"Education cannot be neutral. It is either positive or negative. Either it enriches or it impoverishes... True education enables us to love life and opens us to the fullness of life." In this episode, we're joined by Kimberly Cichon, a mother of six and candidate for Calgary Catholic School District trustee, to explore the future of Catholic education. Our discussion delves into:

• Her personal journey from Protestant Christianity to Catholicism through teaching children's liturgy, highlighting how education can be a pathway to deeper faith
• The unique value of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta and the importance of protecting this system while acknowledging its challenges
• The delicate balance between maintaining Catholic identity in schools while welcoming and serving a diverse student population
• Her discernment process in deciding to run for trustee, including spiritual direction and prayer that led to this decision
• The critical role of parents as primary educators and how to navigate school choices for different children's needs
• Finding hope in Catholic education despite cultural challenges, and the importance of "leaning in" rather than abandoning Catholic institutions
• Practical wisdom for parents discerning educational choices, emphasizing the need for prayer and understanding each child's unique needs
• The power of formation before mission in preparing children to be witnesses to their faith in school settings

This episode offers valuable insights for parents navigating educational choices and anyone concerned about the future of Catholic education in an increasingly secular world.

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