Trust and Joy in the Lord was the theme of the 2024 System Faith Day for staff of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.  Events were held simultaneously in Sarnia, at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School; and in Chatham at Ursuline College in Chatham.

“As we gather today, it is a privilege to reflect on our shared mission and on the incredible impact we have on our students’ lives,” said Director of Education Scott Johnson, in his message to the staff.  “As we gather today to celebrate our faith and wellbeing, let us recommit ourselves to our calling.  Let us remember that our work is not just a profession, but a vocation, through which we can literally transform the lives of those we serve.”

An important feature of the faith day is bestowing the Living Faith – Lighting the Way awards to worthy recipients, who are nominated by their colleagues.  For 2024, the honourees in Sarnia were Jen Brown-Nead, a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, Corunna; and Pat DeRidder, a custodian at Holy Trinity Catholic School.  In Chatham the recipients were Clare Quinlan, a teacher at St. Elizabeth Catholic School and Renée Culverwell, who teaches at Ursuline College.

“These faith-filled and dedicated members of our staff are true servant leaders, whose commitment to our students is a shining example of what it is to serve the mission of Catholic education,” says Mr. Johnson.  “On behalf of our entire staff, thank you and well done!”

The day also included a keynote address from Father Chris Pietraszko of the Kent Lambton Roman Catholic Family of Parishes, which includes St. Michael, Dresden; Sacred Heart, Port Lambton; and Holy Family and Our Lady Help of Christians, Wallaceburg.

Uplifting and joyful Masses were celebrated by Father Joseph Ojoghenejabor from the Bluewater Roman Catholic Family of Parishes, at Ursuline College; and by Father Ray Lawhead, of the Lambton County Family of Parishes at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, Sarnia, with music by Dan Sonier, Jennifer Trinca, Jennifer Brown-Nead and Carolyn Stepniak.