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Archives At Celebrate Christ - Day  One for Catholic School Teachers and Administrators
Teachers urged to ‘bring kids closer to God’

Oct. 28, 2015

By Kelly Donnelly
Teacher, Seton Catholic, Plattsburgh

Lake Placid - Faculty from schools of the Diocese of Ogdensburg gathered at the Crowne Point Hotel Oct. 16 for the annual Superintendent’s Day, which was the first day of Celebrate Christ.Celebrate Christ

Bishop Terry R. LaValley presided at the opening Mass which was followed by an address by keynote speaker, Dr. Jo Ann Paradise.

Dr. Paradise has a background working in Catholic education at the primary and secondary levels and is currently the National Catechetical Consultant for Our Sunday Visitor.  Her vast experience, in both education and theology, were clearly drawn from during her presentations.

In the morning session, Dr. Paradise focused on the significance of baptism and how understanding one’s identity through baptism influences all other aspects of one’s life (with a strong focus on the connection to the vocation of marriage).

Celebrate ChristFrom an educational perspective, Dr. Paradise gave examples of how teachers are called to bring students closer to God and help guide them to an understanding of their baptismal identity. 

In the afternoon session, she expanded upon these ideas, with a greater emphasis on practical implementation of ways that we can help our students and families in their formation as disciples in the new evangelization.
Dr. Paradise pointed out that many of our students are learning ideals of love, identity, and marriage from the culture, which is often at odds with the reality of God’s plan for our lives.  In order to educate students and help them grasp these realities, she highlighted the importance of relaying that God’s purpose for our lives brings joy.

Furthermore, she gave several concrete examples of activities to do with students at a variety of grade levels to help illustrate God’s call for our lives and build a culture of vocations.

In both the morning and afternoon sessions, Dr. Paradise’s passion, experience, and knowledge were evident.  At one point, she stated that “the reason our buildings stand is to bring kids closer to God” and, through her presentations, we were given more information and ideas to carry out this mission.

The Celebrate Christ program also included recognition of service for several of the teachers. Karen Reynolds of Seton Academy, Plattsburgh has completed 25 years as a teacher in the diocese while four teachers were honored for 15 years: Loralee Marsh, Trinity Catholic, Massena; and Cindy Miles, Ann Chestnut and Catherine Leggue, all of St. Mary’s School in Canton.

In addition, Diana Jones of Augustinian Academy in Carthage was recognized as Teacher of the Year and 36 teachers received Growth in Faith Certificates.

The Celebrate Christ program was organized by the diocesan department of Education led by Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin and St. Joseph Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, superintendent of schools and director of faith formation.

 

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