Becoming a Catholic School Board Trustee

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am currently registered at St. Mary's Parish in Red Deer. My family has been active with St. Mary's since I was five years old. My wife, children, and I currently attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays at St. Mary’s. Over the years at St Mary’s, I have been personally involved in RCIC, RCIA, Children's Liturgy, UAC, World Youth Days, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, School Board Trustee and Knights of Columbus.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

My faith is my rock. For me, it guides all my decisions in life, including my current role as a Trustee, and this will continue if I am blessed to serve another term.  Being a Trustee is not just an elected position; it is a vocation. 

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am a parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish because it has always been a place where my faith is nourished. Over the years, I have served as a Eucharistic Minister, been part of Parish Council, and joined the Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC). Doug and I went through OCIA together and had our marriage convalidated at St. Mary’s—a moment that brought us closer to God and to one another. As a family, faith formation has been central to our lives: Doug and I experienced OCIA together, and our children attended OCIC, which was such a gift and strengthened our faith as a family. I was also honored to sponsor someone through OCIA at Sacred Heart Parish, walking with them as they discovered the Catholic faith.

Like many people, my faith journey has had its ebbs and flows. In the past few years, my work took me out of Red Deer and, combined with surgeries and recovery, I wasn’t able to attend Mass as often as I would have liked. Now that life has settled and my health has improved, I’m excited to re-engage more fully with my parish and grow deeper in my faith.

These experiences have shaped who I am and why I care so deeply about Catholic education. I see this next chapter as an opportunity to share that renewed commitment with our schools—ensuring they remain places where children and families can grow in faith, serve with love, and discover the joy of living the Gospel every day.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

Prayer and gratitude are at the center of my life. Taking time to pause, reflect, and thank God for the beauty around me — in creation, in the people I meet, and in the opportunities to serve — grounds me each day. This rhythm of prayer helps me seek God’s wisdom before making decisions and reminds me to show kindness, courage, and respect in my relationships.

When I was a Catholic teacher, I often asked myself, “What would Jesus do?” — I know it can sound so simple and even a bit cliché, but it has genuinely shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities in my daily life. That question still guides me today, reminding me to lead with patience, compassion, and fairness.

As a trustee, I will govern with integrity and be a faithful steward of the resources entrusted to our division. Guided by prayer and Gospel values, I will listen with an open heart, seek wisdom from diverse perspectives, and work in a spirit of collaboration so that our decisions reflect the dignity and needs of students, families, and staff. I recognize Catholic education as both a blessing and a responsibility. Protecting its distinctiveness, nurturing faith formation, and fostering Christ-centred, welcoming schools where every child feels seen and valued will be central to my service. My hope is to help strengthen a vibrant, faith-filled community where the love of Christ is evident in daily life and where students are inspired to grow as compassionate, capable citizens who live out their faith in the world.  

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am registered with St. Mary's Parish.  It is the church that I was married in, and all 3 of my children were baptised, received first communion, and continue to receive other sacraments. Unfortunately between community involvement, volunteering, and children activities, we have not been as involved in the parish as we would like.   

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

I graduated from Catholic school, and all of my children attend catholic schools. My faith has directed me to a life of service.  I have worked as a social worker helping those in need for 20 years, and have volunteered with Kin Canada for 18 years, as well as my children sports teams. My faith has directed me to make a change for others, not just for me. I envision my faith guiding my work as a trustee in allowing me to accept others opinions with grace and compassion.   

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

In the last 38 years in Red Deer, I have attended both Sacred Heart Church and St. Mary's Church.  

While at Sacred Heart Parish my wife and I were both active in the Ministry of Reading at mass.  I was also able to be the Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council for two years. I also served as a Eucharistic Ministerof Holy Communion while attending Sacred Heart Parish.

We joined the community of St. Mary's Church when our youngest son started to attend Holy Family School. This allowed him to be in the sacramental cluster groups for Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation with his classmates at St. Mary's.
My wife continues to serve as a Reader at 5:00 PM mass on Saturday night and I am a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion at that same mass time.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

I believe the Catholic faith provides us the guidelines to live a healthy fulfilling life. Being a part of a faith community provides me with the opportunity to hear the gospel message and learn how those teachings apply to our day to day lives.  Our faith is not just something we live during our weekly commitment to mass but something we are challenged to live 7 days a week.  Our weekly mass commitment allows us to recharge and accept to live our Catholic faith in our everyday lives.

I see my role as a Catholic Trustee as an opportunity to seek ways that youth and families can continue to deepen their relationship with Christ. By having Faith opportunities as a part of each day in school as well as times when parents and siblings can participate in school celebrations and masses, my role as a trustee is to ensure those possibilities continue so that church and the school can provide those chances for Faith to deepen in the families we serve.

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

Carla has taught Children's Liturgy for several years and was also the secretary for Parish Council.  

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

As a Catholic, my faith plays a significant role in shaping my values, principles and actions.  I start each day and end each evening in prayer, seeking guidance and wisdom to perform to the best that I can absolutely perform.  My Catholic faith informs my decisions, ensuring they align with values like compassion, empathy, and respect for human dignity.  I also strive to serve others, volunteering my time and talents to support those in need.  

As a school trustee, I will advocate for the integration of Catholic values and principles into educational policies and practices.  I will work to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, receives a high-quality, inclusive education.  

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am a member of St. Mary's Parish. I attend the weekly 9:00 AM masses and support the church through donations (yearly wheelchair donations, garage sale, etc.) and attending special events such as the ham suppers put on by the Knights of Columbus.

2.  How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

Everything I do, I do through my faith lens. I am guided in how I treat everyone around me by what the same principle I used when teaching: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This will be the exact same way I will act as a trustee. When teaching, I always ensured that whatever I did would be to the benefit of my students (as though they were my own children) and as a trustee, my main guideline will be honoring the students that we serve.

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

My family and I attend Mass at St. Mary’s in Red Deer and value the parish as part of our family’s faith life. I am becoming more involved in parish life through volunteering with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This has given me the opportunity to serve people in our community who are facing challenges and to live out my faith in a practical way. These experiences continue to remind me of the importance of service and compassion, which I believe are central to Catholic education.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

My Catholic faith shapes my daily life as a husband, father, and community member. It influences the way I raise my children, the choices I make, and the way I approach others with respect and understanding. As a trustee, I will rely on my faith to guide decisions and ensure that our schools remain places where students are supported in their learning and in their growth as people of faith. Serving on the Board is, for me, an opportunity to strengthen Catholic education and to contribute to a future where it continues to thrive.

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Deer. I am a proclaimer at the 7:00 pm Mass on Sundays and I do the bookkeeping for the Church on a part time basis. On every first Friday of the month my wife and  I attend Adoration from 10:00 to 11:00 pm. I also attend daily Mass with my wife at either Sacred Heart or St. Mary’s. In the past (prior to Covid) my wife and I were involved in the Hospital ministry where we brought the Eucharist and prayer to the hospitalized individuals that could not attend church.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

Since my retirement I have been attending daily Mass with my wife, daughter and grandchildren to be nourished through scripture and the Eucharist. I have attended several Catholic conferences to enrich my faith.. We have hosted a small group Bible Study at our house for over 15 years. As grandparents, my wife and I take an active role in teaching our grandchildren about Jesus through Mass attendance, Bible story reading, praying, and teaching about sacramental life.

As an example our daughter took her two year old, Petra, to the zoo and Petra dipped her hand in every puddle and made the sign of the cross. Also my granddaughter was role playing  with her younger sister at home and pretending to give her the Eucharist. Instead of saying “The Body Of Christ” she said “Holy Christ” . The first time her mother heard this, in shock and perplexed asked 2 yr old Petra “Where did you hear that?” She didn't miss a beat and replied “Father” .

These moments bring great joy to my heart as I see our grandchild learn first through osmosis and then by desire to know more about God's great love for us. I pray for them as they grow to enter more fully into the spiritual treasury of the Catholic church.

My hope and work as a trustee is to have every child experience God's Love. The school is the extension of the domestic church which starts at home with the family. We need to support and nurture that seed at school and where it does not exist we need to plant it. School may be the only place the child hears and learns about Jesus but the hope is they will bring it home to the family. We need to equip children with the knowledge, Love, and desire for Christ at their appropriate grade levels. This means supporting and enriching the teachers with this knowledge. Faith is not a 1 hour a week subject but should permeate all subjects. As a Catholic School Board it is absolutely necessary that the Catholic Faith and Biblical principals be taught, maintained and encouraged. Christian moral principles build solid children and a solid foundation to rely on throughout life.
”Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these .”  Matthew 19:14

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

Our family are active members of St. Stephen’s Parish in Olds. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus and have enjoyed volunteering at various parish events, including presenting rosaries to First Communion recipients and participating in meetings whenever possible. I also serve as a thurifer at funeral Masses and during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and I am part of the usher team for our weekly liturgies. Prior to my marriage, I had the privilege of serving a term on the Parish Council.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

I consider myself to be on a continual journey of faith development—one that I embrace and find deeply rewarding. As part of this journey, I strive to engage in daily study and reflection. I’m currently beginning The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year for the second time, seeking to deepen my understanding of our faith.

This ongoing study, particularly of the Catechism, is shaping a mindset I believe is essential for trustees: one that provides a clear and faith-rooted framework for decision-making. As trustees, we are called to bring our unique gifts and experiences to the board table to support one another in understanding the matters before us. We must also rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit—to speak with clarity, and more importantly, to listen with openness and discernment.

Above all, when we view every student as a beloved son or daughter of God, we are better equipped to make decisions that serve their best interests and reflect the mission entrusted to us.

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

I am a registered parishioner at St. Mary's Parish in Red Deer, where my family and I typically attend early Mass on Sundays. Although my journey of attending Mass has not always been linear, my faith has remained strong throughout. Being part of St. Mary's grounds me in the Catholic community and keeps me connected to the values and teachings that I want to see reflected in our schools. My involvement as a parent and parishioner provides me with both a family and faith-based perspective that I would bring to my role as a trustee. 

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

My Catholic faith guides me every day in how I strive to treat others - with kindness, patience, and compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances. For many years, as an RCMP dispatcher, I walked with people through some of the hardest moments of their lives, and I learned to listen without judgment, respond with empathy, and offer support to those who needed a steady, compassionate presence. These same values shape how I approach parenting, community life, and the responsibilities I hope to carry as a trustee. In this role, I would be guided by the teachings of Jesus, working to ensure that every parent, teacher, and student feels respected, supported, and valued, while upholding the Catholic mission that distinguishes our schools. 

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

My family and I are registered members of Sacred Heart Parish, a vibrant community in our neighborhood that has been a spiritual home for us for many years. Sacred Heart's welcoming spirit and commitment to living out the Gospel through service have deeply shaped our lives. As active parishioners, we regularly attend one of the Masses and participate in seasonal liturgies, which strengthen our family's faith and connection to the broader parish family. On occasion, we also attend Mass at one of the other Catholic Churches in our area. Our daughter Kate is enrolled in the Master of Theology and Ministry program at Boston College. We have registered with this Catholic institution as parents to receive faith-based reflections during the Lenten and Advent seasons to provide spiritual fulfillment.

Beyond worship, my involvement includes volunteering with initiatives that support our community's most vulnerable. For instance, I've helped organize community plans to end homelessness, built networks of organizations dedicated to improving access to legal information, managed home builds with a charity serving people with lower incomes, founded with colleagues a local charity whose mission is to improve access to justice for people confronting barriers like low income and disability, worked with Indigenous people and organizations to address access to housing and implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, delivered business and entrepreneurial training to people incarcerated in a medium-security federal correctional facility, founded with a dedicated small team an alliance whose mission is to build a community committed to alleviating the impact, and reducing the number of individuals and families living in poverty, and provided financial support to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, ensuring that no one in our parish goes without during times of need. These efforts align with the Church's call to charity and justice, reminding me daily of Pope Francis's emphasis on a "Church that is poor and for the poor."

This parish engagement has been a natural extension of my service as a Trustee for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, where I've chaired the board and championed governance improvements to better serve our students' spiritual formation. As your Trustee, I envision bringing this same hands-on commitment to our school division, fostering partnerships between parishes and schools to nurture the whole child in faith, just as Sacred Heart has nurtured my own family.

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

My Catholic faith is the compass that guides every aspect of my life, from the quiet moments of prayer to the bold decisions I make in business and community leadership. Raised in rural Alberta with values rooted in hard work and compassion, I've always seen faith as a call to action—echoing my favourite saint, Saint John Paul II's vision of building a "civilization of love" through service to others. Daily, this manifests in simple practices like prayer for reflection, gratitude, and a deliberate choice to infuse ethical principles into my entrepreneurial ventures and governance work. At Brett Capital Corporation, where I now focus on philanthropic missions, faith inspires me to prioritize ventures that uplift the marginalized, much like the parable of the Good Samaritan.

As a Trustee, I envision my faith guiding my work by ensuring our Catholic schools remain champions of holistic education—nurturing students spiritually, intellectually, and socially in line with the Catechism's teachings on human dignity. Drawing from my experience chairing the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association's Governance Committee, participating in the founding of GrACE-Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education, and leading the Catholic Education Foundation, I'll advocate for transparent, faith-centered policies that protect our distinct Catholic identity while addressing modern challenges like mental health support, adequate educator and school resources, and inclusive curricula. Whether budgeting for faith-based programs or partnering with parishes, my decisions will always ask: "How does this serve the common good and form young hearts for Christ?" In this election, I commit to stewarding our schools with the humility and devotion of a servant-leader, trusting in God's grace to make our division a true reflection of His love.

1. Active involvement in a local parish is a cornerstone of service as a Trustee. Could you please share which Catholic Church you are registered with and describe your involvement in the parish community?

Rooted in faith, family and service. I have been an active member of St. Mary's Parish since 1988. I serve in  various ministries,  as an adult server, I also train the junior altar servers for 32 years now, Eucharistic Minister of the Holy Communion and a member of the Union of Catholic Apostolate and Catholic Women's League. My husband and I have been very much involved in building the nativity scene for 23 years and we both enjoyed it and it was done differently every year. I also bring the Eucharist to a senior in Villa Marie. 

2. How does your Catholic faith influence your daily life, and how do you envision it guiding your work as a trustee?

My Catholic faith influenced my daily life by living the faith and service to others. As trustee for eight years I saw the importance of having a strong relationship between the parish and school.

I will adhere to protect, promote, preserve and advocate Catholic Education locally and provincially. I represented RDCRS for six years in the AB School Board Association and two years with AB Catholic School Trustee Association, having a sounding voice is an important aspect in governance including transparency, accountability,and autonomy. I believe in a collaborative approach among board members.

My faith gives me the strength in serving others.

Are you considering running for office as a Catholic school trustee? Here’s what you need to know about eligibility:

To qualify as a candidate, you must meet the following requirements:

• At least 18 years old on nomination day (September 22, 2025)
• A Canadian citizen
• A resident of the school division for the 6 consecutive months immediately before nomination day
• A resident of the school division you wish to represent on Election Day
• Candidates seeking trusteeship for our Division must also be Catholic.

Additionally, candidates cannot be employees of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools or any other school board unless they take an official leave of absence.

Please note, there may be other factors that affect eligibility. For complete details, refer to sections 21–24 of the Local Authorities Election Act.

The Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division is broken into two wards. The two wards are as follows:

Ward 1 - Red Deer Area Ward

• Red Deer Area Ward includes the city of Red Deer as a whole, Blackfalds, Penhold and a portion of Red Deer County. 
• Five (5) trustees are elected to this ward.

Ward 2 - the Rocky Mountain House Ward is divided into two electoral Subdivisions:

Highway 11 - Electoral Subdivision No. 1 

• Highway 11 Subdivision includes Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Alhambra, Caroline, Eckville and portions of the county surrounding these areas. 
• One (1) trustee is elected to this ward.

QEII - Electoral Subdivision No. 2 

• QEII Subdivision includes Innisfail, Bowden, Olds, Didsbury, Garrington and Harmattan and portions of the county surrounding these areas. 
• One (1) trustee is elected to this ward.

The Education Act defines the powers and duties of a School Board, ensuring that education is of high quality and meets the needs of the local community. As members of the Board of Trustees, elected representatives have a crucial role in staying connected with public concerns, raising awareness about the Board's work, and ensuring that citizens have opportunities to voice their opinions on educational matters.

As locally-elected representatives of the public, individual trustees are accountable to their constituents and responsible for overseeing and directing the school division’s operations.  Trustees form the governing body of the School Board and play a vital role as communicators, policy makers, role models and politicians.  A trustee participates in making decisions that benefit the entire Division while representing the views of their constituents and communicates board decisions back to their constituents. 

Catholic school trustees also play an integral role as advocates for Catholic education by ensuring students receive an education permeated by our Catholic faith. As governors of an Alberta Catholic school division, our Board of Trustees is accountable to both the Archbishop of Edmonton and the Minister of Education.

Advocate:

Trustees act to defend and advocate for government policy, legislation and funding that protects the distinctive nature of Catholic education.

Communicator:

Trustees build significant partnerships within and beyond the Catholic community in support of Catholic education.

Goal Setter: 

The Board of Trustees has the responsibility to:

• approve the Division’s Plan for Continuous Growth
• approve the Division’s annual budget
• approved the Division’s Capital Plan
• support our Division’s mission and vision
• appoint, hold accountable, and support the Chief Superintendent

Lobbyist

Trustees are expected to assist in lobbying municipal and provincial governments on key educational issues affecting the division.

Policy Maker: 

Trustees develop and maintain policies, regularly evaluate the impact and effectiveness of these policies, make adjustments where necessary, and adjudicate appeals related to policies or decisions.

Role Model:

Trustees maintain a positive image locally, provincially and nationally.

While the time commitment may vary, there are certain minimum expectations for candidates elected to the Office of Catholic School Trustee. 

Board Meetings and Attendance: Trustees are required to attend and actively participate in Board meetings. Regular Board meetings are held once per month, on the last Tuesday, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The times and dates for these meetings are established by resolution at the Board's Organizational Meeting, which is held annually.

In addition, Trustees are expected to actively participate in committee meetings, serve as school liaisons for 2-3 schools, and contribute to ad hoc committees as required. 

As a guardian of Catholic education and the constitutional rights of Catholics in education, you will be part of a dedicated team working to safeguard the future of Catholic education in the community.

Vision

From your understanding of the Church and its educational tradition, you are prepared to participate actively in shaping the future of Catholic education.

Inclusive Faith Commitment

Committed to the Catholic community through your religious practice and prayerful reflection, and accepting of others opinions as authentic and valuable within the decision-making process.

Understanding

An appreciation of the Catholic school's role, together with the family and the parish, in collaboratively establishing a total Christian environment where Christ is made known to children and youth.

In Full Communion with the Catholic Church

For the purposes of administering separate school district establishments and trustee elections, a Catholic person is one who has been formally baptized and confirmed in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and recognizes and accepts the Pope as the head of the Catholic Church (of which they are a member).

Capacity for Teamwork

The ability to work productively as a member of an elected board, with an understanding of the corporate decision-making process.

Common Sense 

The ability to distinguish dreams from reality and to establish priorities—fiscal or otherwise—amid a multiplicity of conflicting demands.

Humility 

The wisdom to recognize that serving children and youth takes precedence over any self-serving objectives of interest groups, individuals, or oneself.

Courage

The willingness to speak out for students as the first priority in the educational system and the determination to favour principle over expediency.

• City of Red Deer Candidate’s Handbook for RDCRS
• Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools School Board Policy Handbook 
• Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association - Thinking of Running as a Catholic School Trustee?
• Alberta School Boards Association Municipal Election Information
• Alberta Education - School Board Elections Guide
• Province of Alberta - Education Act