Catholic schools celebrate with opening mass
By Frank Flegel
REGINA — Regina Roman Catholic Schools chose to remain with last
year’s theme, Go and Make a Difference, as they celebrated the
system’s
opening mass Aug. 30 in Holy Rosary Cathedral.
Archbishop Daniel Bohan stayed with the theme in his homily, explaining
that it was Jesus who said in the Gospels to “Go and make disciples
of all nations” — in other words, go and make a difference.
He reminded the congregation that it is the Catholic faith that makes Catholic Schools different from others “This is the unparalleled strength of the Catholic school system,” but to truly make a difference, he said, “we must believe. To truly make a difference we must live our faith.” He warned that the greatest threat to Catholic education comes from within. “It comes from us when we will not believe.”
He referred to Pope Benedict’s announcement of the Year of Faith that begins in October, in which the pope acknowledges a profound crisis in faith that exists in the world and in the church.
“We are well aware of how real it is,” said the archbishop, “Even in our Catholic schools I am given to understand that the majority of children do not choose to stand with the Lord and live with him.”
Faith is not simply a list of beliefs, said the archbishop; “it is the way we live. And therefore the true strength of the Catholic school system is when we choose to stand with the Lord so as to live with him.” He said he would look to the Catholic School Divisions to become actively involved in observing the Year of Faith.
A special blessing was given to loose leaf books containing prayers composed by students.
Director of Education Rob Currie said in the family of the Catholic school system, “we know God’s love and mercy. We share our Catholic faith and make sure our schools are Catholic.”
Board
chair Rob Bresciani told teachers to take time to give
thanks and take time to laugh. “You need the time to make a difference
and to make a difference in your own lives as well.”
Several members of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) who were in the congregation received a special blessing from Bohan for their many years of teaching. Currie also recognized and thanked them for their dedication.
Teachers and staff with 15 and 25 years of service were acknowledged and each will receive a Wilf Perreault print.
Regina Catholic Schools have more than 700 teachers and another 400 support and administration staff in 26 elementary and four high schools, with a total of about 10,000 students.
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