The question seems to dig into something personal and introspective—whether you carry traits of the Prodigal Son or even the older son from the parable. Let’s unpack that.

The Prodigal Son in you might show up if you’ve ever felt like you’ve wandered off course—chasing something (a dream, a thrill, a distraction) that left you emptier than you expected. Maybe you’ve taken risks or made choices that pulled you away from what matters most to you, only to feel later that tug to return—to a better version of yourself, to people who care, or to a sense of purpose. It’s that part of you that’s restless, maybe a little reckless, but capable of recognizing when it’s time to come home, wherever “home” is for you.

The older son, though? That could be in you if you’ve ever felt overlooked or resentful—sticking to the rules, doing the “right” thing, yet watching others get grace or attention you think they don’t deserve. It’s that quiet frustration when loyalty seems unrewarded or when you catch yourself judging instead of celebrating someone else’s comeback. If you’ve ever wrestled with fairness—why them and not me?—that’s him whispering.

Most of us have a bit of both. The Prodigal’s hunger for freedom and the older son’s hunger for recognition aren’t opposites—they’re human. Lent is a chance to look at both: where you’ve strayed and need forgiveness and where you’ve clung too tight and need to let go. So, is there a son in you? Probably. The real question is which one’s louder right now—and what you’ll do about it.

Fr. Marius

Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools Celebrates 30 Years of Faith, Learning, and Community

March 2025 – Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is celebrating a significant milestone - 30 years of faith-filled education, community growth, and unwavering dedication to students and families through the gift of Catholic education.

Established in 1995, CTR Catholic was formed through the amalgamation of Okotoks RCSSD #346, Drumheller RCSSD #25, and Assumption RCSSD #50, bringing together Catholic communities that had been advocating for faith-based education for decades. While CTR Catholic has officially existed as a division for 30 years, many of its schools have even deeper roots. Assumption School in Oyen was founded in 1955, St. Anthony’s School in Drumheller in 1959, and the Catholic school system in Okotoks was formally organized in 1989 before joining the new division. Over the years, CTR Catholic has expanded, strengthening its presence in seven communities across Alberta and extending its reach through The Centre for Learning@HOME, offering virtual education, homeschooling and distance education to more than 3,000 students in communities throughout the entire province since 1989.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the perseverance, faith, and commitment of the many educators, families, and students who have shaped CTR Catholic over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Andrea Holowka, Superintendent of CTR Catholic Schools. “From our humble beginnings to serving thousands of students today, we remain dedicated to fostering a strong Catholic identity, academic excellence, and a deep sense of community for generations to come.”

Faith Days Celebration – Honoring 30 Years of Catholic Education

A key moment in CTR Catholic’s anniversary celebrations took place on February 18-19 in Okotoks during the division’s annual Faith Days, where all teachers and administrators gathered for faith formation and development. The event opened with Mass celebrated by Bishop William McGrattan, during which he blessed commemorative crucifixes that have since been gifted to each CTR Catholic school.

These crucifixes are crafted from olive wood from the Holy Land, contain soil from Bethlehem, stone from Jerusalem, olive leaves, frankincense, and incense from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Fourteen Stations of the Cross are carved on the back, making each cross a lasting tribute to the faith and dedication that have shaped CTR Catholic over the past three decades.

“This gift is a tribute to the faith that has guided our journey and will continue to strengthen our schools for years to come,” said Dr. Holowka.

A Legacy of Growth and Commitment

Since its formation, CTR Catholic has continued to expand its reach, opening new schools and outreach programs to serve Alberta’s growing Catholic community. Today, CTR Catholic operates 13 traditional schools, four outreach schools, and The Centre for Learning@HOME, serving more than 10,000 students across seven communities. With over 500 teachers and 300 support staff, the division continues to provide high-quality Catholic education while adapting to the evolving needs of students and families.