New Direction in Religious Education

In the words of Superintendent Joan Carr, "Over the last two years, the Archdiocese of Edmonton has moved in new directions and has identified specific priorities to include evangelization, faith formation and vocations. It is important that we, in Edmonton Catholic Schools, identify and align with these priorities – making faith come alive for our students and staff. The Edmonton Catholic School District is embarking on a new journey for Religious Education. In reorganizing the delivery of our services in our District, a number of changes will occur for school opening 2010. I believe that the new directions outlined below will continue our positive journey of faith formation for both students and staff in the District."

Father Mike Mireau has been appointed District Chaplain and will begin working with students and staff in September. Father Mike had this to say about this role: "We now live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world and need to reach out to our youth during the school day to give them new experiences to encounter the Gospel with their peers. I want all the students and staff in the entire District to know with certainty that ‘God is Love’ (1 John 4:16), by experiencing His love in our Catholic Schools". Father Mireau is widely recognized as having the right gifts for this ministry.

The following statements highlight our District’s new directions in religious education:

• The closer alignment between the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese and the District emphasizes the evangelizing role of our District and ensures that students also learn about the three priorities of the Archdiocese – Evangelization, Faith Formation and Vocations – as part of their religious Education journey. 
• This closer alignment with the Archdiocese will enable our District to fulfill our mission of educating students in the Catholic faith and to grow in a life-long relationship with Christ.
• This collaborative relationship with the Archdiocese further highlights our belief that Catholic education is a partnership between the school, church and family.
• Father Mireau will also help students learn and embrace an important initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese, Nothing More Beautiful, making it come alive for our youth. 
• By reaching out to youth, our District Chaplain will help support community building activities such as rallies, retreats and social justice opportunities. Father Mireau will be our liaison with both parish priests and parish pastoral team members and our school communities.
• Two religious education consultants, Patti Liogier and Janice Stefancik, will continue to work with schools to ensure that the religious education programs of study are implemented with rigor and in accordance with the National Office of Religious Education and those developed locally with the approval of the Alberta Catholic Bishops. The religious education consultants work in collaboration with all district curriculum staff to permeate the Catholic faith into curriculum, instruction, and staff development. 
  • Some of the duties of these consultants include:
    • Providing support to teachers and administrators in the delivery of the Religious Education programs of study
    • Providing assistance and support for celebrations, prayer services and days of reflection for staff and students
    • Encouraging staff faith development through encouraging participation in courses and workshops offered through Newman College, St. Joseph’s College, the Archdiocese of Edmonton and other similar opportunities
    • Researching, developing, and implementing plans for curriculum and program implementation that include resources and staff development for district staff
    • Assisting in district events such as the opening school Mass and Faith Development Day
    • Researching and recommending best practices re: curriculum and program implementation
    • Preparing summary reports for improving and enhancing the Religious Education Programs
    • Communicating Learner Outcomes of Programs of Study to stakeholders
    • Supporting the parish-home-school relationship and sacramental preparation
    • Liaising with the District, organizations within the community, the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese and with out-of-District committees relative to the responsibilities of the position
    • Participating in Staff Development Initiatives
    • Collaborating with other District consultants in support of District priorities
    • Completing other duties, as required, by the position or as directed by the Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services
• Beginning in September, Father Mireau will work as District Chaplain (.7) and St. Francis Xavier School Chaplain (.3).
• An additional part-time Religious Education Consultant, Sandra Talarico, will liaise with Newman Theological College and programs offered to administrators and staff (.4 FTE). Responsibilities of this consultant will include:
  • Liaising with Newman Theological College and the programs it offers
  • Liaising with the District, the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese, Community Organizations, as well as Out-Of-District Committees relative to the responsibilities of the position
  • Providing assistance and support for celebrations, prayer services and days of reflection for staff and students
  • Encouraging active participation in courses and workshops offered through Newman Theological College, St. Joseph’s College, the Archdiocese of Edmonton as well as other Archdiocesan Organizations and Agencies
  • Participating in Staff Development initiatives
  • Assisting with District events such as the Opening School Celebration and Faith Development Day
  • Overseeing Religious Education course equivalency for ECS staff
  • Supporting the parish-home-school partnership
  • Collaborating with other District Consultants in support of District priorities
  • Completing other duties, as required, by the position or as directed by the Office of the Superintendent
• Father Mireau will also work closely with other high school Chaplains in the District.
• Faith Development Day will be coordinated by Palma Covelli, Leadership Services.
• Father Shayne Craig, President, Newman Theological College and Rector, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Father Stefano Penna, Academic Dean, Newman Theological College, Newman Theological College and St. Joseph Seminary will be available to provide the District with theological consultation on policies, issues, etc. when necessary.
• Sandra Talarico will be seconded to Newman Theological College (NTC) as Director of Religious Education on a part-time (.5 FTE) basis. The focus of her responsibility will be the development and implementation of the goals and directions of the Religious Education program offered by NTC including the Catholic School Administration component. 

Posted: June 30, 2010