PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
John 1:1,14

The “human face of God” is a recurring theme in the writings of Pope Benedict XVI. During a pastoral visit to South America he noted that “it is time to overcome the notable absence – in the political sphere, in the world of the media and in the universities – of the voices and initiatives of Catholic leaders with strong personalities and generous dedication, who are coherent in their ethical and religious convictions.” The Pope insisted that it is necessary for Christians who are active in these social and cultural roles to safeguard ethical values. Above all, he said, “Where God is absent – God with the human face of Jesus Christ – these values fail to show themselves with their full force.”

In John’s passage the word “flesh” refers to humanity in contrast to God. This Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. God’s presence was incarnated as a fully alive human being. It is in the mystery of the Incarnation that God chose to assume a human face. Jesus demonstrated for us that he is God’s Word. He revealed who God is and how God wants us to live by the way he lived for others.

One of the most amazing human qualities Jesus possessed was his concern and compassion for others. He felt the pain of the outcasts and wanted to ease their misery. He preferred the company of the downtrodden and sought out the tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes and sinners. He was harshly criticized for sharing meals with these people who were considered to be at the lower end of the social ladder. He dealt publicly with people who were blind, deaf, lame and diseased, healing their bodies and their spirits. He helped people to deal with life’s challenges, and thereby revealed God to them. I often wonder who Jesus would choose to be with if he were on earth today?

It is fitting that we gather to celebrate the human face of God at our annual conference in Toronto. We are reminded that as Catholic leaders we are called each day to be the human face of God to our students, staffs, parents and the broader community, and to see the human face of God in them. This is a huge responsibility and one that demands courage, determination and faith. It is our prophetic role to reach out to the marginalized, the estranged, and the “poor in spirit.”

This year’s conference is hosted by the principals and vice-principals of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and like many other districts across Ontario, it is blessed with a diverse population. Dufferin-Peel also hosted the conference in 2002 and those who attended will remember the well-organized, professional conference it was. The CPCO academic and office staff have worked in collaboration with the Dufferin-Peel conference committee members to offer outstanding professional workshops and renowned keynote speakers.

The conference will begin with the Liturgy of the Word on Thursday evening and a keynote address from Stephen Lewis, one of the world’s most influential humanitarians. Friday’s line-up will include a keynote address from the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, minister of education, time to attend two workshop sessions, and the vendors’ display. The day’s events will culminate in a celebration of the Eucharist con-celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, the Most Rev. Peter J. Hundt and Father Jim Roth the chaplain of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The evening’s festivities will include the Gala Dinner and awards celebration.

On behalf of the executive council I wish to thank Sarah Russell and Silvana Gos, the conference co-chairs and their organizing committee from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for working with the CPCO staff in order to make this conference an inspiring and enlightening learning experience.

Many thanks to Director of Education John Kostoff and the senior administration team of the Dufferin-Peel CDSB for their support.

Come and join us in Toronto April 30th to May 1st in Celebrating the Human Face of God!

Joan Duckitt
CPCO President
2008-2009