2023-24 Board Spiritual Theme

“If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12)

This year, our Pastoral Theme is entitled, Catholic Education: We are Called to Love. Our focus is aligned with the OCSTA Catholic Education Week Theme. As a dedicated, faith-filled BHNCDSB Catholic education community, we live out the call to love as people of hope, faith, mercy, justice and joy!

The five key sub-themes we will explore throughout this year are as follows:

As people of hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”. Romans 15:13
As people of faith. “For in Christ Jesus… the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6
As people of mercy. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36
As people of justice. “Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8
As people of joy. “Our heart is glad in the Lord, because we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:21

Prayer for Theme

Love is our calling, and the goal for which you have made us.

As we celebrate Catholic Education Week,

may our love in action reveal to our world

that we are people of justice and mercy.

May our daily words and example show clearly

that we are people of faith and hope.

In the ways we reflect you daily,

may everyone recognize us as people of joy.

Help us to never forget how much you love us,

and to cherish your life within us,

which gives energy and direction to our loving.

May we hear your call to love generously and inclusively,

and may we call our world to be more loving also.

All of this we ask in the name of Jesus, our Friend and our Lord.

Amen.

This year, we will continue to support the faith formation of staff and students by emphasizing the importance of building an interior prayer life, using Scripture to deepen our understanding of our call to love as found in the Gospel narratives, and reaching out to our neighbours in need. Resources and training dedicated to improving our ability to be Catechists and strengthening home, school and parish relationships will be a focus.

Follow #bhnCalledToLove on social media.