The conference of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Canada held a very successful conference in Halifax the weekend of october 19-21.
Friday started with Vespers of eh Canadian Martyrs, performed brilliantly by Scola at the school.
Then a liviely and very interactive panel was run by Ian Brooks, Robert Berard and Don Fagan. Many interesting and informative insights were provided on Catholic education in Canada.
Saturday had six stimulating lectures. They started with a lecture by Joanne McGarry, presented by Patrick Redmond, entitled "Background of Parental Rights in Eduation and Current Challenges in Canada". In it we saaw the continuing challenges faced by Catholics in Quebec, Ontario and BC from secularist governments. This was folowed by Kent Donlevy's talk on "Freedom of Conscience under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Current Issues in Canadian Education". He made clear the challenges faced by Catholics opposing the secular push by the courts. David Beresfard then talked on "Disconnected Cultures and Superstition", giving everyone a good insight into field based science education. Richard Rymarz then spoke on "Faithful Presence and Catholic Higher Education", emphasizing how important it is to emphasize truth and integrity. Andrew Fuyarchuk spoke on "Re-examining an Education in Foundations According to 'The Closing of the American Mind'", bringing up many varied approaches to education. Paul Flaman spoke on "Catholic Education: Some Characteristics, Advantages, Threats and Suggestions for Renewal", giving good insights into the different challenges in differnt areas of the country.
On Sunday, Robert Berard took us through "The Changing Face of Catholic Education in Canada: the History and Prospect of catholic Schooling", showing the great challenges faced over the years, particularly by Catholics in the Maritimes. Finally, Hugh Owen, of the Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation, took us through a good analysis of the falsity of evolution and of the need for the Catholic Church to return to a belief in Creation Science.
the weekend closed with a tour to Peggy's Cove.
We expect to publish the talks in upcoming issues of the journal.
