Celebrating Catholic Education Week 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, staff, colleagues, and their families from the Ottawa Catholic School Board gathered at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica to celebrate Catholic Education Week with a special Mass led by the Most Reverend Archbishop Marcel Damphousse.
A Theme That Inspires
This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” connects deeply with the 2025 Jubilee Year – a time to renew our faith and look ahead with confidence. The late Pope Francis encouraged us to “fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.” His words remind us that hope is a powerful force guiding both our work and our lives.
Coming Together in Faith and Community
The Mass was a meaningful occasion for staff, colleagues, and their families to gather for prayer and reflection. Archbishop Damphousse’s homily highlighted that hope is not just a feeling; it is a consistent light that supports us in our daily efforts to serve and educate.
Celebrating Excellence
Following the Mass, the Director of Education Commendation Awards were presented to honour staff members who have made exceptional contributions to Catholic education. These awards celebrate the passion, commitment, and impact of colleagues who help create a welcoming, faith-filled environment for our students and communities. Read more about their contributions to Catholic Education in the Director of Education Commendations Booklet.
Christina Armstrong – Human Resources Department
Nancy Bachhuber – Continuing & Community Education Department
Sheri-Lynn Bailey – St. Francis Xavier High School
Rita Barnes – St. Pius X High School
Mary Blais – Holy Trinity High School
Heather Bryce – Immaculata High School
Lisa Cameron – St. Joseph High School
Andy Castellarin – St. Mark High School
Bill Corcoran – Learning Technologies Department
Linda Dalrymple – All Saints High School
Sandra Falcomer – Directorate
Nora Gallagher – St. Catherine School
Jennifer Gauthier – Student Success, Intermediate/Secondary Department
Conor George – St. Joseph High School
Richmond Guillermo – St. Patrick’s High School
Sharon Hollingsworth – Notre Dame High School
Linda Immetsberger – St. Francis of Assisi School
Wilson Kalu – St. Michael Ottawa School
Debbie Kealey – Human Resources Department
Renée Lacroix – Chapel Hill School
Vicky Lafontaine – Student Success, Elementary Department
Joanne LaSchiazza – Our Lady of Peace School
Anton Lauton – Planning & Facilities Department
Randy Leafloor – Planning & Facilities Department
Linda Lim – Our Lady of Fatima School
Jason Lyons – St. Stephen School
Justin Malloy – St. Peter High School
Jennifer McKittrick – St. Clare School
Vito Michienzi – Sacred Heart High School
Tracey Nesrallah – St. Jerome School
Darlene Noble – St. Brigid School
Tanya Noble-Moore – St. Francis Xavier High School
Gaetano Pampena – Planning & Facilities Department
Adriana Porcari – St. Bernard School
Lesley Salvatore – St. Pius X High School
Kathleen Frances Shaver – Prince of Peace School
Katie Shea – Dr. F.J. McDonald School
Alanna Trines – Leadership & Parent Engagement Department
Chris Truelove – Monsignor Paul Baxter School
Grant Turner – Corpus Christi School
Jennifer Wilson – Learning Technologies Department
Krista Wilson – All Saints High School
Amy Winchester – Special Education & Student Services Department
Congratulations to all of our award winners! Your commitment and service to Catholic education inspire us all!
