The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board community gathered on June 17, 2026, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish to celebrate and honour the 104 staff members retiring at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.
Music for the Mass was provided by Nancy Boss and the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Choir, whose voices helped make the celebration especially meaningful.
The Retirement Mass provided an opportunity for colleagues, family members, friends, trustees, and senior administration to come together in gratitude for the many years of dedicated service the retirees have given to students, families, schools, and the broader Catholic community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson John Valvasori thanked retirees for the lasting contributions they have made throughout their careers.
"While there may be some joy in saying goodbye to the workload after many years of service with our Board, I expect your thoughts will be drawn even more to the many positive experiences you've shared throughout your careers," said Valvasori. "You have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, learned from setbacks, and built meaningful relationships with students and colleagues. Those connections, grounded in respect, shared goals, patience and dedication, are among the lasting gifts of a career in Catholic education."
Presiding celebrant Father Mark Gatto reflected on retirement in the context of the Christian journey. Drawing on the death and resurrection of Christ, he noted that the disciples needed time to experience the Spirit leading them in a new direction. In a similar way, he suggested that retirement can be viewed as a kind of death—not an end, but a transition into something new. He encouraged retirees to listen for how God may be calling them and using them in new ways during this next chapter of life. Father Gatto invited retirees to look ahead with hope and openness to the ways God will continue to work through them.
On behalf of the Board's Senior Administration Team, Director of Education David Hansen reflected on the message that would be shared with retirees in a letter from himself and Chairperson John Valvasori, drawing on the Gospel of John: "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last."
Hansen reminded retirees that regardless of the path that led them to the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, the number of years they served, or the role they held, their work carried a deeper meaning.
"Make no mistake, whatever path you took that led you to work for this Board, however long you have worked with this Board, and whatever role you filled with this Board, you were chosen, you were appointed," he said.
Following the Mass, retirees and guests gathered in the Parish Hall for a reception and an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable careers and contributions of this year's retiring staff.
As they begin a new chapter, we give thanks for the remarkable legacy they leave behind. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to Catholic education, this year's retirees have made a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and colleagues across our Board community. We extend our sincere gratitude for their years of service and wish them continued health, happiness, and God's abundant blessings in retirement.
