Every year, the Ottawa Catholic School Board presents the Chair’s Service Excellence Award to someone who has made a lasting contribution to Catholic education—someone whose work has touched the lives of students, staff, and families, and whose influence extends well beyond the walls of our schools.
This year’s recipient exemplifies that mission in every way.
Honouring Father Peter Sanders
We are honoured to present Father Peter Sanders with the 2025 Chair’s Service Excellence Award for his extraordinary 35 years of service to Catholic education. Father Peter’s impact on our Board and the broader Catholic community is profound, and this award is a fitting tribute to a man whose ministry has shaped generations with faith, humility, and quiet strength.
Wisdom, Humour, and Humility
Father Peter has been a source of guidance, comfort, and insight throughout his decades of service. His deep faith, sharp intellect, and remarkable sense of humour have helped ground our work in purpose and perspective. Whether offering theological insight, pastoral care, or simply a much-needed laugh, Father Peter always met others where they were, with patience, grace, and kindness.
A Life of Impact, at Home and Beyond
His service to Catholic education has been far-reaching. He began with the Ottawa Roman Catholic Separate School Board (ORCSSB), as a consultant and later as Director of Religious Education. He went on to serve as the Director of Religious Education for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, supporting Catholic education across Canada.
From 1979 to 1985, Father Peter served on the General Council of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome. Upon returning to Ottawa, he continued his vocation as a theology professor at St. Paul University, sharing his knowledge and faith with future leaders of the Church.
A Lasting Legacy
Here at the OCSB, Father Peter has been more than a chaplain. He has been a teacher, a mentor, a steady presence, and a spiritual compass. His leadership reflects the heart of our Spiritual Theme: Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings. Father Peter has always done all this and more with humility and compassion.
We are deeply grateful for his lifetime of ministry. And we are proud to honour him with this year’s Chair’s Service Excellence Award—a small gesture of appreciation for a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who have had the blessing of learning from him.
Father Peter is set to retire from the OCSB when this school year concludes. Consequently, Father Gerard will step into the role of the OCSB Board’s new Chaplain.
