Parish priests, school principals and vice-principals were invited to attend a special session during the celebration of Catholic Education Week.
On Friday May 5, the trustees and administration of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board hosted an “In Conversation” luncheon meeting at St. James the Less Church Hall in Eganville.
In his opening remarks, Dave Howard, Board Chair, thanked everyone for attending and noted that one main purpose of the meeting was to show appreciation to the clergy.
“Thank you to Bishop Mulhall and the clergy of our diocese for their great work, support and spiritual guidance.”
Howard noted that the date of the meeting was chosen specifically to coincide with Catholic Education Week, and the spirit of this year’s theme, Walking Forward Together.
He added that due to the many changes in the education sector and the Catholic Church it was “beneficial for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to ensure our place in society on a go-forward basis.”
“It is important to go forward with a united front, prepared to defend our Catholic faith and Catholic education with a strong voice,” added Howard.
In his address to the gathering, His Excellency Bishop Mulhall also spoke of the way forward, indicating, “It is important for every group to come together to talk and have communications on a diocesan-wide and school board-wide basis.”
Jaimie Perry, Superintendent of Educational Services, presented the 2017–22 RCCDSB Strategic Plan, explaining the extensive process, including the input of approximately 800 people into its development.
“The simple one-page plan is supported by rich language that animates who we are as a Catholic community,” noted Perry.
Following the presentation, attendees broke into groups for an “In Conversation” exercise.
Four questions were posed to the groups to initiate dialogue around improving communications and relationships amongst members of the Catholic community, the roles of Catholic schools in society and how church and school can work together to meet shared goals, as well as ways to work together in a united front for the benefit of parents, church and school.
“This day is to help make certain that we are going forward in the right direction and in a positive manner,” summed up Howard.
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West, Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
