On June 5, over 185 Catholic trustees, board members and administrators from across Canada journeyed to the scenic Halifax Harbourfront for the 2025 Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association (CCSTA) Annual General Meeting & Conference. With stunning views, gentle boardwalk strolls, and world-class seafood, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront provided the perfect backdrop for three days of deep reflection, joyful encounter, and renewed purpose.
This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” echoed the universal Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis and called participants to embrace their shared mission of Catholic education with new zeal and fervor.
Thursday: A Joyful Beginning
The conference officially opened on Thursday evening with a stirring Maritime welcome: directors, special guests and speakers were led in by a local bagpiper, setting the tone for a celebration deeply rooted in regional tradition.
The opening keynote came from David Wells, the beloved international Catholic speaker and author. With his signature wit and soul-stirring insight, David invited attendees to “embrace vulnerability and become even more authentic” in their leadership. His challenge was clear: in a culture that prizes efficiency and polish, Catholic leaders must instead lead with authenticity, honesty, and genuine joy. David’s call to live with courageous hope was the ideal note to begin the three-day spiritual pilgrimage.
Friday: Witness and Mission
Friday began with a keynote from Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC, of Saint John, NB. In an address on missionary discipleship, Bishop Riesbeck encouraged participants to deepen their own faith lives and recognize the urgent call to evangelization in Canada’s Catholic schools.
“In the midst of adversity, our Catholic schools must be signs of contradiction and wonder—a light on the hill.”
He reminded trustees that their role is not just managerial but missional, especially in a time when Catholic education faces mounting challenges.
“In response to the empty promises and false hopes of our current age, the fruit of which are all too evident in the skyrocketing mental health crisis… we need to double down in our catholicity, which embodies the fullness of truth the world so desperately needs.”
Later in the morning, David Wells returned with his second keynote, “Hope Is Bold: Advancing Along the Path of Hope.” In it, he delved into the richness of virtue—especially the virtue of hope—as essential to Catholic education.
“Folks, the Church says two things: if you want to be happy, go after the virtues. And secondly, conversion is rooted in as much who we are as what we proclaim.”
David’s words inspired participants to live and lead with deeper integrity, to become the hope they wish to see in the world, and to model authentic virtue in every boardroom and classroom.
Workshops: Learning for Today and Tomorrow
Friday afternoon featured a wide array of dynamic workshops. From the integration of AI in education to the sacred role of ritual, participants explored pressing topics with passionate and knowledgeable speakers.
Sessions included:
- Tom D’Amico on ethical AI use in Catholic education
- Dr. David Deane on how rituals form Catholic identity in secular culture
- Fr. James Mallon & Kate Mallon on transformational leadership and diocesan renewal
- Chris O’Hara on the stages of evangelization
- Bon Fagan on the constitutional history and future of Catholic education in Canada
- Jean Chartrand and Darrell Samson on francophone identity and government advocacy
Each workshop equipped participants with concrete tools and spiritual insights, reaffirming the unique and critical role of Catholic schools in forming the whole person.
Evening at Pier 21: Faith, Food, and Heritage
Friday evening offered a vibrant taste of Maritime hospitality. Attendees traveled to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for “The Ultimate Lobster Supper,” enjoying fresh seafood, immersive exhibits, and a bilingual film presentation celebrating Canada’s immigrant roots.
The evening also sparked joy and camaraderie, with many participants visiting the Old Triangle Pub afterward to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers playoff game, continuing the evening in laughter and connection.
Saturday: Stories of Perseverance and Celebration
Saturday opened with a moving panel presentation featuring three Catholic educators from Atlantic Canada:
- Dr. Carolyn Barry of Our Lady of Grace School, NB
- Judy Burnham, co-founder of Divine Mercy Catholic School, NB
- Bon Fagan, former CCSTA President and Catholic school advocate in Newfoundland and Labrador
These educators shared incredible stories of founding and sustaining Catholic schools without government funding, relying instead on God’s providence and the passionate support of families. Their testimonies were met with admiration—and a few tears. As CCSTA President Harry Salm said in his thanks:
“Everyone needs a hero… you three are our heroes in Canadian Catholic education.”
Mass and Gala: A Celebration of Mission and Legacy
The conference culminated in a beautiful Pentecost Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, celebrated by Archbishop Brian Dunn and Fr. Stefano Penna. The liturgy wove together the conference’s themes of hope, faith, and renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The evening continued with a stunning Gala Banquet, where Teresita Chiarella, CCSTA Past President, led a joyous celebration of the 65th Anniversary of CCSTA. The night also honoured remarkable individuals in Catholic education:
- Colleen Easson of Prince George, BC received the prestigious 2025 Justice James Higgins Award for her 40+ years of humble, faith-filled leadership.
- The Toonies for Tuition Trophy was awarded to Holy Family RCSSD, SK and the Provincial Trophy was awarded to Saskatchewan!
Attendees also contributed to a vibrant silent auction, with all proceeds going to Toonies for Tuition.
A Pilgrimage Renewed
Throughout every keynote, prayer, panel, and workshop, the spirit of hope permeated the 2025 CCSTA Conference. As one delegate remarked, “It wasn’t just a conference—it was a pilgrimage.” Indeed, those who gathered in Halifax left deeply renewed, ready to return to their school boards with hearts rekindled and eyes fixed on Christ, our ultimate hope.
With immense gratitude to the planning committee, local volunteers, guest speakers, sponsors, and every participant, CCSTA reflects on this year’s gathering as a moment of grace and joy.
And now, with hopeful anticipation, the pilgrimage continues. We look forward to welcoming you to our 2026 AGM & Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba!
