Catholic board trustees take oath of office

By Tim Kalinowski on October 27, 2017.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education’s newly-elected trustees took the oath of office at Wednesday’s organizational meeting.

Surrounded by smiling family members in MHCBE’s tight-spaced boardroom, two new trustees, Kathy Glasgo and David Leahy, were joined by returning trustees Dick Mastel, Robert Risling and Peter Grad in placing one hand on the Bible and raising the other to swear they would faithfully serve in all functions of governance in the school district.

Prior to the administration of the oath of office, trustees stood shoulder to shoulder and proclaimed in one voice their willingness to enhance and preserve Catholic principles as a fundamental part of their educational mission in local schools. The proclamation was sworn before St. Patrick parish deacon Terry Olson, who represented all local church clergy and the Diocese of Calgary during the proceedings. Olson also prayed for God’s guidance for trustees.

After the applause had subsided in the gallery, trustees took their seats at the boardroom table to elect a new chair and vice chair. Dick Mastel was acclaimed unanimously by his fellow trustees and will resume the chair position for another year. Robert Risling was also acclaimed, and will return as vice-chair.

Mastel said he was looking forward to working with each and every one of the trustees to continue to chart a positive course for local Catholic education.

“I want to express to all of you how humble I am to be in this position,” said Mastel. “I just want to go on record as saying to our two new trustees, David we know you well. You have been here in a different capacity, and we are really anxious and eager to hear your comments and your perspective on Catholic education.

“And Kathy, I don’t know you very well, but I didn’t know (former trustee) Regina (Durst) either when she was first elected, and we came to know each other pretty well. So welcome to you, and I again look forward to hearing your perspective on the issues on Catholic education; and, as you know, there are many.”

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