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2019-2020 Board Spiritual Theme

Hearts on Fire (Luke 24:32) – ENCOUNTER

The 2018-2019 school year marked the first of our three-year Board Spiritual Theme (Hearts on Fire (Luke 24:32) Journey, Encounter, Transform) rooted in the story of the Road to Emmaus. The story is about relationship. In this Gospel story, Jesus encounters and accompanies the disciples. We are reminded that He is always present with us. Jesus journeyed alongside the disciples, nurturing their relationship by engaging them in conversation and teaching. Jesus revealed himself to these disciples in the breaking of the bread and through his friendship, enduring presence and unconditional love. We live the Emmaus experience in our school communities as we witness Christ’s love to one another, forming joyful disciples of Jesus.

In the 2019-2020 school year, we are entering more deeply into the second year of our Board Spiritual Theme of “Hearts on Fire (Luke 24:32) – Journey, Encounter, Transform”, specifically focusing our attention on what it means to “Encounter” as found in the teachings of Jesus. Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel” uses the word “encounter” thirty-two times. He encourages people to look beyond themselves to the needs of others. Jesus is constantly reaching out to us, but an encounter only happens when that invitation is acknowledged and responded to. Our faith is an incredible love story about an encounter with God. It is by encountering Christ that we can then encounter others. Encounter is about being present to God and to one another, creating spaces for relationships to grow, to develop and to change. Our faith calls us to reach out, to be engaged with the world around us, to build friendships beyond our circles, to meet those on the margins, to have hope and to inspire it in others.

This year, we will continue to emphasize the importance of building an interior prayer life, using Scripture to deepen our understanding of encounter as found in the Gospel narratives, providing a preferential option for the poor and supporting the faith formation of staff and student leaders. Resources and training dedicated to improving our ability to be Catechists and strengthening home school, parish relationships to encounter students and families with great respect, patience and love will be a focus this year, while inviting all to deepen their understanding of God’s love.

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