The Brian J. Halferty Award is given to a Chaplaincy Leader currently serving in a school who contributes to the role of Chaplaincy, above and beyond the regular demands of the Chaplaincy Leader’s ministry, which positively affects the role and position of all Chaplaincy Leaders in Ontario.

The inaugural award was given in 2007 to the Award's namesake, Brian J. Halferty.

Brian Halferty had a significant impact on the development of high school chaplaincy in Ontario. Beginning his career in Catholic education in 1987, Brian was an integral part of the formation of the Catholic School Chaplains of Ontario (CSCO) organization.He, along with other pioneers of CSCO, co-wrote the CSCO Constitution and By-Laws, as well as created and maintained the website. Brian served a total of twelve years on the CSCO Executive including 4 years as President. The efforts of Brian and other early CSCO members helped to guide high school chaplaincy as it became an established
and professional component of Catholic Education in Ontario. Brian Halferty retired from Chaplaincy with the Toronto Catholic District School Board in 2007.

Passionate about the work of L’Arche, Brian maintained relationships in the organization both locally and internationally. He spent time with Henri Nouwen’s while he was at L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill.

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