Dear GrACE Apostles,

Catholic Education Week holds deep significance for the Catholic community, especially in today’s increasingly secular world. It stands as a beacon of hope and commitment.

A Time for Unity and Reflection

Catholic Education Week is a dedicated time for prayer, reflection, and unity within the Catholic community. It celebrates the vital role that Catholic schools play in shaping young people.

Celebrating the Value of Catholic Education

This week provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the value of Catholic education. Our publicly funded Catholic schools nurture students into compassionate, morally grounded individuals who contribute positively to society.

A Collective Purpose

Catholic Education Week unites the community to recognize the importance of Catholic education, pray for our students, and seek blessings for the future. It is a time to express gratitude for the opportunities Catholic education provides and to recommit to upholding the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.

"Testify! Share the Reason for Your Hope"

The theme, “Testify! Share the Reason for Your Hope,” serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of publicly funded Catholic education. It calls for the courage to ensure that schools remain true to Church teachings while pursuing academic excellence.

May God bless and guide each of you as we embark on this important time in our Catholic education calendar. Together, let us testify to our faith, share our stories, and build a community rooted in hope and love.

Blessings and much love,
'Jesus, I trust in You!'

Kate
Executive Director | GrACE

From October 19-25, 2024, Catholic Education Sunday and Catholic Education Week, traditionally held as separate observances, will merge into a single, unified event.

Catholic Education Sunday is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of November, while Catholic Education Week took place in May this year, coinciding with World Catholic Education Day.

To foster unity, these occasions will now be combined into a week-long celebration during the third week of October 2024.

The unified event will begin with Catholic Education Sunday Masses on October 19, 2024, and will conclude with the GrACE Summit on October 25, 2024, at St. Luke's Parish in Calgary.

Please read and share the Bishops' Pastoral Letter for Catholic Education Sunday to foster discussion and engagement on the ongoing contributions and future growth of Catholic education in Alberta. Share it with your friends, family, and community. The letter is linked below in our master template for Catholic Education Sunday and Week resources.

In the letter, the Bishops emphasize this year's theme, "Testify! Share the Reason for your Hope." They urge everyone to fully embrace and embody this theme in their daily lives, highlighting the importance of unity, faith, and adherence to Catholic values. By doing so, we can build a strong, supportive, faith-centered community.

The Bishops also underscore the profound impact of Catholic education on our children and youth, shaping them into compassionate, responsible, and spiritually guided individuals. They invite all community members—students, parents, educators, and parishioners—to participate in this year's events and activities, advancing together on our spiritual journey.

Let the Bishops' message inspire us to embrace this theme with energy and commitment. In doing so, we can make a positive difference in our community and beyond, reflecting the light of Christ in all our actions.

Your continued support and dedication to Catholic education are deeply appreciated. I look forward to working with you and witnessing the extraordinary accomplishments we will achieve together this year.

Please save the date—October 25, 2024—and join us in a day of faith, dialogue, and dedication to Catholic education. Your attendance and contributions will be key to shaping its future and affirming its vital role in our community and the wider world.

What: GrACE Summit: “Testify! Share the Reason for Your Hope”

When: Friday, October 25th, 7:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Catholic Parish of St. Luke 1566 Northmount Dr. NW Calgary AB

Who: Trustees, Educators, Parents, Students, Clergy, and Parishioners are all called to uphold the significance of Catholic education and its transformative impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Through our collective efforts,

we celebrate the rich heritage and enduring values of Catholic schools while ensuring that publicly funded Catholic education continues to thrive for generations to come.

Cost: $75.00

Please click here to Register

GrACE SUMMIT 2024 Program

We are called to:

Bear Witness to Our Faith: We embody Christ's teachings through our actions, words, and interactions. By living out our faith, we not only deepen our spiritual journey but also inspire and uplift those within our community.

Share Our Stories: GrACE invites students, staff, and the wider Catholic community to share their personal experiences of faith and reflect on the impact of Catholic education in their lives.

Build a Faithful Community: We fortify our bonds by collectively honoring our faith through prayer, service, and shared celebrations.

GrACE Facebook address is www.facebook.com/GrACE4cathed

GrACE Twitter address is @GrACE4cathed

GrACE Instagram address is @grace4catholiceducation