Roman Catholic Parish in Owen Sound
St. Mary's and the Missions
Pastoral References for Catholic School Board Positions
The Diocese of Hamilton, in conjunction with the Catholic School Boards, has instituted a revised Pastoral Reference protocol (Feb 2022) which apples to all school boards within the diocese. The new pastoral reference can be used for any of the boards; individual references for differing boards is not required. Please note that Pastoral References will be considered for those who are registered and active within our parish.
To Secure a Pastoral Reference
The candidate will request a meeting via email with one of our pastors (click here to email the office) and an in-person meeting will be arranged to discuss the reference. This will provide the clergy with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the teacher/teacher candidate and to gain an understanding of their faith life and how they apply the faith to their role within the education system.
To prepare for the pastoral reference, the diocese has provided a document entitled, The Faith We Believe: Unpacking the Creed (link below) to read ahead of time. The candidate should come prepared to discuss insight(s) they have received from the document, such as things that are particularily important, or some connection they discovered between the faith we profess and the important ministry they wish to undertake within Catholic education.
In the meeting the candidate will discuss the role of faith within the Catholic School system. The faith and witness of Catholic educators to students is important in the child's faith journey. The regular practice of faith is an element of a career in education that should not be overlooked. You should come prepared to discuss the importance of practicing the faith in your life, and what you bring through your faith to our Catholic Schools.
At the conclusion of the in-person meeting, a formal Profession of Faith is made in the presence of one of our pastors who will then sign your Pastoral Reference, and it is ready for submission to the School Board.
The documents candidates should familiarize themselves with prior to the interview are listed below for your reference.
THE FAITH WE BELIEVE: UNPACKING THE CREED
TEACHER REFERENCE and PROFESSION OF FAITH