On Thursday, September 26, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board gathered for its annual Welcome Back Mass, marking the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. The Mass, held at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Wallaceburg, was celebrated by Father Chris Pietraszko, the newly appointed Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians.

Principals, students, and parents from each school, as well as staff from the Catholic Education Centre, gathered in the church, filling it with prayer and song as they celebrated faith and community. Father Chris, with his charismatic and engaging style, offered blessings and spiritual guidance to all in attendance. The Mass also served as an opportunity to welcome over 70 new staff members to the St. Clair Catholic family, who will each receive a blessed bible to guide them in their roles. In addition, every school was given a liturgical calendar and a copy of the Board’s 2024-2025 Pastoral Plan, which will be included with the bibles for new staff.

Scott Johnson, Director of Education, reflected on the importance of the event, saying, “Our Welcome Back Mass is a reminder of our shared mission, rooted in faith, as we begin a new school year. It’s a time for us to come together, renew our commitment to Catholic education, and embrace the journey ahead with a sense of unity and purpose.”

Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed refreshments in the church hall before returning to their schools to continue the day. The celebration highlighted St. Clair Catholic’s commitment to beginning the school year in faith and fellowship, as the community prepares for another year of growth and learning.