestreamed Mass for World Catholic Education Day at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. This mass will also be broadcast on Telus Optik TV Channel 8915.
Bishops across Alberta and the NWT will be celebrating special liturgies for Catholic education in their dioceses throughout the week.
Celebrate and Pray for Catholic Education
We invite you to prepare for a first-ever virtual celebration of Catholic education in Alberta. Despite isolation, Catholic students are growing in faith and embracing their learning. Teachers, schools, school districts and families are adapting to the current educational environment. We invite you to celebrate Catholic Education with all of us.
Catholic Education Week of Prayer
Join the Bishops of Alberta, as they lead livestreamed prayers at 9 a.m. each day:
May 19 Holy Rosary- Bishop Terrio
May 20 Divine Mercy- Archbishop Pettipas
May 21 Mass- Archbishop Smith
May 22 Liturgy & Blessing- Bishop McGrattan
Prayers of the Faithful
For Catholic Education…
- That our Catholic schools may be a source of hope for the young, we pray to the Lord.
- That our Catholic schools may fill students with a love for learning and a desire to change the world for the better, we pray to the Lord.
- That our Catholic schools may always be able to draw excellent and faith-filled teachers to serve in the classroom, we pray to the Lord.
- That our Catholic schools may be a blessing to families through their work with the young, we pray to the Lord.
2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION REPORT
| diocesan_convention_education_and_health_-_oral_report_2019_convention.docx |
| Education Chair Report Feb 3, 2018 |
Catholic Education: Confronting Fiction with Facts
| ACSTA Position on Catholic Education.pdf |
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| Bursary Recipients .docx |
Pope calls for action in the fight against human trafficking
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis appealed to government leaders to be strong in the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.
Marking Wednesday’s ‘International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking’ marked annually on 8 February, and focusing this year on the trafficking of children and adolescents, the Pope had words of encouragement for all those who in different ways, help minors who have been enslaved and abused to be freed from this terrible oppression.
“I urge all those in government positions to combat this scourge with firmness, giving voice to our younger brothers and sisters who have been wounded in their dignity. All efforts must be made to eradicate this shameful and intolerable crime” he said.
He explained that the 'International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking" falls on the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakita: "this enslaved, exploited and humiliated girl in Africa never lost hope" he said but persevered in her faith and ended up as a migrant in Europe where she heard the call of the Lord and became a nun. Let's pray to Saint Josephine Bakita for all migrants and refugees who are exploited and suffer so much". The Pope also recalled the beatification on Tuesday in Japan of Justo Takayama Ukon, a Japanese lay person who died a martyr in Manila in 1615. “Rather than bowing to compromise, he renounced honor and wealth, and accepted humiliation and exile. He remained faithful to Christ and to the Gospel” he said. For this reason, the Pope said, “he represents an admirable example of strength in faith and dedication in charity.”
Marking Wednesday’s ‘International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking’ marked annually on 8 February, and focusing this year on the trafficking of children and adolescents, the Pope had words of encouragement for all those who in different ways, help minors who have been enslaved and abused to be freed from this terrible oppression.
“I urge all those in government positions to combat this scourge with firmness, giving voice to our younger brothers and sisters who have been wounded in their dignity. All efforts must be made to eradicate this shameful and intolerable crime” he said.
He explained that the 'International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking" falls on the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakita: "this enslaved, exploited and humiliated girl in Africa never lost hope" he said but persevered in her faith and ended up as a migrant in Europe where she heard the call of the Lord and became a nun. Let's pray to Saint Josephine Bakita for all migrants and refugees who are exploited and suffer so much". The Pope also recalled the beatification on Tuesday in Japan of Justo Takayama Ukon, a Japanese lay person who died a martyr in Manila in 1615. “Rather than bowing to compromise, he renounced honor and wealth, and accepted humiliation and exile. He remained faithful to Christ and to the Gospel” he said. For this reason, the Pope said, “he represents an admirable example of strength in faith and dedication in charity.”
The Response to the Alberta Minister of Education’s Request for Policy & Subsequent Release of: Guidelines For Best Practices: Creating Learning Environments that Respect Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Gender Expression
What followed the Minister’s request and release of the guidelines was an impressive, united and consistent message from all Alberta Catholic School Boards, clergy, parents/guardians and the greater Catholic community reaffirming that every child is precious - a unique child of God deserving of individualized love and attention to reach their full God-given potential regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc. and that all should be treated with equal respect and dignity. It was nothing short of miraculous to see the unprecedented numbers (tens of thousands) who took the time to call, email, write, or meet with government officials to make their voices heard. I can assure you that you have been heard and have had a positive impact. Although we continue to monitor the situation and await a formal reply from the education ministry in regards to the policies (and supporting documents) we have every reason to believe that Alberta Education will continue to recognize Catholic religious rights and freedoms and respect that all Catholic Schools have been and will continue to be inclusive, welcoming, safe and caring environments responsive to the individual needs of all their students without exception.
- Adriana Lagrange, President, Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association
YOU helped make the difference, CWL members, and I thank you!
We can see what a united voice, along with prayer, works to make a difference!
See also the article by Kevin Feehan, legal counsel for the Alberta Catholic School Trustees. He says;
"that despite the ideological and philosophical basis of the Guidelines - Indicators of Best Practices, many of the Best Practices recommended are consistent with the personhood-affirming pastoral approach of the Church and the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta LIFE Framework."
He describes each element of the Guideline and how it is addressed in the LIFE Framework.
What followed the Minister’s request and release of the guidelines was an impressive, united and consistent message from all Alberta Catholic School Boards, clergy, parents/guardians and the greater Catholic community reaffirming that every child is precious - a unique child of God deserving of individualized love and attention to reach their full God-given potential regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc. and that all should be treated with equal respect and dignity. It was nothing short of miraculous to see the unprecedented numbers (tens of thousands) who took the time to call, email, write, or meet with government officials to make their voices heard. I can assure you that you have been heard and have had a positive impact. Although we continue to monitor the situation and await a formal reply from the education ministry in regards to the policies (and supporting documents) we have every reason to believe that Alberta Education will continue to recognize Catholic religious rights and freedoms and respect that all Catholic Schools have been and will continue to be inclusive, welcoming, safe and caring environments responsive to the individual needs of all their students without exception.
- Adriana Lagrange, President, Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association
YOU helped make the difference, CWL members, and I thank you!
We can see what a united voice, along with prayer, works to make a difference!
See also the article by Kevin Feehan, legal counsel for the Alberta Catholic School Trustees. He says;
"that despite the ideological and philosophical basis of the Guidelines - Indicators of Best Practices, many of the Best Practices recommended are consistent with the personhood-affirming pastoral approach of the Church and the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta LIFE Framework."
He describes each element of the Guideline and how it is addressed in the LIFE Framework.