LAKELAND - Teaching Religion is so much more than providing engaging lesson plans, it’s also helping students form a deeper connection with God.
This is a role Pat Stasuik embodies each day in her classroom, and is among the reasons why she is Lakeland Catholic’s choice for this year’s Excellence in Catholic Education Award.
Stasuik is passionate about “bringing God to the kids and seeing how His love and His journey lights up their learning and lives.”
“I love seeing those ah-ha moments, where they’re excited about what they’re learning and they make those connections,” she said.
In addition to teaching Religion at Holy Cross Elementary School, Stasuik is instrumental in leading the school’s Youth Liturgical Leadership team. This group of young leaders is responsible for coordinating social justice projects, acting out Bible stories during monthly assemblies, and participating in ministries during school masses and celebrations.
Stasuik is also a frequent leader in staff prayer and is described by Holy Cross Elementary Principal, Michelle Kaminski, as “a strong advocate for our Catholic beliefs both inside and outside of the school.”
In her nomination, Kaminski said Stasuik “treats everyone she meets with compassion, dignity, and respect, and staff see her as a role model of someone actively living out our call to be faithful servants.”
Her commitment to sharing her passion for the Catholic faith spreads beyond the walls of the school. After the bell rings, Stasuik can often be found volunteering at St. Dominic Church, supporting the ministries as a greeter, communion minister, and decorator.
In response to hearing she was this year’s awardee, Stasuik said “I am truly honoured and know there are so many staff across the division who are worthy of this recognition. It truly takes a village, and I am so grateful to be a part of such an incredible district, where we put children at the heart of everything we do.”
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13