Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." – Pope John Paul II

During these highly unprecedented times as our community and our world learn what it means to face a world-wide medical emergency, it is sometimes hard to keep track of the days and can be even more challenging to reflect on our sacred faith traditions. Isolated within our homes, we may struggle to feel authentic connection to each other and our faith community. Yet, our Lenten journey continues. In some ways, our current reality may provide us with time to reconnect to our spiritual life and focus on prayer. Although we will not be able to physically gather to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, we can still be inspired through prayer, fasting, and shared messages of hope as we enter Holy week, the most sacred time in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar.

Throughout our Board, faith formation, student learning and well-being remains at the forefront. While our schools remain closed to help control the spread of COVID-19, our staff are working hard to implement educator-led online instruction from home beginning on Monday, April 6, 2020.  We are hopeful that through this new phase of learning will provide opportunities to ensure continuity of education for our students and to build on our capacity to remain connected and engaged with our communities.

On behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board, we thank the Archdiocese of Toronto and our local priests who continue to celebrate Mass privately, with many offering livestreams allowing us to pray together as a community of faith.

We salute our local medical professionals, healthcare heroes, and essential service providers for answering the call to care for the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and surrounding circumstances. Let us keep praying for those who continue to serve our communities.

Thanks to the Board of Trustees, the Senior Administrative Team and all members of our staff for their ongoing support as we continue to serve our students and families with faith firmly in our hearts.

As we prepare for the Easter Triduum, observing Holy Thursday and Good Friday; and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, may we take this time to remember His sacrifice for our salvation. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, offers us some wisdom in these turbulent times: “Let us allow ourselves to be loved by God, so that we can give love in return. Let us allow ourselves to stand up and walk towards Easter.”

Yours in Faith,

Janice Oldman                      Tracy Barill

Chair of the Board                 Director of Education