May 30, 2010

16 New Deacons Ordained...What's A Deacon?

2 new auxiliary bishops - check. 5 new priests - check. 16 new permanent deacons - check. Yes, it's been quite the 2010 for the Archdiocese of Toronto. Ordinations continue through the month of May with sixteen new permanent deacons saying their final "yes" on Saturday, May 29 at St. Michael's Cathedral.

The Permanent Diaconate is an important ministry in the church. Many people don't necessarily know the ins and outs of the work of our deacons but it is a tremendous blessing to have more than 100 of these men serving faithfully throughout the Archdiocese.

Here's to the Class of 2010:

Mr. Curtis Boone - St. Padre Pio Parish, Woodbridge
Mr. Silverio Fidalgo - St. Patrick's Parish, Mississauga
Mr. David MacInnis - St. Gregory the Great Parish, Oshawa
Mr. Damien McGowan - St. Philip Neri Parish, Toronto
Mr. Michael Miranda - St. John Chrysostom Parish, Newmarket
Mr. Alan Morris - St. Leo's Parish, Etobicoke
Mr. Michael O'Mahoney - Newman Centre Catholic Mission, Toronto
Mr. Don O'Shaughnessy - St. Martin de Porres Parish, Scarborough
Mr. Rudy Ovcjak - St. Isaac Jogues, Pickering
Mr. Joseph Owusu-Afriyie - St. Andrew's Parish, Etobicoke
Mr. Sarfaraz Pinto - St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Markham
Mr. Domenico Pullano - St. David's Parish, Maple
Mr. Terence Rebello - Prince of Peace Parish, Scarborough
Mr. Don Roberts - St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Mississauga
Mr. James Shaughnessy - Good Shepherd Parish, Thornhill
Mr. Larry Shaw - St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Bramalea


So for those who may be embarassed to ask or are just unsure of what a deacon is and does, we've created a simple FAQ (below) that should help give you a quick "Permanent Diaconate 101" - this is another example of the type of resource we create for the media to help bring them up to speed on these types of issues. Or for those more visually inclined a short 15 minute video produced recently can give you a quick overview of this important ministry.






What is a Permanent Deacon? Permanent Deacons assist parish priests in addition to providing spritual support to the community, for which they’re ordained. Following an extensive four year formation period which is highlighted by their ordination, deacons are assigned a parish for liturgical service as well as a specific ministry within the community (ie. Hospital Ministry, Prison Chaplaincy, etc.)

What is the difference between Permanent and Transitional Deacons? Transitional Deacons go on to become ordained priests in the Roman Catholic tradition whereas, permanent deacons remain a permanent deacon indefinitely.

Who can be a Permanent Deacon? Permanent deacons are married or single men over the age of 35. Those who desire to pursue the permanent diaconate must enjoy the health, time, academic ability and support of their family needed for the years of preparation. After ordination, they must make specific commitments of time and talent to the Church without compromising their family, marital or joy responsibilities.

Are Permanent Deacons married? Although some deacons are single, the vast majority are married and share their dedicaton to ministry with their wives. As part of their vows for ordination, married deacons may not remarry if their spouse passes on. Those not married before ordination are not able to marry and make promises to remain celibate. Deacons’ wives are an important part of their formation process, with the couple going through much of the process together.


Are Deacons Paid? Is this their full-time job? Deacons are a critical component of spiritual support and service within the Archdiocese of Toronto. Permanent Deacons often hold secular full-time jobs in addition to their duties as deacons. Apart from their service at their assigned Catholic parish, they will spend countless hours of ministry in prisons, hospitals, seniors’ homes and other areas where people cannot normally attend church.

Can a deacon celebrate Mass? Are they just a married priest? No. Only a priest or bishop may celebrate Mass. Their primary role is to assist the Bishop or the Presiding Priest at Mass. A Deacon reads the Gospel and preaches when required. Because they have a ministry to care for the poor and sick they may also prepare and read the Prayers of the Faithful at Masses which they are present. Deacons can baptize, witness marriages and preside at wake services and funerals (where the eucharist is not celebrated) in addition to assisting the priest at the Eucharist.

What do Deacons wear? When in liturgical dress (vestments), deacons wear an alb (long white tunic), stole (long, narrow strip of cloth, draped over the neck) and dalmatic (outer vestment). When working actively in their Ministry outside of Church, you may see a Deacon wearing a distinctive Roman Collar. When in street clothes, deacons do not perscribe to any distinctive dress.

What is an Acolyte? In the second year of formation, candidates for the Permanent Diaconate are instituted (appointed) to the Ministry of Acolyte. An acolyte is aurhorized to serve at the altar and assist the priest by preparing the altar and sacred vessels used in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He may also distribute Holy Communion.

What is a Lector? In their third year of formation, candidates for the Permanent Diaconate are elevated to the Ministry of Lector, this is the ministry of reading at Mass. The Lector can proclaim all the readings execept the Gospel.

So there you have it. Your brief primer on the role of the Permanent Deacon in our family of faith.

Congratulations to the sixteen newest deacons of the Archdiocese of Toronto and their families who have supported them throughout this faith journey. Our prayers are with you as you begin this exciting new chapter of ministry!

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto

May 26, 2010

A Chat with the Media...


Every year, our department examines how we can proactively develop positive relationships with journalists in the secular media. With hundreds of calls coming in every year, it's important that we get to know those with whom we interact each day.

Sadly, only one major media outlet in the GTA has a full time faith reporter - the National Post with Charles Lewis. Up until a few months ago, the Toronto Star also had one - Stuart Laidlaw who covered Faith & Ethics for the paper. Unfortunately, the Star chose to eliminate the beat, somewhat ironic considering that the last couple of months has seen more stories than ever that intersect with religion in the public square (abuse scandals, sex-ed curriculum, maternal health initiative, shopping on holidays, etc.)

Many reporters indicate to us that they have little knowledge of the church. Those who have been assigned a story on the Catholic Church were covering a bank robbery yesterday and a poltiical protest tomorrow. We have to do our best to bring them up to speed on a story that could end up leading tomorrow's newscast or front page. That can, at times, be a real challenge.

May 16 was World Communications Day where the church celebrates annually the importance of the many forms of media and communication in our evangelization efforts. For the fourth year running, our office has also coordinated a Breakfast with the Media, hosted by Archbishop Collins.

This year, we had about 20 people attend the event which was held at Serra House. Journalists from diverse backgrounds and media outlets came together for a most enjoyable morning. We invite reporters and producers that we work with over the past year regardless of whether or not they're Catholic. Our intention is to affirm the important vocation of journalists, to come together in fellowship and also to help educate them about the presence of our department and the extensive work of the Archdiocese.

After breakfast, those in attendance also have the opportunity to chat with the Archbishop in an informal question and answer period. The gathering isn't meant as an event to cover, rather a professional development opportunity for journalists. Once again this year, we had some great conversations and it's as much a learning opportunity for us to hear how religion is covered in the secular media. At the same time, the journalists hear about the extensive work of our faith community.


I mention the National Post and the presence of a full time faith reporter, Charles Lewis as well as regular columnists like Fr. Raymond DeSouza and Barbara Kay. Those who read the Post will know that there is a particular place for the discussion of issues of faith in the paper which provides a healthy dialogue for those with a myriad of views on a particular topic.

What you may not be aware of is an online space (hosted by the National Post) that is growing in popularity called Holy Post. Charles extended the invitation post media breakfast for us to invite those in our faith community to give Holy Post a try and, more importantly, to join in the conversation.

The blog includes stories that have appeared in the Post as well as additional commentary and links to other religion and news sites. As editor of Holy Post, Charles is hoping to build up the site into a great place for people serious about religion to gather and comment.

Take a moment to look at the site and feel free to join in the discussion. The more knowledgable people who jump in, the better the site will be. Also, Charlie is looking for people who may want to write longer pieces for the site. If this is of interest to you, please email him at clewis@nationalpost.com

Building good relationships with journalists doesn't ensure that we get preferrential treatment or that they will always cover the church in a positive light. We shouldn't expect that. What we do expect is fair, balanced coverage and the opportunity to respond to stories in a timely manner. We strive to do our best and events like our annual Breakfast with the Media demonstrate our commitment to being proactive in working with those who have a most important vocation, that of journalist, storyteller and, in their own special way, dare we say evangelist.

It's not an easy job - say a prayer that those in the position of reporting the news will be inspired and supported in their work, now and always.

Graphics: CNN, National Post

May 19, 2010

5 New Priests and a Martyr...

Each May, our family of faith celebrates the ordination of new priests for service in the Archdiocese of Toronto. This past weekend, five men said yes to the call in a celebration at St. Michael's Cathedral with 1,000 people in attendance. You can find photos of the ordinations along with other resources online here.

Ever reflective of our diverse Archdiocese, there was simulatneous translation of the ceremony into three languages: Spanish, Polish & Croatian.

Archbishop Collins, having just returned from a European trek to Italy and Poland, recounted his experience of visiting the concentration camp at Auschwitz and praying at the cell where St. Maximilian Kolbe breathed his last.

For those not familiar with the story, having been arrested by the Nazi army, Kolbe spent his final days at the concentration camp. After a prisoner went missing, the guards determined that 10 men would be starved because of the absent prisoner. The men were selected randomly - one man, chosen as part of the 10, exclaimed, "My wife, my family!" St. Maximilian Kolbe calmy stepped forward and said, "I will take his place."

Over the next several weeks, this future saint led the other starving men in song and prayer from his cell. Each time the guards checked on Kolbe, he was kneeling or standing in his cell, calmly praying. The last remaining survivor of the 10, the guards finally decided to end Kolbe's life by injecting him with acid. He was made a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1982. This martyr continues to be an inspiration for Catholics around the world, a powerful witness of dying so that others may have life.

Archbishop Collins shared this powerful story as he spoke of the responsibility of the priesthood and the reminder that all priests need to be present to their flock. He also read several passages from his copy of the Code of Canon Law to give a helpful reminder to all priests present of their important responsibilities (God bless those having to simulatneously translate his Canon Law references!)

The five newest priests of the Archdiocese will be assigned to parishes throughout the GTA, taking their official assignments as of July 1, 2010.

This is the time of year when we begin to learn of changes in parish personnel. The gossip is all the rage in church circles as people asking "who's moving, who's staying?" We'll publish a full list here once the changes are announced. For those who may not be aware, pastors generally serve between 6-12 years at a given parish before moving on to other pastoral assignments.

In recent years, the Archbishop has also asked a small number of priests to travel (usually to Rome) for studies. This helps provide resources for those who will teach at St. Augustine's Seminary as well as developing experts in particular areas (canon law, liturgy, etc.) where there may be a pastoral need for leadership down the road.

We offer our prayers and best wishes to the newest priests of the Archdiocese. May God be with them as they embrace this new chapter of ministry.

For those interested in praying together with priests from across the Archdiocese, Archbishop Collins will preside at a celebration for the closing of the Year of the Priest on Friday, June 11, 2010 at St. Michael's Cathedral. This coincides with a similar celebration with the Holy Father in Rome where thousands of priests from around the world (including a few from our Archdiocese) will come together in fraternal solidarity.

The Toronto event gets underway at 1:00 p.m. with Holy Hour followed by Mass at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

You might say it would be a most appropriate occasion to celebrate an early "Father's Day"...

Photos: Archdiocese of Toronto

May 13, 2010

Breakfast, Prayers and the March for Life

Ottawa is abuzz with activity this week as a number of faith based events take place in the nation's capital.

I had the chance to attend the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this week which brings together people from many Christian faiths together on Parliament Hill to pray for our politicians, our country and all those who enjoy its freedoms. Monday night included a Leadership Dinner attended by more than 400 faith leaders, politicians and members of the civil service.

Guest speaker was Montreal Alouettes quarterback, Anthony Calvillo, who spoke of the important role faith plays in his own personal journey. His greatest challenge wasn't on the football field but off of it, with his wife diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma mid-season. The quarterback left his team in the middle of a career year to be with his ailing wife. You don't hear many pro athletes talk about getting on their knees to pray when finding out life altering news.

It was refreshing to hear Anthony speak of the critical role faith continues to play in his life. His wife is fully recovered but their family is grateful to God each day for their many blessings.

The Tuesday morning breakfast brought together more than 750 people in the largest turnout in the event's 40+ year history. Members of all political parties read a scripture passage in this non-partisan expression of unity and faith. Olympic medalist Cindy Klassen and her sister Lisa spoke of the role faith played in their respective journeys, including the serious car accident that almost took Lisa's life. Today, through the power of prayer and miraculous healing, she teaches military pilots how to fly. Both Cindy and Lisa wove quotes from scripture throughout their moving presentation.



Of course, Thursday of this week will see tens of thousands on the Hill to participate in the annual March for Life, an event that has grown in recent years with participation from across the country. Three days of activities including special programming for youth and the annual Rose Dinner are highlights for pro life leaders from coast to coast.

With plenty of parliamentary debate around issues of maternal health and still no abortion law in this country, it's fitting that people of many faiths are mobilizing to peacefully speak out on the sacred value of every human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Kudos to all those who work so hard on the annual March for Life each year. For them, it is a labour of love and we are grateful for their efforts.

For those unable to make it to Ottawa DunnMedia is providing daily YouTube updates which you can find online here.

So for those who often say that there is no room left for religion in politics, Parliament Hill has been a very holy place this week. Let's keep these traditions alive and work together in partnership with our elected leaders to respectfully continue our dialogue.

Photos: March for Life, National Prayer Breakfast

May 11, 2010

Archbishop's Message to Toronto City Councillors


May 11, 2010

Members of Toronto City Council,

Toronto City Council is presently debating a proposal to give merchants the option of opening all stores in Toronto on any day, including Christmas and Good Friday.

I strongly oppose this proposal.

Our whole community is made poorer when times sacred to the human spirit are sacrificed so that the last drop of profit may be extracted. It is important that people of all faiths be able to celebrate their holy days without pressure being put upon employees and their families. It is surely not unreasonable to expect that the city should show respect for the most holy days of the nearly two-thirds of the population who are Christians.

I completely support the statement made by the Catholic Civil Rights League, which notes that while it is impossible to predict how many would avail themselves of the option to remain open on any day, "the move to end the very few common holidays still permitted to retail employees should be opposed. We have already seen how Sunday shopping moved from a limited option to an almost universal practice, disrupting religious and family time." In practice, when a common policy on holidays is abandoned, employees, and businesses as well, are left with little choice.

The pursuit of economic advantage at the expense of human and spiritual values, and of the sanctity of the family, is foolish. It erodes the quality of life in our city.

Not only do I urge the council to reject this proposal, but I suggest that it might more profitably serve our whole community by examining how we might become a healthier city, with stronger families and with a more humane and civilized way of life, by increasing the freedom of employees to have more time to be with their families and to develop their human and spiritual potential.

Thomas Collins,
Archbishop of Toronto

May 6, 2010

Review Committee Announced

In his April statement to the Catholic community, Archbishop Collins announced that a group of lay people would be invited to review the current procedures for allegations of misconduct in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

We are grateful to all those who offered their assistance as part of this discussion. While the goal was to create a manageable working group, be assured that additional resources may be called upon to share experience and expertise as determined by the review committee. It's heartening to know that so many in our family of faith are ready and willing to step forward to assist in this process.

Below you will find a list of the names of the committee members along with a brief biography for each participant. This information, along with any updates, will be archived on our "Safe Environment" page online.

We thank those who will be part of the review process and continue to offer our thoughts and prayers for all victims of abuse and those who work to ease their pain.

Review of Procedures for Cases of Alleged Misconduct
Archdiocese of Toronto – May 2010

Archbishop Thomas Collins has asked the following members to review the diocesan protocols for alleged cases of misconduct, with recommendations to be provided by July 31, 2010. In addition to the lay members of the committee, other appropriate resources will be drawn on where necessary and appropriate. Father Brian Clough, Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese of Toronto, will serve as the Archbishop’s representative on the committee.

Committee members:

Joan Breech is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto. Joan was the first Administrator of Fontbonne Ministries, a new organization established by the Sisters to develop affordable housing and grassroots outreach programs for the homeless, alienated, economically poor and women at risk. She is the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, where she was responsible for a number of patient and clinical programs including mother & child, medicine & geriatrics and mental health & addictions.

As a Board member of Catholic Charities, Joan was involved with the Allocations and Nominating Committees and was Chair of the Board. As Chair of Allocations, Joan had the opportunity to meet with most of the social service agencies under the Catholic Charities umbrella and to learn about the issues and concerns in meeting needs of clients.

Her education qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, Ontario Chartered Accountant designation and a certificate in Catholic Leadership in Health, Education and Social Services from the University of St. Michael’s College. Joan, her husband David and three children have been actively involved in their parish, St. John’s Church and the community for many years.

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Dr. Philip Dodgson is a clinical psychologist who was been working at Southdown Institute, a treatment facility that specializes in providing a range of mental health services to clergy, religious priests, sisters, and brothers. He has worked as a psychologist at Southdown for the past 14 years, and has served for the past 10 years as Co-Director of their Assessment programme.

Dr. Dodgson has a range of expertise in diagnosis and treatment within the field of mental health. In particular, he has worked with men who have engaged in sexual misconduct and abuse, including abuse of minors. Dr. Dodgson has also given numerous talks regarding the promotion of healthy boundaries and professional conduct in ministry. He has presented research regarding assessment, treatment, and management of clergy who abuse others in several settings, including the annual meetings of the Association of Treatment for Sexual Abusers. He has also consulted internationally with church leadership on this topic.

Dr. Dodgson holds a doctorate in Psychology from University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. He is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. In addition to his work with Southdown Institute, he is currently an adjunct faculty member of University of Waterloo. In the past, he has worked in private practice and was involved in the implementation of a sex offender programme for Inuit.

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John Kostoff currently is the Director of Education for the Dufferin Peel Catholic District school Board. He is an educator with over 33 years of experience in Catholic education, teaching at the elementary and secondary levels. In addition, John has held the position of Religion Co-coordinator, elementary principal, superintendent of schools, Human Resources Superintendent and Associate Director of Corporate Services.

John has taught at the University level and at the graduate level. Recently he completed his Diploma in Ministry from St. Francis Xavier University. John also serves on a number of Boards of Directors and is a published author in the area of education.

The Dufferin Peel Catholic school board educates over 87,000 full time students, and has more than 11,000 employees.

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Hugh MacKinnon is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bennett Jones and a member of the firm's Partnership Board. Hugh had previously maintained an active corporate commercial practice in Calgary and Toronto.

Hugh is Chairman of the University of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto and the Chairman of the Chesterton Institute of Faith and Culture based at Seton Hall, New Jersey. He is also a member of the Board of the C.D. Howe Institute, the Board of Governors of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, the Senate of the Canadian International Council and the Foundation Board for Bethlehem University. His memberships include the Royal Canadian Military Institute, the Ranchmen's Club, the Toronto Club, the American Bar Association and a number of other social, professional and business organizations.
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Dr. Moira McQueen graduated in law from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and worked as a lawyer for several years, specializing in family law and juvenile court.

After her Master of Divinity Degree from the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College and the Toronto School of Theology, she earned a Ph. D in moral theology, also from St. Michael's. She has been teaching moral theology (Fundamental Christian Ethics, Marriage and Sexuality, Justice, etc.) at the Faculty of Theology since 1994, and has written and co-authored several articles in bioethics, fundamental ethics and sexual ethics. Her book “Bioethics Matters” was published by Novalis in 2008.

Dr. McQueen was appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute in July, 2004. The Institute has a mandate to conduct research and education in bioethics from a Roman Catholic perspective, and pursues bioethical issues in palliative and end of life care, reproductive technologies, stem cell experimentation and regenerative medicine, genetics, mental health and other current areas.

Dr. McQueen is deeply involved in community education through CCBI’s courses in bioethics for parishes, and through training and consultancy sessions with school boards, health care institutions, priests’ seminars, conferences, lectures and media appearances. She is married to Dr. Matthew J. McQueen, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, and is the mother of seven children.

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Patricia Parisi completed her undergraduate degrees in history, economics and education at York University, and her Masters of Social Sciences at Syracuse University. At the University of Connecticut she earned a Sixth Year Degree as an Educational Specialist (Gifted and Talented).

In her long association with Canadian independent schools, Pat taught social science for 14 years at Havergal College in Toronto, where she was head of department, and then became an administrator with the North York Board of Education for five years. Pat became principal of St. Clement’s School in Toronto in 1995, an independent day school for girls from grade 1 to graduating class. St. Clement’s is Canada’s largest advanced placement school, yet it has only 180 girls in its high school division. Also, she was instrumental in bringing the school into the Round Square program (a program based on the Kurt Hahn model of school learning and public service).

Pat is the author of many journal articles, two textbooks, and the previous set of Ontario provincial History and Contemporary Guidelines. Pat was awarded a Global Citizenship Award from the United Nations for her work on global education. She gives workshops on administration and Advanced Placement in-service and serves on a number of boards including the St. Michael’s Choir School Advisory Board and the Finance Council of St. Jude's Parish. Pat and her husband are the parents of two children.

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Janie E. Ryan has a degree in Social Work and currently holds a Director level position in Child Welfare. She has over 22 years experience in Child Protection Services and has extensive knowledge of child protection issues related to abuse and neglect.

She has been a member of The Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure since 1983 and is currently a member of the Pastoral Council and former Past President. She was involved in establishing parish programs including the Children's Liturgy, the Parish's Renew Program and was a member of the Youth Minister Selection Committee. She is a current Board member of the St. Claire Inn, a program offering transitional housing and support to women. Janie and her her husband have four children.


Photo: Freefoto.com

May 2, 2010

Celebrating Catholic Education Week 2010

Each year in Ontario, we have the chance to celebrate the gift of publicly funded Catholic schools in our province. For more than 160 years, Catholic education has been a critical component of our history. More than 600,000 students walk the halls of our schools each year. May 2-7, 2010 is Catholic Education Week, a chance to shine the light on the more than 500 publicly funded Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Toronto and beyond.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to spend the day with almost 400 students from the Mississauga South family of schools as part of a conference, "2Gether We Build the Kingdom". Most of the students were from grades 6,7 and 8 with some high school leaders helping to facilitate the day.

I was most impressed with the students I met. Speaking with many before the event began, I got to learn about their involvement with their school: from student parliament (meeting 12 year old Prime Ministers) to Faith Ambassadors volunteering their time to help with outreach activities to serve the poor in their neighbourhood. When a call went out for volunteers to help sing at our eucharistic celebration, more than 60 obliged. It was a great example of faith in action, gifts at work and seeds being nurtured.

To me, infusing our schools with the thread of faith in all that we do makes a difference. We also recognize the triad of faith formation that is critical to walking with our young people: parish, home and school. Each plays a critical role and helps nurture the seeds of faith in our students.

You may not be familiar with the Expectations of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate but they help illustrate what we hope to see from a student who graduates from one of our Catholic schools. These graduates should be:

  • Discerning believers formed in the Catholic faith community
  • Effective communicators
  • Reflective and holistic thinkers
  • Self-directed, responsible life-long learners
  • Collaborative contributors
  • Caring family members
  • Responsible citizens

You can read the full description of these expectations here.

It's also important for those who support publicly funded Catholic schools to ensure that their property tax bill indicates this preference. Your support of Catholic education helps deliver a powerful message to the government about the level of support for the system in our province. You don't have to have children in the system to register your support. Remember, if you move residences, the default preference is to support public schools. Contact your local school board if you have questions about how to ensure your property tax bill endorses publicly funded Catholic education.

Remember, your support also entitles you to vote for Catholic school board trustee, an important issue given that this year's municipal elections (in October) include the election of these important leaders in our community.

The education of our children is one of the most important investments we can make. During Catholic Education Week, let's give thanks for all those who nurture the seeds of faith in our young people. Together, we are truly building the kingdom of God. While we all share in this tremendous responsibility, it's good to know that, throughout the province, there is indeed "Good News" to share, alive and at work every day in hundreds of schools throughout the province.

Photos: OCSTA, Dufferin Peel CDSB