Philippians 4:11 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” this is what guides Jodie Bzdel’s personal and professional life. Jodie has been involved with Catholic Education for 40 years, first as a student, then teacher, administrator and religion consultant with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division for the past five years.
During her time as a religion consultant Jodie was responsible for the
professional development for our new teachers guiding them on the expectations of teaching in a Catholic school and supporting them on their faith journey. By co-teaching, modelling lessons and planning together they learned how to permeate faith throughout the day. She was also involved in writing and reviewing different provincial curriculums and religious education programs that support Catholic Education from kindergarten to grade 12. All of this was accomplished while she was completing her Master of Religious Education through Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta
Jodie has always been an active member in her parish communities from starting Resurrection parish in south-east Regina, being a member of parish
council, starting the Youth group, to president elect for the CWL, children’s liturgy leader, parish council member and marriage preparation course leader in Vernon, BC. At this time, she is an active member at St. Joseph parish as a member of parish council, social justice committee and singing weekly in the choir.
Her belief is that the goal of Catholic Education is to bring students to Christ and empower them to bring Christ into the world. As Catholic educators and leaders, we need to pray for our students, pray with them and teach them to pray. We do this by respecting all who enter our buildings because we are all children of God. Catholic education is based on the Circle of Courage developing the four outcomes: belonging: “I am loved, independence: I have power to make decisions, generosity: I have a purpose for my life, and mastery: I can succeed. My approach to religious education in a Catholic school is to nurture and grow the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental aspects in order to develop the whole child based on the four quadrants of the medicine wheel. Educating students to understand and grow in these four areas will give them a purpose and support healthy relationships with oneself, others, the earth and all of creation and God. By looking at each child through an indigenous lens we are looking at what the child can do and who are the child’s supports instead of the deficit of what the child cannot do. We are all interdependent on each other and we are strong together. “Walking together in the Light of Christ” reminds us that we are all God’s people.