Renewing the Promise of Our Faith
As a lifetime Lourdes student, currently in Grade 7, I can confirm that our school provides so many wonderful opportunities to enhance our faith. I have been attending Our Lady of Lourdes since I was in Kindergarten and I’m very proud to say that I am definitely a part of the Lourdes family because it is a great school, filled with an amazing staff and very accepting, empathetic and kind students. I regularly see students demonstrating kindness in their day to day activities, while interacting with both staff and fellow students. I have volunteered in many classrooms, and I get to see a lot of the younger students demonstrating inclusivity towards each other. I also see how they are able to transition from busy activities to quiet reverence when they move into prayer. I am always very happy to see that, because I know how important prayer has been in my life. Seeing young students strengthening their relationship with God through prayer is a truly wonderful part of our education at Lourdes.
As a proud member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Star Chords Choir, I had the opportunity to be a part of a fantastic venture. Last year, the choir recorded an original song based on the poem by the Indigenous poet, Pauline Johnson. The song also includes several beautiful Indigenous prayers. Canada’s Governor General even received a copy of our CD! The choir worked with Mr. Rod Nettagog, an Anishnabe from Henvey Inlet First Nation and “The Song My Paddle Sings” went on to win a national award. We have had many opportunities to perform our song for public audiences, including last summer at Tim Horton’s Field for the Queen’s Baton Relay.
All the sales from our CD went to help subsidize the “Water First” program that brings awareness about clean water to several Equal Opportunity schools within the HamiltonWentworth Catholic District School Board.
Recently, Our Lady of Lourdes School got to be a part of building a brand-new prayer garden. Mostly donated by one of our parents, Mr. Craig Doherty from Each Coast Yard Worx, staff and students got to help install a cross, plant cedars and lay rocks and mulch. This “sanctuary” will be a place where students can go to practice Christian Meditation, and learn about the gospel during religion class, all in a “Franciscan” environment. Our Parish Priest, Father Mark Gatto will officially bless our Prayer Garden with the entire school gathered together.
My faith is an important part of my life at home, at church and at school. My time at Lourdes has strengthened my faith and our school has given other students a chance to continue to grow in their relationship with God. This year in particular, Lourdes has undertaken quite a few initiatives that I feel have greatly impacted students in our school community. In terms of my own experience, this year has affected me profoundly and I feel that I will look back on this time in years to come and it will hold a special place in my memory. Our school motto will stay in our hearts forever ...” Lourdes for Life, Leaders in Christ.”