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Our Spiritual Theme - By Our Works We Show Our Faith

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Our Board is pleased to announce our new Spiritual Theme for the next two school years! See how our staff and students demonstrate their faith through their words and actions.

If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well: keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (James 2:16-18)

This rich quote from the letter of James reminded the early Christian community that it was through their works and actions that their faith was best lived. And so it is now for us in the Ottawa Catholic School Board community.

This parable also connects us to the lives of saints and role models in the Catholic school community, i.e. St. Brother André, Mother Teresa and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. It is a starting place for charitable projects and activities in schools such as partnerships with the Shepherds of Good Hope, Development and Peace, Free the Children, Chalice, etc. And, as a connection to the legacy of Catholic education and its contributions in the city of Ottawa and the province of Ontario, it is testimony that our faith and learning coincide.

Stay tuned to this website to see how By Our Works We Show Our Faith.

2010-2012 Spiritual Theme

ocsb-spiritual-logo-2010The Spiritual Theme for the 2010-2012 school years "Though many...we are one body in Christ." By fostering a spirit of equity and inclusivity and the call to strengthen unity within our Catholic community, this theme allowed us to explore the many gifts of our wider community and the key elements of Catholic character formation. Based on 1 Corinthians 12, it was an exciting chance for our Board community to celebrate our diversity and the unity that we have in our faith in Christ. This scripture passage gave us a wonderful palette on which to explore the many talents and needs of a community.

In 1 Corinthians 12, St. Paul recognized that it was the Holy Spirit that provided each person with a variety of gifts. These gifts were to be directed to the unity of the community. Together we then make up one body in Christ. There was a direct connection from this theme to the virtues in our Catholic Character Formation. Faith, love, community, justice, dignity of the person,  and excellence --- and this theme also aligned perfectly with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy which aims to reduce discrimination and embrace diversity in all schools.

Logo and Theme Song

 OCSB Spiritual Theme logo

Click here to listen to the new Spiritual Theme Song (MP3), called "Works of Mercy"

Read the Transcript / Sheet Music >>

The singers are Notre Dame graduate Ivan Amor and Immaculata Grade 12 student, Kyle Ivanich. Thanks to Kathleen Logan for helping with production and Liverpool Court Studios who did the recording.

The Unity Cross

OCSB Unity CrossA remarkable handcrafted Unity Cross was made by one of our Chapliancy leaders to complement our 2010-2012 Spiritual Theme. The Unity Cross travelled to an astounding 72 schools in our Board as a symbol of unity and diversity. The artwork depicts the stories of Pentecost, The Beatitudes and The Loaves and the Fishes. It also contained a slot at the back where people inserted their prayers which were offered up at liturgies across the Board community. 

  Read more about the Unity Cross >>  

2008-2010 Spiritual Theme

OCSB Spiritual Theme 2008-2010 We Care for God's CreationThe Spiritual Theme for the 2008-2010 school years "We Care for God's Creation" was embraced by our school and greater community with tremendous success. In keeping with the Gospel value of Stewardship of Creation, this theme included the elements of sacredness of creation, the value of human life, wellness, care for the environment, and global awareness.

This theme also formd a bridge to the previous theme "Who is My Neighbour?" Jesus calls us to open our lives to all who need our love and care across the globe. For instance, those most affected by global warming will be the people of Africa and low-lying parts of Asia like Bangladesh.

Part of our responsibility for environmental education includes modelling environmentally sound practices in our facilities and operations. These practices are outlined in a Report of the Working Group on Environmental Education, endorsed by the Ministry of Education. Our students and staff continue to be actively engaged in activities that demonstrate care for Creation including the environment, the welfare of others, and personal wellness.

2006-2008 Spiritual Theme

OCSB Spiritual Theme 2006-2008 Who Is My Neighbour?Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the law?" he asked him. "How do you read it?" He answered: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself."  "You've answered correctly," Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"  

From the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37
In today's society, we often do not know our neighbours very well. In Jesus' time, and in many cultures, neighbours were friends who looked out for each other, helping each other. With the Parable of The Good Samaritan, Jesus pushes our understanding of our neighbour even further. Our spiritual theme for the 2006-2008 school years "Who is My Neighbour?" challenged our school community to re-define "neighbour" by opening our hearts to a much deeper understanding. Our neighbours are the needy in our community, our world, the sick, the elderly, the homeless, the lonely. Jesus calls us to open our lives to all who need our love and care.