A Shepherd Among His Flock: Bishop McGrattan Visits Holy Spirit Catholic School Division
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/4cb3fdc6-315c-473d-afe3-c937cd56183a?fingerprint=ppb20251217011352" alt="Bishop Visit1" width="367" height="244" style="width:367px;height:244px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A spirit of faith, learning, and community filled the air on February 5, 2025, as Bishop William McGrattan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary made a special visit to the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division. His involvement brought an atmosphere of reflection and unity, reaffirming our deep-rooted mission of Catholic education.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The day began at St. Basil's Church, where His Excellency presided over Mass, fostering a sense of belonging, belief and purpose among the leadership of Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Having the Bishop lead Mass was a great way to start the day,” said Aaron Skretting, Director of Religious Education. “We are blessed that he was able to come down and join us. We were excited to show him our schools and give him a picture of the good things happening at Holy Spirit.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d80b8549-4e5a-4fa5-ae21-8436059d05fe?fingerprint=ppb20251217012518" alt="Bishop Visit5" width="388" height="258" style="width:388px;height:258px;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following Mass, Bishop McGrattan enjoyed presentations from all 16 schools within the division, each highlighting their unique contributions, achievements, and the work that makes them special. The event was attended by the clergy, trustees, senior administration, and school principals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, by name and by all that we do, is a holy place to learn and to grow. Having His Excellency, Bishop McGrattan, celebrate and walk alongside our leaders is nothing short of a blessing,” said Chantel Axani, Superintendent of Schools. “We were able to highlight each of our schools, with principals sharing many of the wonderful things they are doing to support students’ spiritual, emotional, and academic growth. It is my honor and privilege to work with such fine educators and be able to share in this celebration with our Bishop, clergy, and trustees.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/6e65eaca-7d00-4de5-aaa4-86d58985e26f?fingerprint=ppb20251217011630" alt="Bishop Visit4" width="373" height="249" style="width:373px;height:249px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“To have Bishop McGrattan visit is hugely important,” said Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This is more than a typical guest visit. The Bishop is our leader in faith. We exist, as a Catholic school division, because we live in union with him. Through canon law, it is the Bishop’s authority which allows Catholic education to exist. For him to come and pay a visit to his schools is very important and hopefully becomes an annual event.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the afternoon, Bishop McGrattan toured schools including Catholic Central High School, École St. Mary, and St. Francis Junior High School. During his visits, he engaged with staff and students, offering words of encouragement and faith.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I was excited to tour His Excellency through a few of our schools,” expressed Axani. “With the success of this day, we look forward to making this an annual event and having Bishop McGrattan witness the amazing works within all our schools. It is essential that His Excellency gets to experience, for himself, the wonderful things happening at Holy Spirit.”</span><img src="/images/648092d6-a5f3-4f13-8ab5-6855f011c967?fingerprint=ppb20251217011544" alt="Bishop Visit2" width="373" height="260" style="width:373px;height:260px;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“As the Bishop, I always want to be close to the parishes and schools anytime I have the chance. I see it as an opportunity for me to draw closer to view the Catholic faith in the schools and also our parishes,” said Bishop McGrattan. “To come down and understand some of the challenges in Holy Spirit, what are the blessings that they experience; all of those are important for me as Bishop to appreciate and understand.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop McGrattan also shared his passion for education and his appreciation for interacting with students. “As a Bishop, I used to teach, so I enjoy classrooms and anytime I have the opportunity to be with students. I really see it as an opportunity to understand, open up their minds and to give an example of Christ, who was a great teacher.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/71003e55-1c7b-4674-ac72-0161b103c48f?fingerprint=ppb20251217011645" alt="Bishop Visit3" width="370" height="246" style="width:370px;height:246px;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflecting on the day, Axani expressed deep gratitude: “It was a blessing to have hosted His Excellency and I would rank this experience within the top three days of my superintendency up to this point.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit Catholic School Division was profoundly grateful for the Bishop’s visit, a day filled with inspiration, grace, and proclaiming the beauty of Catholic education in action. His presence and heartfelt engagement served as a powerful reminder of the call to discipleship, the pursuit of knowledge, and the strength of our faith-filled community. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-02-06 20:29:42.962 +0000 UTC
