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Readings for February 12th, 2010 - Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Our diocesan schools’ annual Catechetical Day was held Friday, February 12 at Archbishop O’Hara High School. Teachers and principals from all of our diocesan schools participated in this annual event, attended by approximately 600 teachers. The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Finn. Participants then attended either an all day intensive course on Catechesis facilitated by the Bishop Helmsing Institute or the keynote address followed by a selected breakout session.

The keynote speaker was Sister Johanna Paruch, a professor at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH.  Sr. Johanna spoke about Catholic discipline in our schools, which includes three principals: Reason, Religion, and Kindness. The theory behind her philosophy of discipline is attributed to St. John Bosco who tirelessly worked for the salvation of young souls.  He did this by teaching virtue, not “behavior skills."  Sr. Johanna suggested reminding students when the need arises that, “…we are in the presence of God," or asking students, “Are you acting like an image of God?” These tips, including her wonderful sense of humor and stories, made for a delightful and insightful keynote address.

Special thanks to Bishop Finn for celebrating Mass, which set the tone for a fruitful day. The Catholic Schools Office is also grateful to all who contributed, including: the Bishop Helmsing Institute, Sadlier Press, Loyola Press, and representatives from Benedictine College and Avila University.  We are also grateful to the Archbishop O'Hara staff, Dr. James Redd, Jane Schaffer, and Mary Pat Storms as well as the following session facilitators: Sr. Johanna Paruch, Dr. Claude Sasso, Fr. Steve Hansen, Diana Pickert, Julia Pickert, Jon Schaffhausen, Fr. Joseph Totton, Gustavo Valdez, and Deacon Ralph Wehner.