Dear GrACE Apostles,
The key to our success as a Catholic Education Movement – just like the emphasis and pattern of the early Church – is participation and encouragement; support and outreach to anyone and everyone that we can enrol in our cause.
The early Church thrived on active participation. Believers were not mere spectators; they engaged fully in worship, community life, and evangelization.
Catholic Education is Evangelization:
Catholic schools play a crucial role in the Church’s evangelizing mission by bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
They are particularly significant as places of evangelization for our young people. Throughout history, Catholic education has moulded our students in their Christian life and their future salvation. This has involved active participation in the sacraments and the knowledge and truth of the Catholic faith.
The Call to Lead:
The Church encourages all of us as Catholics, alongside our educational leaders, to see our role as mission-focused vocations in service to Christ and families. We all have a role to play in strengthening our Catholic identity; building a Catholic culture; fostering faith development; and integrating Church traditions and doctrinal practices.
Answering the Call: Communion of Catholics:
We need to pray for Catholic education, but also to take action to defend it. The call goes beyond our Catholic educators to each and every Catholic to uphold and advance the mission of Catholic education. God choses the unlikely—just as he did his first Disciples – to spread the Good News. We too are called to make a stand for Catholic education.
In support of Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond, we Catholics have unity, a purpose and an urgency to lead with courage and faith. We must be driven from the ground up with grassroot support grounded in prayer and the desire to fulfill God’s will for us.
As Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, ‘put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch’ (Luke5.4), no-one is on his/her own.
Rooted in our Catholic beliefs and safe and secure in God’s love and our Catholic faith, we each have a contribution to make.
Blessings and much love.
'Jesus, I trust in You'!
Kate
Executive Director | GrACE
GrACE recently began work on its new website and integrated social media platform.
We will complete the main work over the summer months, ideally in time for the beginning of the new school year in September 2024.
Our monthly newsletters will be streamlined to highlight key events and achievements. We aim to address ongoing questions and requests for information through the website and social media.
A new GrACE website will significantly enhance GrACE's online presence and serve as a central hub for information, resources, and community engagement.
Integrating GrACE's social media platforms will allow GrACE to reach a wider audience, share updates, and foster meaningful interactions.
GrACE fuels a Catholic education movement that champions Catholic education, modelling the Catholic faith, while celebrating the uniqueness of Catholic Schools.
GrACE gathers trustees, Catholic education supporters, teachers, administrators, religious education consultants, parents, parishioners, Catholic bishops and parish priests from Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon to ensure that Catholic education not only survives but thrives.
GrACE unites, engages, educates, and communicates with one amplified voice to champion Catholic education.
The inclusion of trustees, teachers, administrators, consultants, parents, parishioners, bishops, and clergy both underscores the breadth and depth of GrACE’s engagement in the mission of Catholic education and ensures that various perspectives are represented as we reflect on Catholic education and strategize.
GrACE strengthens the home—school—parish relationship, fostering a sense of shared responsibility to ensure collective commitment to the cause of Catholic education.
GrACE leads Catholics in prayer for Catholic education through novenas, weekly and monthly prayer resources. GrACE also promotes Catholic Education Week and Catholic Education Sunday initiatives.
GrACE's monthly newsletter seeks to build a provincial Catholic community by celebrating Catholic education across Alberta.
There are so many positive stories about Catholic schools and education in Alberta.
Catholic education refers to educational institutions, Catholic schools, colleges, and universities; programs rooted in the Catholic faith; and the work of all who are known for their commitment to delivering academic excellence while while emphasizing the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
GrACE chats with Dr. Linda Dudar
Upon meeting Dr. Linda Dudar at STMU for our interview, I immediately noticed how she brightens a room. Her musical talents are indeed captivating, but it was her warm, positive personality that truly drew people in. That Wednesday, Bishop McGrattan presided over Mass in a crowded McGivney Hall filled with parishioners. Linda is a leader with many facets. Not only did she lead the music ministry at Mass, but she also engaged with staff, students, and community members alike. Dr. Dudar is well-acquainted with the STMU campus, having served as its Dean of Education for eight years following the completion of her PhD at the University of Calgary. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Education in Music Education from Brandon University and a Master of Arts in Administration and Curriculum from Gonzaga University in Washington. With over 25 years as a principal, administrator, and teacher, she brings more than two decades of leadership experience in K-12 education across both Catholic and public schools. Linda is known for seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit in her decision making. She confided to GrACE that, despite initial hesitations about changing her leadership role, she accepted the position, believing that “when God wants you to do something, He does not let go!”.
Throughout her tenure at STMU, Linda deepened her understanding of Indigenous knowledge. She fondly remembers collaborating with Elders from nearby communities. For instance, as the Chair of the Deans of Education in Alberta, her inaugural dean's meeting at STMU was noteworthy. It included all department heads, but Linda realized that key leaders were absent. Consequently, Elders were invited to provide their perspectives. A memorable experience for Linda at STMU was the privilege of working with Indigenous Elders in Calgary. She reminisces about an Elder imparting a profound lesson about the hummingbird. Nature continuously offers us wisdom; we need only to observe and listen to the lessons our surroundings offer. The narrative concluded with the hummingbird's message: “I do what I can, and continue.” Linda's animated expression when sharing this story with GrACE highlighted the enduring impact of storytelling.
Linda's journey at STMU was marked by numerous enlightening experiences. She recounts a retreat to Ghost River, where the staff and faculty spent a week. There, she was amazed by the connection she forged with the land. Linda described to GrACE a particular activity called “get to know your tree,” which profoundly moved her and enhanced her bond with nature. Participants were blindfolded and later had to locate their tree. This exercise underscored the clear link between Indigenous way of knowing focused on building a relationship with the earth and the Catholic connection to the divine. Linda summarized this with the words, “He is guiding you.”
Though she is now retired, Linda's pace remains undiminished. She has conducted professional development sessions across Alberta, Canada, the United States, England, Taiwan, and Ukraine since her retirement. As a guest presenter at the World Congress of Special Education in Philadelphia, Linda conveyed to GrACE her belief that the Holy Spirit guided her to consultancy work focusing on leadership development for individuals and small groups. Linda serves on eight boards, leading with conviction in roles such as the Board of Directors for the Canada–Ukraine Foundation, the Calgary Interfaith Council, and as the Chair of Christian Thought at the University of Calgary, among others.
She is fervent about the Catholic Women's Leadership Foundation Program at St. Paul University in Ottawa. Linda was privileged to participate and subsequently contribute to the development of its alumni program. Connecting with devout, purpose-driven women across Canada has enriched her vocation. The 11-month course has empowered numerous women to realize their potential and deepen their faith. Now, as the program's director, Linda selects the participants who will be transformed by this Christ-centered initiative.
Among Linda's recent notable experiences were personal meetings with Pope Francis in Rome and the Ukrainian Catholic Patriarch, exemplifying Christ–like leadership and engagement. These moments stand out as unforgettable. Looking ahead, Linda remains committed to assisting organizations in any way possible to draw them closer to Christ.
Linda's life is not solely defined by her professional achievements; she celebrates a 40-year marriage and takes pride in her two sons, who are making their mark on the world. Her enduring love for children consistently draws her to work that benefits the younger generation.
GrACE extends its profound gratitude to Dr. Jason West, the most tenured president in Newman Theological College's history. Dr. West has been an influential GrACE Apostle and Advocate, essential in advancing and endorsing GrACE's mission.
We are thrilled that Dr. West will resume his full-time teaching duties in 2025 following his sabbatical year and eagerly anticipate his ongoing contributions to the academic and spiritual development of our students.
- 'Instruction of the Congregation for Catholic Education, ‘The identity of the Catholic school for a culture of dialogue, from the Vatican, 2022
- Growing in Faith Symposium — 5 Marks of Catholic Education
- CCSSA Catholic Leadership Quality Standards
- 5 Marks of an Excellent Catholic Leader
- The Excellent Catholic Teacher
- Calgary Catholic Schools
- Redeemer Revelations
Shalom World TV is a 24/7, high-definition Catholic television channel that caters to all ages with its vibrant and engaging content. The channel provides a rich video library of programs, including testimonials, documentaries, interviews, dramas, animated shows, talk shows, news, music, and educational sessions. The variety of topics, from personal God experiences to discussions and programs addressing contemporary issues in light of Catholic teachings, serves as a valuable resource for classroom faith education. Its diverse offerings ensure something for everyone, making it an ideal companion for 14 yrs +, Catholic families, and educators. www.shalomworld.org
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You can access Shalom World via shalomworld.org and freely download the app on mobile phones, tablets, and any of the latest smart TVs, such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, etc. One of the standout features of Shalom World is its commitment to providing commercial-free content, making it accessible to all without any cost. This dedication to spreading the Gospel without the distraction of advertisements ensures that viewers can fully immerse themselves in faith-filled programming.
