In honour of the Sisters of St. Joseph 150th anniversary in the Diocese of London, members of the congregation were special guests of the London District Catholic School Board’s 2018 Catholic Spirit Awards ceremony on May 7th, 2018. Along with the student awards, the Sisters received the 2018 Stewards in Catholic Education Award.
The beautiful Lecture Theatre at Mother Teresa Secondary School glowed with simple elegance as the evening began with selections by the school’s concert band followed by a warm welcome and greetings. Next, Catholic Spirit Awards were presented to one student from each of the 45 elementary and 9 secondary schools. These young people were honoured for displaying servant leadership capacity through witnessing key values that are the foundation of Catholic education. Such values include: a discerning believer, an effective communicator, a reflective, creative and holistic thinker, a self-directed, responsible, life-long learner, a collaborative contributor and a caring family member and a responsible citizen. It was heartwarming to see many fine, young people witnessing Gospel values in our sometimes self-centered and often hostile world.
Following an amazing performance by the school’s percussion ensemble, John Jevnikar, chair of the Board of Trustees presented the 2018 Stewards in Catholic Education Award to the Sisters of St. Joseph. He commented on the significant contribution made by the Sisters throughout 150 years to Catholic education, health care and many varied ministries far beyond the local sphere. Sr. Margo Ritchie, congregational leader, received the accolade on behalf of the Congregation. In her remarks, she reflected on our many relationships and partnerships throughout our long history. Through a poignant example, she showed how important a significant teacher can be in the life of a student and how we are all important to each other.
In her closing remarks, Linda Staudt, Director of Education, offered gratitude to the Sisters on behalf of the entire London District Catholic School system. In her words of admiration of how the sisters have worked together and supported each other in their ministries throughout 150 years, she used the word “ubuntu”. Translated this means, “I am what I am because of who we all are”.
What a perfect evening it was. Education in its many forms is part of CSJs DNA. What was begun in December 1868 when three Sisters began teaching Gospel values at St. Peter’s School, continues to the present day in the minds and hearts of administration, staff and students at London District School Board.
Jean Moylan, CSJ