In the March 2011 issue of the Knights of Columbus Ontario State Bulletin, the Ontario State Council encouraged K of C councils to support the work of Catholic post-secondary institutions such as Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy.

Elaborating on a resolution carried at the 2010 Ontario State Convention which “called for the State to provide details to councils on how to support Catholic education institutions such as Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy,” Ontario State Deputy Arthur Peters wrote:  “The Ontario State Board recognizes the importance of our Catholic education system, and encourages councils to support our schools at all levels. With regard to post-secondary education, councils may wish to consider making charitable donations to support the work of Catholic institutions.” 

“Many children are turning to universities and colleges that allow them to continue their education in a faith based environment. As a Catholic organization, we can assist with this process by financially supporting these institutions. Although there are many demands on the resources of our councils, Catholic education is an important area with which we, as knights, should be involved.  Please consider supporting the important work of these Catholic educational institutions.”

OLSWA welcomes this move by the Ontario Knights to support OLSWA’s important work of providing the quality education in a faith-based environment that an increasing number of students are seeking.  President of OLSWA, Keith Cassidy, states: “We are greatly encouraged by this public recognition of our work by a leading Catholic lay organization.  We can most certainly use the financial support of the Catholic lay public.” [Read the full article on page 26 of the March 2011 Ontario State Bulletin.]

OLSWA hopes that more councils will support OLSWA through fundraising efforts, and follow the lead of current councils who are hosting fundraisers to raise funds for OLSWA’s general operating expenses and its bursary program.  As a private institution that receives no government funding, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom relies on the generosity of benefactors to continue providing an affordable Catholic liberal arts education for our young people.

The Barry’s Bay and Area Knights of Columbus council #6894 established the Fr. Archie Afelskie Award for a returning student of the Barry’s Bay area in need.  Any councils wishing to do likewise and establish a bursary for deserving students in their area or diocese, may contact Maria Reilander, Senior Development Office at OLSWA.

Norm Edwards and Peter Mahoney present Dr. Keith
Cassidy with proceeds from a breakfast fundraiser by
K of C council #12218 of Round Lake Centre and Killaloe.