For longer than most people can remember, St. Vital parish and St. Vital School have worked closely together, providing a spiritual element to education.
In order to officially reaffirm this commitment, the school, parish and Bishop Albert Thévenot have decided to designate the school as a mission school of St. Vital parish.
During the Nov. 24 Living Sky School Division board meeting a delegation, comprised of St. Vital School principal Don Buglas and St. Vital Church's Father Greg Elder, came to request the school board's support.
Buglas and Fr. Elder explained the relationship between the church and school would not change, but this would give future St. Vital principals and priests a guideline, to ensure the relationship remains as close.
St. Vital School has the unique distinction of being a Catholic school in a public system and, to the best of board chair Ken Arsenault's knowledge, is the only such school in the province and possibly the country.
Arsenault said the school benefits greatly from the close relationship with the parish, and he would be happy to support the school in this venture.
Chief Financial Officer Ray Kopera made it clear to board members the designation would in no way be legally binding, nor would it alter the way the school is administered.
After the delegation left, the board passed a motion to accept the bishop's request.
Fr. Elder explained the designation will mean St. Vital Church continues to be responsible for providing masses and liturgy for the school.
St. Vital's vice-principal Kirby Arbeau said Fr. Elder visits the school every Friday.
"The school stops for him when he comes in," said Arbeau, adding Fr. Elder is talented in youth ministry. "The students in particular really enjoy that relationship."
Arbeau said the school and parish overlap in many ways, including the annual fall retreat that prepares students and their families for the sacraments.
"Many staff work with the parish in preparing students for communion and confirmation," said Arbeau.
Although he emphasized the strong relationship between the parish and school, Arbeau also pointed out St. Vital School receives support from the Catholic Women's League and the Knights of Columbus.
