Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board’s Patron Saint: St. André Bessette

In the spring of 2022, the Huron-Perth CDSB’s Board of Trustees adopted the motion to recognize St. André Bessette as the Board’s Patron Saint at the Regular Board Meeting on May 24, 2022.

St. André Bessette is Canada’s first native-born male saint. St. André was canonized on October 17, 2010, and is the founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Quebec. St. André Bessette dedicated his life to welcoming all persons, especially the sick, lonely and poor to find a home in the healing power of Jesus Christ. As the patron saint of Canada, St. André died in 1937 at the age of 91. His patron feast day is celebrated on January 6.

St. André has a special connection to the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board wherein he often visited the hamlets of Huron County specifically, St. Joseph and in Perth County specifically, Kinkora. As shared by St. Joseph & Area Historical Society, while visiting St. Joseph, Brother André expressed his desire to see a statue erected in honour of St. Joseph and even selected a site for the monument. The site of the statue was placed in honour of St. André Bessette at the St. Joseph Memorial Park in St. Joseph, ON.

The HPCDSB established the St. André Bessette Trust Fund in 2011, which supports those in our Catholic schools whose learning and well-being would be enhanced by the benefits it would provide. One hundred percent of all monies donated to the trust fund are disbursed directly to support children and families in need.

Mission Statement

The mission of The St. André Bessette Trust Fund is in keeping with the mission of Jesus Christ, whose primary concern was for those who may find themselves in need. The Fund supports those in our Catholic schools whose learning and well-being would be enhanced by the benefits it would provide.

Why a St. André Bessette Trust Fund?

The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board recognizes that sometimes existing resources do not always fulfill each and every individual need. The St. André Bessette Trust Fund has been established to help students’ families whose needs are beyond what organizations can offer.

How it works…

Funded entirely by gifts, charitable donations and bequests from individuals and corporations, The St. André Bessette Trust Fund is overseen by a committee of community volunteers and Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board employees. It is important to note that 100% of all monies donated to the Fund are disbursed to those in need, and all administrative and committee work is carried out by volunteers.

How you can help…

There are a number of ways – large and small – that you or your company can support the work of the St. André Bessette Trust Fund. Charitable donations are truly the foundation of the work carried out through this initiative.

Organizations may contribute by making The St. André Bessette Trust Fund the recipient of the proceeds from a special event.

• Many companies also offer matching gift programs and incentives that increase the value of a donation.
• The Fund also accepts gifts in kind for our own fundraising initiatives.

How you can donate!

To make an online donation, please click the Canada Helps.org Donate button.  To donate by cash or cheque, please fill out the donation form and send your donation and the form to the listed address or drop it off at your local HPCDSB school. For gifts in kind, feel free to contact us for more information by emailing sabtrustfund@huronperthcatholic.ca.

SABTF Annual Reports:

• 2019 St. André Bessette Annual Report