Catholic Education in Ottawa
Difference Makers 1900 to 2020
by John Curry

---

Catholic Education in Ottawa traces the history of Catholic education in the Ottawa, Ontario area through a series of biographies, stories, and anecdotes. From the establishment of Catholic schools in the province in the mid-1800s to the most recent trustee elections as of writing, John Curry weaves an inspiring chronicle that reveals the power of Catholic education in a community and in the church. Mr. Curry outlines the efforts of some of those who made a difference through their support of Catholic education in a variety of ways. Parents, teachers, clergy, Religious, school trustees, and students have all contributed to Catholic education with one goal in mind: to maintain a faith-based education system in Ottawa that is noted for academic excellence, the promotion of gospel values, and is available to all who desire to attend. Catholic Education in Ottawa serves as a family memory album that will appeal to those involved in Catholic education in Ottawa and Ontario as a whole. As an historical narrative, it will be a valuable resource for research and information on educational trends in Canada. A treasured addition to school, church, and personal libraries, this labour of love will help keep the fire of Catholic education alive in readers’ hearts.

---

John Curry was passionate about his faith, history, education, and writing. With a degree in journalism from Carleton University, he worked for several newspapers before purchasing The Stittsville News in 1975. He was the publisher and editor of the paper until 2001, continuing as editor until 2018. John wrote for the Stittsville Richmond Community Voice until 2022. He began serving on the Ottawa Catholic School Board in 2000 and received the provincial Award of Merit in 2018 from the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association. He was a trustee for twenty years, during which time he also served as chair of the board’s Historical Committee. Among his numerous other awards were the Goulbourn Businessman of the Year Award in 1991, the Goulbourn Citizen of the Year Award in 2009 and the Ottawa Catholic School Board Chair’s Award for Service Excellence posthumously in 2023. Mr. Curry is the author of two other published books: Richmond on the Jock (1993) and Richmond’s Got Spirit (2019). He lived in Stittsville, Ontario for forty years until his death in February of 2022. His sister, Jane Hill, continued with his work on Catholic Education in Ottawa to ensure that it was published.

---

Contributors

Author

John Curry