The Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) joins with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary in mourning the passing of Most Reverend Frederick (Fred) B. Henry, Bishop Emeritus of Calgary; a towering figure in the preservation and promotion of Catholic education in Alberta. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the faithful he served so passionately.

His long-standing connection to the ACSTA spanned 18 years as the liaison Bishop on our Board of Directors. In recognition of his service, Bishop Henry was awarded the ACSTA Honorary Life Membership in 2009, a testament to the deep respect he earned from Catholic trustees across Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon. 

Nationally, Bishop Henry was celebrated as the 2017 recipient of the Justice James Higgins Award, the highest honor conferred by the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association (CCSTA). This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Catholic education in Canada. Bishop Henry was nominated by ACSTA to honor his lifetime of dedication, beginning in Ontario as Liaison Bishop to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada and as a member of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops Education Commission. His work continued in Alberta, where he served as the liaison Bishop with ACSTA and played a pivotal role in curriculum development and advocacy for publicly funded Catholic education.

His extraordinary impact was also acknowledged by Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto, who praised Bishop Henry’s “prophetic voice” and Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, who lauded him as “a man of God with a capacity for clear thought and bold proclamation.”

During his tenure as Bishop of Calgary, he was a beacon of faith and a stalwart advocate for the mission of Catholic education. He spoke eloquently and fearlessly on the importance of our schools as places where faith and learning come together to form future leaders rooted in the teachings of Christ.

His leadership inspired countless trustees, reminding us all of the essential role Catholic schools play in nurturing not just minds, but hearts and souls. Bishop Henry’s passionate advocacy, even in the face of adversity, remains a guiding light for all who continue the mission of Catholic education in Alberta.

ACSTA President Kelly Whalen said: “Bishop Fred Henry was a true champion of Catholic education, and his leadership and courage will be deeply missed. He reminded us all of the sacred mission of Catholic schools, and inspired us to remain steadfast in our faith and our calling. His impact will be felt for generations.”

As we honour his extraordinary life, we encourage everyone to pray for the repose of Bishop Fred Henry’s soul. May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom he so faithfully served.

Requiescat in pace.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.