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At a Crossroads

At a Crossroads. Proposed changes to our local schools Review process underway We hold meaningful connections to Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima Schools We bring our own perspectives, insights, concerns to the discussion

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At a Crossroads

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  1. At a Crossroads • Proposed changes to our local schools • Review process underway • We hold meaningful connections to Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima Schools • We bring our own perspectives, insights, concerns to the discussion • Change can often be difficult and fearful, but can also provide hope and opportunity – what to do? • In all of this, we can rely on our faith to guide us

  2. From our Mission Statement … “Guided by the Spirit on our journey, together with family and Church, we mutually invite, encourage and support one another in our efforts to transform the world.”

  3. A Faith Perspective • As a Youth Minister and Religion Teacher • As a Home/School/Parish Liaison • As a Faith Animator for students and staff • As an active parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church • As a parent and citizen of Elliot Lake To what is God calling us, and with whom are we being asked to move forward in faith?

  4. A Moment of Great Challenge and Uncertainty • Catholic system is under attack • What we have had for many years is now being threatened • We can no longer take for granted the gift of Catholic education given to us • This requires us to become engaged in the dialogue about Catholic schools, and about the future … our common future

  5. How Do We Respond? • Crisis or opportunity? Paralysis or Action? • We need a common message, purpose, mission – a clear focus of who we are and what we believe • We need to share our faith, encouraging one another to model and live according to the Gospel - in a spirit of unity and support • We need to stand together with enthusiasm and an openness/willingness to change how we do things • What better way to do this than to physically and logistically come together to promote what we have, and to celebrate what we bring to each other and our city

  6. “Be always humble, gentle and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.” Ephesians 4:2-3

  7. Growing Together in Faith • Special Events • Masses and Liturgies • N.E.T. Retreat • Youth Group • Parish Community • High School *Connections are already being made

  8. Christian Unity “I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be completely one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.” John 17:21 • Our schools have been working together in spirit and faith for many years – why not, then, together in one building?

  9. Companions on the Journey • We all have a responsibility to inspire and empower all Catholic partners to come together for a common cause and vision • Rather than promoting two separate communities, we have the opportunity to stand together, in solidarity, to create a united and stronger Catholic voice in Elliot Lake • Coming together under one banner, in a spirit of mutual cooperation, rooted in a Gospel of love and understanding … we can reach out to the needs of both communities to create a strengthened learning environment

  10. Hope in Renewal • In a time of crisis, there is always an opportunity for renewal as the journey continues • In recognizing our Catholic schools as a gift, and our mission to evangelize, we can help bring about public and visible change in our community • Doing this through the lens of faith, in the spirit of being “church” together, allows us to provide a holistic education for our students, and strengthen our commitment to a Catholic system that is deliberately different and united in purpose

  11. “And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God … by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ.” Ephesians 4:13,15

  12. “We are called to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8 What is the just and loving thing to do? • For our students, children • For our school staffs and school board • For our parents, guardians and families • For our parish and community • For the future of Catholic education

  13. We Gather Together on the Journey We gather today in the name of our God. We gather to share, support, encourage, celebrate, and learn from each other. We gather as people who journey in faith. Although our pathways are different, our journey is the same.

  14. A journey once taken alone, we now choose to take with others. Moving forward as one body, into a future filled with possibility, we walk without maps, but we walk … confidently, and we walk with hope, because we have chosen to be light for each other on the way.

  15. We travel forward along a way we have not gone before; we travel as one who is led, arms outstretched, as one who is called forth to life. We travel in need, dependent on our God for strength and assurance, dependent on each other, instruments of love, leaving known paths behind us, we choose to journey forward in faith.

  16. As the journey brought us here, so here we begin it anew, in company together. Amen

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