Faith and Resilience: Dr. Ansel Augustine’s Retreat with WCDSB Students
In Fall 2023, students from our five high schools had the unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Ansel Augustine from New Orleans in an interactive retreat graciously hosted by St. Jerome’s University. Dr. Augustine, Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, shared his personal journey as a Black Catholic growing up in New Orleans and spoke about how he has sustained and strengthened his faith through various challenges.
Students were able to listen, ask questions, and reflect on Dr. Augustine’s powerful message, grounded in the reminder from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through the One who strengthens me.” Dr. Augustine, who has served on several national boards, began his ministry career over 20 years ago in his home parish of St. Peter Claver in New Orleans, where he played a significant role in rebuilding the community after Hurricane Katrina.
Strengthening Awareness: Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign in WCDSB Schools
In this Pastoral year of STRENGTHEN, we continued our awareness campaign against human trafficking. This important issue was addressed through a series of age-appropriate presentations for all Grade 8 students across the system, with the initiative expanded to include Grade 10 students as well.
Each anti-human trafficking presentation featured interactive tools to engage students, an overview of digital platforms used to target vulnerable youth, and a discussion of the Church’s stance against this growing crime. Additionally, the presentations focused on cultural groups most at risk, with an emphasis on the statistic that one in two victims are Indigenous females. The story of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the Patron Saint of those who have experienced slavery or trafficking, was also highlighted as part of the presentation.
Theology on Tap: Strengthening Faith through Conversation and Community
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide support and STRENGTHENING to School Pastoral Team members, we were thrilled to offer a robust Theology on Tap series in 2024. WCDSB Spiritual Animator, Richard Olson, described these events as a rich combination of engaging conversation and live music. For the first time, we were blessed to host events in Cambridge, Waterloo, and Kitchener.
Strengthening School Pastoral Teams: Supporting Faith Formation and Mission
This year, we STRENGTHENED School Pastoral Teams through five dedicated sessions aimed at ‘listening and responding’ to their needs, focusing on their formation and the critical work of animating faith within their schools. In the fall, Pastoral Team members from each school gathered at their local secondary schools to engage in scripture reflection, build community, learn about upcoming board-wide faith initiatives, and discuss strategies to further support the identity and mission of our Catholic schools.
Spiritual Development Day: Strengthening Community and Healing Together
In the second year of our Pastoral Plan, we were STRENGTHENED in community in November, during our Spiritual Development Day. All staff gathered at their Family of Schools Secondary School, where each site featured a keynote speaker. Reflecting on Pope Francis’ words, “Truly the Gospel of the marginalized is where our credibility is at stake, where it is found, and where it is revealed,” the day focused on the theme of serving the marginalized.
Speakers such as Dr. Ansel Augustine, Peter Sweeney, Sister Barbara Paleczny, Michael and Christine Way Skinner, and Stephen Jackson—each committed to advocating for the marginalized—shared their heartfelt insights. Their words inspired us to listen and respond to the needs of the world. After the keynote, priests from across our Deanery celebrated the Eucharist with staff. The afternoon session involved an involved school activity centred around the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, further strengthening our sense of mission and community.
Information to Transformation: Faith Formation Program for Emerging Leaders
The Information to Transformation Faith Formation Program, offered in partnership with the Diocese of Hamilton, continues to provide valuable spiritual development for new and emerging leaders among our staff. WCDSB remains a strong supporter of this initiative, with one cohort of participants graduating in the fall of this year. Additionally, a new group of seven staff members began their journey of spiritual discernment, formation, and leadership in the spring, further strengthening our commitment to faith-based leadership development.