Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan

Director’s June Message

May 30, 2025

Dear PVNC Catholic Community,

As we approach the month of June and the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that this season brings: a time of celebration, faith and learning.

June brings joyful milestones — final projects, school trips, liturgies and graduation ceremonies — that highlight the incredible growth and resilience of our students. It’s a time of transition and accomplishment, filled with hope and promise.

Our most recent Student Census demonstrates that some 2SLGBTQ+ students continue to experience challenges to belonging within our Catholic schools. We take this to heart and remain focused on building inclusive environments rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image and likeness of God — deserving of love, dignity and compassion.

Throughout June, PVNC Catholic schools and offices will raise and fly the Pride flag in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and allies. This visible sign of support reflects our commitment to ensuring that every member of our community feels welcomed, respected and safe.

As a Catholic community, June invites us into deep spiritual reflection. In this Jubilee Year, and with hearts full of gratitude for the life and leadership of Pope Francis, who has recently passed into eternal life, we turn our attention to the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 8 and the renewing presence of the Holy Spirit. In his words, our “hope is constantly renewed and confirmed by the working of the Holy Spirit” — a message that continues to guide us even as we mourn his passing.

Our schools began a Novena to the Holy Spirit yesterday, on Thursday, May 29, which continues through to Friday, June 6, in preparation for Pentecost. Each day of the Novena focuses on a gift of the Holy Spirit and includes prayers and video reflections prepared by the Institute for Catholic Education. As we journey through these nine days of prayer, we ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our school communities, both locally and across the province. We echo the words of Pope Francis in prayer: “May the Holy Spirit illumine all believers in the light of Hope!”

June is also National Indigenous History Month in Canada — a dedicated opportunity to recognize the rich history, heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We are committed to deepening our understanding and fostering respectful relationships grounded in truth and reconciliation. We especially honour National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 — a day of celebration and reflection across the country.

Though our primary focus this June is on Pentecost, we will also mark the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 27 — a central devotion in our Catholic faith that reminds us of Christ’s infinite love for all humanity. As the school year draws to a close, and as we honour the legacy of Pope Francis, we pray that our hearts may be filled with the same compassion, mercy and love that he so faithfully embodied throughout his papacy.

In all of this — celebration, inclusion, learning and faith — we are reminded of our shared mission to build loving, inclusive Catholic communities. As we head into these final weeks, let’s continue to support one another and celebrate the many blessings of this school year together.

Stephen O’Sullivan
Director of Education
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board

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