The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Father Vernon Boyd's eyes are clear and bright, his gaze direct. He gives the impression of compacted energy. At 47 years of age, he's spent over half of his life in the Jesuit Order. In mid-October he took over as President of St. Bonaventure's College in St. John's, Newfoundland, replacing Father Winston Rye S.J. Father Boyd S.J. grew up in Flin Flon, Manitoba and has been a Jesuit since 1976. He has spent 11 years teaching at Gonzaga in St. John's, when it was a Jesuit high school. He spent another seven years teaching in Loyola in Montreal. In late August he arrived in St. John's to work closely with Father Rye before the older Jesuit's departure at Thanksgiving. "When I heard I was coming back to St. John's I was grateful and overjoyed," says Father Boyd. "I was returning to the work that has touched my priesthood in so many ways. At the end of my life I'm sure I'll look at my time here in Newfoundland as the most meaningful and grace-filled moments of my life." Back in October 1997, Father Boyd was one of four people who attended the very first meeting held to discuss the possibility of an independent Catholic school. It was only two months after the devastating referendum that saw the abolition of publicly funded Catholic schools in Newfoundland. That year was a busy one for Father Boyd, challenging even his deep reserves of energy. He was still teaching at Gonzaga, then in its last year as a Jesuit school. He was also working with the group of parents trying to establish a new Catholic school for their children. "It was a good process," he reflects. "It forced us all to answer why we educate our children in Catholic schools, what is the distinction between public and Catholic education." Now that he has followed his heart back to St. Bon's, Father Boyd has specific priorities for the future. "My first priority is to increase enrollment, particularly in high school. I also want to continue to work towards a strong bursary program, so no child is unable to attend because of finances. The development of a strong athletic program is essential, particularly as we develop higher numbers in high school." See 'Build' P.# Con't from P.# I'm also looking forward to continued reflection and renewal on the best religious education program for this school, one which builds on service in the community, with the organizations already working to build a better world." The Jesuit priest pauses, while outside the closed office door a school bell rings. Seconds later, there's the muffled sound of shuffling feet, conversation and laughter. The students at Mullock Hall are changing classes. Father Boyd continues his train of thought, undisturbed. "God has blessed me with a certain passion and enthusiasm Ð a desire to continue to build on what has begun here. I bring to this school my determination, a sense of loyalty, a love for Catholic education and a great respect for students. My vision is that St. Bonaventure's College serves as a light, like a candle, reflecting the faith of Catholic people of Newfoundland. My vision is that St. Bonaventure's College becomes established as a place of academic excellence and fidelity to Christ, dedicated to the service of people."
