CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DAY 2009
 Over 3,000 Ottawa Catholic School Board teachers, administrators and support staff gathered at the Ottawa Civic Centre on Friday, October 9, 2009 for Christian Community Day, an annual spiritual day of reflection for Board staff to celebrate our Catholic community.
After the national anthem and prayer, Gordon Butler, Board Chairperson, greeted the crowd, expressing his appreciation for the work of educators and staff in Catholic education. Jan Bentham, Religious Education Coordinator, led the Christian Community Day Choir in song, singing her new composition One World, a beautiful song she wrote  and produced in coordination with the Board’s spiritual theme, “We Care for God’s Creation.” The performance, amidst a striking and mystical backdrop, was incredibly moving and uplifting.
Masters of Ceremony, Greg Mullen, Superintendent of Human Resources, and Elaine McMahon, OECTA Ottawa President, donned hockey jerseys in support of the Ottawa 67’s, thanking them for supporting School Day Game on November 2, a special promotion supporting Ottawa area schools. Both MCs did a superb job hosting the event with humour and sincerity, and even warmed up the crowd leading the audience in a unison wave.
 James McCracken, Director of Education, gave the opening address, speaking of the many people who have inspired him throughout the past year. He praised the school community for their participation in this year’s spiritual theme, and shared inspirational stories of how we care for God’s creation, including Uplands Catholic School’s Butterfly Project, where students celebrated the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly, and the Planning Department’s use of environmentally safe cleaning products in all of our schools. The Board’s continuing commitment to social justice initiatives was also applauded, as was the impressive improvement in school EQAO achievement scores, realized through the dedication of our educators and the will of our students to succeed. Mr.  McCracken’s narrative also spoke about the students and families within our school community who have benefited from financial assistance through the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa (CEFO). In launching this year’s United Way campaign into action, he called upon the entire community to continue to support CEFO and others in need, as he serves as the Campaign Chair for United Way Ottawa -- the first educator in its history to serve in this capacity. He finished with a final reflection. "If I leave you with one message today, it is this: Listen to that voice inside yourself that calls you to be the true you, the one that brought you to this place and your vocation in Catholic education. Trust that voice. Let no one diminish or devalue it."
The keynote presentation for the event was a collection of inspirational stories and vignettes from within our school community that echoed out Board’s values and virtues in action.
 EXCELLENCE
Student David Charette of Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School performed two traditional aboriginal dances for the crowd's pleasure and appreciation. His teacher, Michael Bernard, shared how David has been accepted into his school community and how his love for his craft helps keep him away from drugs and other unhealthy temptations.
 HOPE
Cecile Lessard, a recent graduate from St. Nicholas Adult High School spoke of her journey in education and the challenges she overcame -- a story that brought the audience to their feet in admiration and support. Cecille graduated with her high school diploma as valedictorian in June 2009 at the age of 68, and is now pursuing a university education.
 FAITH
Diane Fournier, Principal of St. Francis of Assisi School, shared the story of a young autistic boy’s reflection of his Reconciliation. Unable to speak, the young boy, Tyler, was able to share his journey thanks to the intervention of the Student Services Department and several educators, who provided a laptop and special software to share his feelings. Tyler is living proof that the voice of each and every child should be heard. His reflection spoke to the impact of God in his life, and how good God’s love made him feel.
 JUSTICE
Teachers and students have been active in numerous projects to raise global awareness on social justice issues over the past year, including trips to El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. These experiences deepen their commitment to solidarity with those in need around the world. A group of students met in June to discuss their experiences, and their thoughts were shared in a video.
Director James McCracken awarded Papal Honour
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J. presided over the Liturgy of the Word. His Grace spoke of his devotion to Catholic education and his eagerness to visit all Board schools in the coming months. This year, our communal collection will benefit three local charities: Shepherds of Good Hope, Catholic Missions in Canada, and the Catholic Immigration Centre of Ottawa.
 On behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, the Archbishop presented Mr. McCracken the Benemerenti Medal for his distinguished service to Catholic education in the Archdiocese. The Benemerenti Medal was instituted in 1832 and is awarded to those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. The medal has the word benemerenti on the face, from the Latin word meaning “to a well deserving person.” A born leader from a humble background, Mr. McCracken is best known for brining his lively vision of Catholic Education to every interaction. He serves as an inspiration to many, and is an exemplary motivational speaker.
 Mr. McCracken has served as the Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer for the Ottawa Catholic School Board since 2003, and has worked in Catholic education for over 32 years. He is an active member of St. Leonard Parish in Manotick, and his dedication to the Ottawa community is honourable. He serves as the Director for the Shepherds of Good Hope, President of the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa (CEFO) and Chair of the 2009 Ottawa United Way Campaign, among other affiliations.
 Mr. McCracken has served as Director of Education for the Ottawa Catholic School Board for the past seven years. He will be retiring at the end of the 2009-2010 school year after 32 years in education. William Barrett, Principal of St. Paul High School, spoke of Mr. McCraken’s dedication and commitment to the Board, presenting him with a commemorative piece created by teacher Carolyn Zetner.
After the service, people were invited to visit table displays of various charities and organizations that the Board has been engaged with over the past year, including: Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Development and Peace, African Aids Angels, Quick Start Early Intervention for Autism, OK Clean Water Project, Compadres, and the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa.
A special thanks is extended to all those who participated, and to those who organized the faith-filled event. Christian Community Day 2009 was truly a memorable event for all Ottawa Catholic School Board employees, and continues to inspire us all.
Last Updated: 2010-05-13
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