GrACE Newsletter

“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain.” — Hebrews 6:19

In an age marked by uncertainty and shifting values, Christ alone remains the unshakable anchor of our souls and the unfailing light on our path.

Inspired by the Letter to the Hebrews and in this Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis of blessed memory, this theme reminds us that Catholic education is not simply about instruction—it is about transformation.

It is a sacred mission to form young people who are rooted in Christ and radiant with His hope.

Catholic schools are not merely centres of academic excellence—they are communities of encounter, formation, and mission.

Within these sacred spaces, students encounter Christ:

• in daily prayer,
• in authentic Christian relationships,
• in the wisdom and tradition of the Church,
• and most especially in the Holy Eucharist, where Christ is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

In a world overwhelmed by noise and confusion, Catholic education offers something deeply needed: a sure anchor in Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

To the young people in our Catholic schools:

• You were created in love, for love, and by Love Himself.
• Your life has eternal purpose.
• You are a beacon of hope—illuminating your families, schools, and communities with the light of Christ.
• Anchor yourselves in Him.
• Live boldly, serve joyfully, and be a light that does not waver.

GrACE invites you to look to Blessed Carlo Acutis—a teenager of our own time, canonized in the Year of Hope. He joyfully lived the Gospel, drew strength from the Eucharist, and brought Christ into the digital world.

His life reminds us: holiness is not a rare achievement—it is the universal vocation of the baptized.

You, too, are called to be saints.

Catholic education thrives through cooperation and communion. It is only made possible by the generosity and dedication of many.

GrACE expresses deep gratitude to:

• Parents, the first and lifelong educators of faith in the home;
• Teachers and staff, who shape minds and hearts each day with wisdom and compassion;
• Clergy and religious, who bring the Sacraments and the presence of Christ into our schools;
• Parish communities, whose support, prayer, and witness sustain our shared mission.

Together, we are one Body in Christ—entrusted with the vital task of raising a generation anchored in truth and ablaze with hope.

This is more than a celebration—it is a witness.

GrACE invites all members of the Catholic education community to take part boldly and joyfully:

• Celebrate the Holy Mass with reverence and thanksgiving
• Pray together as schools, families, and parishes for the renewal of Catholic education
• Serve others through works of mercy and acts of charity
• Proclaim the Gospel with clarity, courage, and joy

Let this week be a visible sign of the living faith that animates our Catholic schools and communities.

In a time of cultural confusion and increasing pressure to conform, the temptation is to retreat or remain silent. But Catholic education is not called to blend in—it is called to stand firm.

It must be:

• Joyfully Christ-centered
• Sacramentally rich
• Morally clear
• And always mission-driven

With deep gratitude for your witness, your prayers, and your steadfast support of Catholic education,

Blessings and much love.

'Jesus, I trust in You'!

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE

We are living in the midst of what many are calling The Quiet Revival—a powerful and unexpected movement of faith stirring in the hearts of young people across Canada and beyond.

Against all odds and prevailing cultural trends, more youth are returning to the sacraments, seeking truth, and longing for a deeper relationship with Christ.

The inaugural GrACE Youth Summit is both a response to and a celebration of this revival. It is a bold invitation for students to step into leadership, to be formed in faith, and to live with purpose as missionary disciples in their schools, parishes, and communities.

The Holy Spirit is awakening hearts—and this generation is rising: called by grace, moved by truth, and ready to lead.

With deep gratitude for your continued support and shared mission.

GrACE is delighted and excited to invite you to the inaugural GrACE Youth Summit—an Alberta, NWT, and Yukon-wide call to faith, formation, and fearless Catholic leadership.

Taking place during Catholic Education Week 2025, this full-day event is for young people who are ready to live their faith with passion, lead with courage, and witness joyfully to their love for Christ, His Church, and their Catholic schools.

This is more than an event. It is a prayerful step into what the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst—a bold awakening of faith, leadership, and mission.

The 2025 Summit is inspired by the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, whose life testifies that holiness is possible—here and now.

Carlo’s devotion to the Eucharist, his joyful evangelization, and his creative use of technology remind us that young people are not merely the future of the Church—they are her vibrant present.

In this historic year of sainthood, we gather to follow his example: to be anchored in Christ and to become beacons of hope in our schools, parishes, and communities.

🗓️ Friday, October 24, 2025
📍 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, AB
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)
🎓 For students in Grades 9–11 – Up to 400 youth from across the North invited!
🚲 Hosted by Elk Island Catholic Schools & GrACE

• Keynote sessions with Michael Chiasson – bold, authentic, and rooted in the Gospel
• Live worship and music led by student leaders and Catholic artists
• Testimonies from young people who have chosen faith and courage over comfort and compromise
• Pizza and fellowship that feed both body and soul
• Celebration of the Holy Mass – the heart of our Catholic life
• Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation available throughout the day
• Special keepsakes for every attendee, including blessed medals of Blessed Carlo Acutis and tiny statues of Jesus, gifted and blessed on the day as tangible reminders of God’s love and presence

Each participating school division is encouraged to nominate students in Grades 9–11 who:

• Shine with authentic leadership potential rooted in faith, service, and integrity
• Are actively engaged in school, parish, or community life
• Are seeking more—more of Christ, deeper formation, and a stronger sense of purpose
• Are eager to be inspired, equipped, and sent forth as bold ambassadors of Catholic education
• Witness to others by living their faith joyfully, courageously, and publicly

✅ Free to Attend – Generously sponsored by the GrACE Board of Directors

🚍 Travel Arrangements – Transportation is the responsibility of each participating school division
📋 Remote Access – Zoom available for rural and remote communities
📧 Reserve Your Division’s Spots Today – This is a group-based registration. Each division must email Kate at gracedirector7@gmail.com with:
• The number of students attending
• The lead contact person
• The school(s) represented
⚠️ Limited Capacity – Space is capped at 400 total participants; spots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis

We are living in the midst of what many are calling The Quiet Revival—a powerful and unexpected movement of faith quietly awakening in the hearts of young people across Canada and the rest of the western world.

Against all odds and cultural trends, more youth are returning to the sacraments, seeking truth, and yearning for a deeper relationship with Christ.

This summit stands as both a response to and a celebration of that revival.

It is a bold invitation for students to step into leadership, to be formed in faith, and to live with purpose as missionary disciples in their schools, parishes, and communities. The Holy Spirit is stirring—and this generation is rising, called by grace, moved by truth.

The 2025 GrACE Youth Summit is a chance to ignite young hearts, unite our Catholic family, and remind the world that Catholic education is alive, vibrant, and Spirit-led!

We are grateful for publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta, a unique and cherished historical gift. It is an invaluable offering to both the Catholic community and wider society, carrying growing responsibility in an increasingly secular world.

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 emphasizing the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.

As a grateful advocate for Catholic education and leader in our Catholic education system, celebrate, showcase, and highlight the faith of your school.

Follow GrACE on Facebook and Twitter. Post your pictures and tag us so we can share them and celebrate too. Thanks for being a grateful advocate of Catholic education! @GrACE4cathed

GrACE Facebook address is www.facebook.com/GrACE4cathed

Grace email is gracedirector7@gmail.com

GrACE Twitter address is @GrACE4cathed

Instagram: @grace4catholiceducation

• Sign up for GrACE’s monthly newsletter
• Share GrACE’s monthly Newsletter
• Celebrate Catholic schools and Catholic education
• Provide information to share in GrACE’s monthly newsletter
• Tell your positive stories and benefits from your Catholic school(s) and Catholic education
• Subscribe to GrACE’s Facebook; Twitter (X), and social media pages
• Encourage parents to become more actively involved in GrACE
• Support local GrACE group in your parish
• Ensure the GrACE database has your correct contact information
• Encourage a sense of collective responsibility in upholding the mission and values of Catholic education in our shared society
• Make a stand for Catholic schools and Catholic education in Alberta and beyond
• Assert your choice in favour of Catholic schools/Catholic education and its values
• Champion the benefits of Catholic schools and Catholic education, alongside its broader implications for the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of individuals and society as a whole
• Be active in the GrACE movement
• Post your pictures and tag us so we can share them and celebrate too

Student volunteers are warmly invited to represent their School in GrACE’s

social media campaign, new outreach, and database development.

All thoughts on how we can we better utilize technology platforms to ensure timely and effective communication within the wider Catholic education family and beyond will be gratefully received.

Please email gracedirector7@gmail.com to express interest and suggestions.

• '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

Together, let us reclaim what is eternal. Catholic education is not merely surviving—it is reviving!