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- Written by Charlotte Taillon
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Pope Francis has designated January 2025 as a time to focus on the universal right to education, particularly for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war. He describes the current situation as an "educational catastrophe," noting that approximately 250 million children are deprived of schooling due to conflicts, displacement, and poverty. Catholic News Agency
For the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association (ACSTA), this papal intention resonates deeply with our mission to provide faith-based education to all children.
We are all called to be stewards of Christ's teachings. Providing education to those in need serves as a tangible expression of our faith in action. By embracing this mission, we not only educate minds but also nurture souls, guiding all students toward a deeper relationship with God.
Pope Francis' January prayer intention challenges us to reaffirm our commitment to educational equity. For Catholic trustees, it is a timely reminder of our vocation to serve all children, especially the most vulnerable, ensuring that the light of Christ illuminates every heart through the gift of education.
For a visual reflection on this intention, watch "The Pope Video" for January 2025:
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- Written by Charlotte Taillon
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The Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) joins with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary in mourning the passing of Most Reverend Frederick (Fred) B. Henry, Bishop Emeritus of Calgary; a towering figure in the preservation and promotion of Catholic education in Alberta. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the faithful he served so passionately.
His long-standing connection to the ACSTA spanned 18 years as the liaison Bishop on our Board of Directors. In recognition of his service, Bishop Henry was awarded the ACSTA Honorary Life Membership in 2009, a testament to the deep respect he earned from Catholic trustees across Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Nationally, Bishop Henry was celebrated as the 2017 recipient of the Justice James Higgins Award, the highest honor conferred by the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association (CCSTA). This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Catholic education in Canada. Bishop Henry was nominated by ACSTA to honor his lifetime of dedication, beginning in Ontario as Liaison Bishop to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada and as a member of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops Education Commission. His work continued in Alberta, where he served as the liaison Bishop with ACSTA and played a pivotal role in curriculum development and advocacy for publicly funded Catholic education.
His extraordinary impact was also acknowledged by Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, who praised Bishop Henry’s “prophetic voice” and Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, who lauded him as “a man of God with a capacity for clear thought and bold proclamation.”
During his tenure as Bishop of Calgary, he was a beacon of faith and a stalwart advocate for the mission of Catholic education. He spoke eloquently and fearlessly on the importance of our schools as places where faith and learning come together to form future leaders rooted in the teachings of Christ.
His leadership inspired countless trustees, reminding us all of the essential role Catholic schools play in nurturing not just minds, but hearts and souls. Bishop Henry’s passionate advocacy, even in the face of adversity, remains a guiding light for all who continue the mission of Catholic education in Alberta.
ACSTA President Kelly Whalen said: “Bishop Fred Henry was a true champion of Catholic education, and his leadership and courage will be deeply missed. He reminded us all of the sacred mission of Catholic schools, and inspired us to remain steadfast in our faith and our calling. His impact will be felt for generations.”
As we honour his extraordinary life, we encourage everyone to pray for the repose of Bishop Fred Henry’s soul. May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom he so faithfully served.
Requiescat in pace.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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- Written by Charlotte Taillon
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Theme: Preparing the Way for Christ
Catholic school trustees are called not only to govern but to serve as stewards of both faith and education. Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. It is a time to reflect on how we are creating spaces where Christ's presence can be felt.
In the Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptist calls us to “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ”(Matthew 3:3). This invitation resonates deeply with the role of a trustee. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are tasked with ensuring that our schools are environments where both students, staff and administrators can encounter Christ and grow in their faith.
Advent invites us to consider:
- Hope: Are we fostering hope in our decision-making, ensuring that the policies and initiatives we champion reflect trust in God’s promises?
- Peace: Are we promoting harmony and unity within our school communities, especially in moments of conflict or challenge?
- Joy: Do we celebrate the successes and blessings in our schools with gratitude, recognizing God’s work among us?
- Love: Are we prioritizing the dignity and well-being of every student and staff member, reflecting Christ’s unconditional love?
This Advent, let us take time to listen deeply to the Holy Spirit in our work. May we discern God’s will in the challenges we face and trust in His guidance as we navigate the complexities of Catholic education.
As trustees, our leadership is an opportunity to bear witness to the Light of Christ. Let us recommit ourselves to this mission during this holy season, knowing that through our service, we help to prepare the way for Christ in the hearts of those we serve.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we journey through Advent, open our hearts to your presence. May we, as trustees, be instruments of your hope, peace, joy, and love in our schools. Strengthen us in our mission to serve with faith and humility. Help us to always prepare the way for your Son, Jesus Christ, in our work and in our lives.
Amen.
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- Written by Charlotte Taillon
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As we pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor John (Jack) Hamilton, we also take time to celebrate his remarkable legacy; a lifetime dedicated to Catholic education, pastoral care, and the unwavering service of his community. Fr. Jack received an Honorary Life Member Award from the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) in 2022. His service spanned over 60 years, leaving a profound impact on countless students, families, and educators across Alberta.
A Lifetime of Service
Born in Montreal, Fr. Jack pursued his calling to priesthood through studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton. He was ordained as a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton in 1963. Not long after, he earned a degree in education from the University of Alberta and began teaching junior high at St. Nicholas School.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Jack embraced every opportunity to serve, holding positions as teacher, religious education consultant, parish priest, diocesan vicar, and even editor of the diocesan newsletter. He continually adapted to the needs of his community, embodying humility, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of Catholic education to shape lives.
Champion of Catholic Education
Fr. Jack’s passion for Catholic education was evident in every role he undertook. After completing graduate studies at Corpus Christi College in London in 1971, he returned to Edmonton Catholic Schools as a high school religious education consultant, guiding curriculum development and supporting teachers.
Wherever his ministry took him—whether Edmonton, Red Deer, or Sherwood Park—Fr. Jack prioritized Catholic schools and their mission. His 17 years as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish in Sherwood Park were marked by his active involvement with Elk Island Catholic Schools, where he served as a mentor, spiritual guide, and friend.
From officiating at school openings and graduations to celebrating sacraments with students and families, Fr. Jack’s presence enriched the faith and educational journeys of those he encountered. His commitment to Catholic education was not just professional—it was deeply personal. He lived as a witness to Christ’s teachings, inspiring those around him to do the same.
Recognized Excellence
In 2022, Elk Island Catholic Schools proudly nominated Fr. Jack for the Honourary Life Membership Award from the ACSTA. This recognition celebrated his extraordinary contributions as a teacher, administrator, priest, and advocate for Catholic education.
During the award presentation, his colleagues highlighted his unparalleled dedication:
"The primary means of catechesis and religious education is witness, and for a generation of parishioners in Sherwood Park, Fr. Jack epitomized what it means to be a disciple of Christ."
His work extended beyond the classroom and parish. Fr. Jack’s role as Vicar General and his involvement in organizing St. John Paul II’s papal visit to Edmonton in 1984 were testaments to his leadership and devotion to the Catholic community.
A Lasting Legacy
Fr. Jack’s impact resonates in the lives of those he served. His ability to bring faith to life—through joyful celebrations, comforting presence in difficult times, and unwavering support for Catholic education—leaves a legacy that will endure.
As we honor his memory, we remain grateful for his countless contributions and the example he set for educators, trustees, and parishioners alike. Fr. Jack Hamilton truly embodied the heart of Catholic education and ministry, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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[Left to right: Cristina Wendel, Partner at Dentons Canada LLP; Madison Fleck, Award recipient & Student at St. Joseph's College, University of Edmonton; Kelly Whalen, President, ACSTA]
The Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) was honored to recognize Madison Fleck, the St. Joseph’s College recipient of the 2024 Justice Kevin Feehan Award, during our Annual General Meeting and Convention. This prestigious award celebrates students who exemplify faith, service, and leadership while promoting and living the values of Catholic education in Alberta.
The Justice Kevin Feehan Award is given annually to two full-time students, one each from St. Joseph’s College in Edmonton and St. Mary’s University in Calgary, who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Catholic education. Named in honor of Justice Kevin P. Feehan, a passionate advocate for faith-based learning and a long-time supporter of ACSTA, this $1,500 award reflects his enduring legacy of championing Catholic education and its role in shaping compassionate, faith-filled leaders.
To qualify, recipients must maintain strong academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Preference is given to those enrolled in or who have completed the St. Joseph’s College Certificate in Catholic Education, a program designed to foster a deep understanding of Catholic education’s principles and values.
This year, Madison received the award from Cristina Wendel, Partner at Dentons Canada LLP, and ACSTA President Kelly Whalen, who presented it on behalf of Justice Kevin P. Feehan.
[Cristina Wendel, Partner at Dentons Canada LLP introduces Madison at the ACSTA AGM]
“I am incredibly thankful to the St. Joseph’s College community, as well as Justice Kevin Feehan, for making these opportunities possible" Madison stated, "Thank you to the ACSTA for the continuing support of young educators like myself. I am truly excited to one day be among you all as a colleague.”
Madison’s achievements highlight the transformative power of Catholic education to foster both academic and spiritual growth while nurturing leaders committed to service, justice, and the common good. Her dedication is a powerful testament to the mission of faith-centered education.
Looking to the future, Madison remarked:
“When I graduate from the University of Alberta, I intend to work in a Catholic school. The classes at St. Joseph’s College provide the foundations for becoming a knowledgeable Catholic teacher, and I am excited to bring my experiences from these courses into my own classroom and pedagogy.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Madison on this well-deserved honor and offer prayers for her continued success. May God bless Madison and all who champion Catholic education as we work together to build a brighter future rooted in faith, service, and community.
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ACSTA Executives, Directors, and staff attended the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association (CCSTA) AGM and Convention in Calgary last week, along with members from over 90 school boards who represent more than 850,000 students.
Attendees prayed and worshiped together, heard from a variety of keynote and breakout speakers, discussed national resolutions, and broke bread over the course of their three and a half days together.
Hosted by the Calgary Catholic School District, the event spanned three days of discussions, keynote speeches, and fellowship. It began with an inspiring address by Father Cristino Bouvette titled “Reconciliation is Possible: The Contribution of Catholic Education towards Reconciliation with our Indigenous People,” highlighting the role of Catholic education in fostering reconciliation.
On Friday, attendees were treated to thought-provoking sessions by Ian McCormack and Dr. Bob Murray. McCormack’s presentation, “Who’s Driving the School Bus,” explored leadership dynamics in educational settings, while Dr. Murray’s talk, “Maintaining the Gift of Catholic Education in an Era of Political Polarization,” addressed the challenges and resilience of Catholic schools amid contemporary political tensions.
That afternoon, attendees could choose from a range of topics presented by notable speakers, including Janelle Reinhard, Dr. Peter Baltutis, Kevin Warriner, Father Paul Moret, Dr. Bryan Szumlas & Cynthia Launière, and Dr. Caroline Maillet-Rao.
The day's activities concluded with a social event at Calgary’s Heritage Park. This evening of dining and networking reinforced the sense of fellowship and shared purpose that defines the CCSTA.
Saturday’s program featured Kate Mallon from Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education (GrACE), who delivered a compelling keynote on “The Courage to Lead” in Catholic education. In addition to reviewing the current state and history of Catholic Education in Alberta, Mallon emphasized the importance of strong leadership in navigating the challenges facing Catholic schools and highlighted GrACE's role in advocating for the system. Her talk was followed by the formal AGM, where members voted on key resolutions and discussed pivotal issues impacting Catholic education. The meeting concluded with a Mass and procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi, during which the CCSTA Board of Directors received a blessing from Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary.
With this year’s event in Calgary over, attendees are already looking forward to the 2025 convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, promising another opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the bonds within the Catholic educational community across Canada.
ACSTA is represented on the CCSTA Board of Directors by our President, Kelly Whalen and also by ACSTA’s Past President, Harry Salm, who is currently serving as CCSTA’s Vice President.
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Each year, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) has the privilege of hosting two distinct spiritual retreats, designed specifically for the Catholic education community.
These retreats, anchored by a thoughtfully chosen theme, offer participants a meaningful journey of spiritual growth and reflection. This year's theme was “Rooted in Faith.”
The SPICE (“Sharing Purpose in Catholic Education”) retreat brings together Catholic school educators from across the province to prayerfully explore current issues in Catholic education.
SPICE 2024 was led by speaker Dr. Brett Salkeld, author, father, theologian and former teacher.
Dr. Salkeld’s talks covered a range of topics, from identifying the purpose of education (from a Catholic vs. secular perspective), to how one integrates a Catholic worldview across each and every subject.
Through his engaging talks, he highlighted practical strategies for educators to infuse their teachings with Catholic principles, ensuring that students receive a holistic education that nurtures both their intellectual and spiritual growth.
While similar to SPICE, the ACSTA Blueprints retreat is tailored to Catholic school administrators and trustees.
This year’s speaker was Dr. Bob McCarty, former Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Minister in Washington, DC., as well as lecturer at the University of Dallas and the Catholic University of the Americas.
His talks explored contemporary cultural challenges facing the Church in relation to young people, maintaining a spiritual lens, living a grace-filled life, and nourishing one’s faith journey in connection with others.
Both retreats were opportunities not only for faith formation and professional development, but also celebration and fellowship.
Daily Masses, group prayer liturgies, and music were integral parts of the retreats.
Formal banquets were held to recognize and celebrate the CCSSA Excellence in Catholic Education award recipients, many of whom attended as participants.
Overall, the ACSTA hosted over 300 participants at the SPICE and Blueprints retreats, bringing together individuals from all corners of Alberta’s publicly funded Catholic education system.
We look forward to seeing everyone again at SPICE and Blueprints 2025!
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ACSTA was pleased to welcome over 30 MLAs and 50 trustees from 13 Catholic school divisions to the 2024 MLA reception on April 15, 2024.
The evening commenced with a prayer led by ACSTA's Bishop liaison, Archbishop Richard Smith. Following a land acknowledgment by Trustee Donna Duda (Holy Family Catholic Regional Division), ACSTA Kelly Whalen delivered welcome remarks emphasizing the unifying force of our Catholic faith and the distinctive approach to education embraced within our schools.
"In our schools every student is cherished as a child of God, their inherent dignity celebrated and honored." He underscored the remarkable achievements of Catholic school divisions, including their strong performance on the Alberta Education Results Reports (AERR), not only in terms of academic results, but also in facilitating Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Learning Environments as well as a high degree of parental involvement.
Following President Whalen’s remarks, Premier Danielle Smith conveyed her appreciation for the dedication of educators, parents, and students in ensuring an exceptional education within our systems.
"Our government remains committed to collaborating with you to deliver an outstanding education aligned with your values," she assured attendees, going on to outline initiatives aimed at expanding parental and student choice, modernizing schools to alleviate enrollment pressures, and investing in classroom supports – particularly in addressing complex needs and mental health challenges.
NDP Opposition Critic for Education Amanda Chapman started her remarks by recounting a story about her first encounter with ACSTA Director Mary Martin (CCSD). Chapman commended Martin's warmth and professionalism, expressing admiration for her dedication to service. She emphasized the NDP's steadfast support for public education, citing its inclusivity and the many choices it offers Alberta families.
“It is not just me who believes in the role of Catholic Education in Alberta, my colleagues here tonight, my party leader, Rachel Notley, and the entire NDP team stands in support of public education because public education is about accepting all children regardless of their abilities or disabilities and public education is able to offer so much choice for Alberta families.” Chapman stated, “We will continue to advocate for public education and for better funding of all of our public education projects. The work that you do is so valuable and I want to thank you for doing it. For your faith, for your schools, for your teachers, and most of all for your students.”
The ACSTA MLA Reception is an annual event that provides an opportunity for Catholic Education trustees to foster new relationships, as well as to engage in open dialogue and build support for Alberta’s publicly funded Catholic Education System.
ACSTA is a non-partisan advocacy organization, representing 24 Catholic school trustees to the governments of Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, promote, and enhance Catholic education, fostering collaboration and advocacy for the benefit of our students and communities.
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Two weekends ago we hosted our 2024 Catholic Education Symposium at Corpus Christi Parish in Edmonton.
Nearly 140 members of the Catholic Education community, including trustees, superintendents, principals, teachers, school chaplains, members of the clergy, and university students all joined together to discuss a vital question:
How do we support the formation of teachers in our schools so that they can serve as faithful Catholic witnesses for our school and model for our students?
Setting the tone for the event, His Grace, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, gave a talk on the calling of every one of us to be missionaries: “There is more than enough missionary work in our schools to last us more than a lifetime” he remarked, underscoring the critical need for ongoing formation across all levels of the Church.
Later that evening, Dr. Matt Hoven (an Associate Professor at St. Joseph’s College) highlighted existing initiatives in faith formation for teachers that already exist. Dr. Hoven challenged attendees to reflect on what this conversation means for their respective schools, urging a proactive approach tailored to their unique contexts.
Saturday kicked off with virtual talk from Dr. Roisin Coll, Professor of Catholic Education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Her talk explored the significance and merit of a Catholic school system and the pivotal role our teachers play in the faith formation of students. She touched on how there exists an eagerness in the Catholic Education community to learn, to be disciples. “This is such an opportunity” she stated.
Paul Corrigan and Ryan Ledene then underscored the importance of exemplary witness, stressing the collective effort necessary for this challenging yet achievable endeavor. “Is this an impossible mission? No. But it's a difficult task and we need everyone to work together.”
Nika Aalbers, a second year Education student from St. Joseph’s College put it beautifully, “There is hope for the future. Hope for future educators, hope for the students that we are addressing the concerns and trying to make a system that is most equitable to everybody.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mike Landry, Chaplain for Evergreen Catholic School Division stressed the centrality of personal encounters with Christ, a recurring theme we heard throughout the sessions. “I think the thing that I'm considering a lot is how, in several different sessions, the question of someone's personal encounter with Christ seems to be so critical.”
Andrée Norbert-Bennet (Assistant Superintendent for Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord) summed it up perfectly: “Nous avons vraiment pu ressortir de très bonnes idées de stratégies concrètes mais aussi vraiment se rappeler que c'est dans l'expérience, c'est dans la relation avec Dieu avec Jésus qu'on trouve vraiment la foi.”
“We were really able to come up with some very good ideas for concrete strategies but also really remember that it is in the experience, it is in the relationship with God with Jesus that we really find faith.”
So, now what?
In her opening address, our Vice-President, Dawn Miller, articulated the aspiration for the weekend: “that we will have the tools necessary to develop a guiding framework for our School Boards on this topic.”
Dean Sarnecki, Trustee for Elk Island Catholic School Board and ACSTA Director, has taken up the mantle of developing this guiding framework document.
ACSTA looks forward to sharing the findings of the report with all our members and the broader Catholic education community later this year!
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Publicly-funded Catholic education in Alberta received strong words of support from both provincial parties at ACSTA’s reception for MLAs last Tuesday night in Edmonton. 60 representatives from 15 Catholic school divisions, as well as approximately 30 MLAs from both parties were in attendance – including the Premier, Opposition Leader, Minister of Education and Education Critic.
The event began with an Opening Prayer led by Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith, followed by a treaty land acknowledgement and remarks from ACSTA President Harry Salm:
“The constitutional protection for Catholic education was one of the original minority protections – along with those held by our francophone and indigenous brothers and sisters – that allowed for the birth and development of the pluralistic society we have today,” President Salm stated. “In this province, over 173,000 of all students are educated by the Catholic school system. We should always keep in mind that this is an intentional decision made by Albertan families.”
In addition to acknowledging the toll that COVID had taken on the education system, NDP Party Leader Rachel Notley emphasized the importance of providing sufficient funding to Catholic schools: “In my view, public education – whether the public system, the Catholic system, the Francophone system – needs to be well-funded, so we can continue to support our kids.”
“And I also look forward to the opportunity to work with you more in the future about how we can deliver the best public education - and the best Catholic public education system here for our kids across the province.”
UCP Education Minister Adriana LaGrange spoke to the importance of choice in education, as well as the distinctive nature and value of faith-based education: “I’m so proud of our government's commitment to ensuring parents have the ability to choose a publicly-funded Catholic education for their children.”
“Catholic education is a constitutional right that many parents and students choose to exercise in our province.”
ACSTA represents 24 Catholic school trustees to the governments of Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories with the mission to celebrate, preserve, promote, and enhance Catholic education. The MLA Reception is an opportunity facilitated by ACSTA for Catholic school trustees to engage with and educate provincial legislators about the history, constitutional protections, and current significance of Catholic education in Alberta.