Theological

Father Mike Mireau has been appointed District Chaplain and will begin working with students and staff in September. Father Mike had this to say about this role: "We now live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world and need to reach out to our youth during the school day to give them new experiences to encounter the Gospel with their peers. I want all the students and staff in the entire District to know with certainty that ‘God is Love’ (1 John 4:16), by experiencing His love in our Catholic Schools". Father Mireau is widely recognized as having the right gifts for this ministry.

As part of Fr. Mike Mireau’s role as District Chaplain, these new directions will be fostered:

• A closer alignment between the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese and the District which emphasizes the evangelizing role of our District and ensures that students also learn about the three priorities of the Archdiocese – Evangelization, Faith Formation and Vocations – as part of their religious Education journey. 
• This closer alignment with the Archdiocese will enable our District to help fulfill our mission of educating students in the Catholic faith and to grow in a life-long relationship with Christ.
• This collaborative relationship with the Archdiocese further highlights our belief that Catholic education is a partnership between the school, church and family.   
• Father Mireau will also help students learn and embrace an important initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese, Nothing More Beautiful, making it come alive for our youth. 
• By reaching out to youth, our District Chaplain will help support community building activities such as rallies, retreats and social justice opportunities. Father Mireau will be our liaison with both parish priests and parish pastoral team members and our school communities.
• Beginning in September, Father Mireau will work as District Chaplain (.7) and St. Francis Xavier School Chaplain (.3).
• Father Mireau will also work closely with other high school Chaplains in the District.

An part-time Religious Education Consultant, Sandra Talarico, will liaise with Newman Theological College and programs offered to administrators and staff (.4 FTE). Responsibilities of this consultant will include:

• Liaising with Newman Theological College and the programs it offers
• Liaising with the District, the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese, Community Organizations, as well as Out-Of-District Committees relative to the responsibilities of the position
• Providing assistance and support for celebrations, prayer services and days of reflection for staff and students
• Encouraging active participation in courses and workshops offered through Newman Theological College, St. Joseph’s College, the Archdiocese of Edmonton as well as other Archdiocesan Organizations and Agencies
• Participating in Staff Development initiatives
• Assisting with District events such as the Opening School Celebration and Faith Development Day
• Overseeing Religious Education course equivalency for ECS staff
• Supporting the parish-home-school partnership
• Collaborating with other District Consultants in support of District priorities
• Completing other duties, as required, by the position or as directed by the Office of the Superintendent

Department Contacts
Father Mike Mireau District Chaplain		780 441–6144
		michael.mireau@ecsd.net
		780 425.7429
		Father Michael Mireau's Website
Sandra Talarico Religious Education Consultant		780 441-6145
		sandra.talarico@ecsd.net
		780 425.7429