GrACE Newsletter: Special Edition

Dear GrACE Apostles,

There are moments in life when we recognize that we have been truly blessed. This is one of those moments. With the announcement that Archbishop Richard Smith will transition from Archbishop of Edmonton to Archbishop of Vancouver, we at GrACE pause to reflect on the extraordinary impact he has had on Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond.

As Chair of the GrACE Board, Archbishop Smith has been a steadfast advocate for faith-based education, ensuring that Catholic schools remain places of excellence, mission, and discipleship. He has inspired countless parents, teachers, clergy, trustees, and students to embrace Catholic education not just as an institution, but as a calling—a place where hearts and minds are formed in faith.

A Leader Rooted in Celtic Faith and Missionary Discipleship

Archbishop Smith’s Celtic heritage is deeply interwoven with his leadership, faith, and service reflecting the missionary spirit of those who came before him. Like St. Patrick, who illuminated Ireland with the Gospel, and St. Columba, who carried the faith to Scotland, he has been a torchbearer for Catholic education, ensuring that faith remains at the heart of learning.

His wisdom echoes St. Malachy, who renewed the Church, and his compassion reflects St. Brigid, whose life of service embodied Catholic teaching. For Archbishop Smith, Catholic education is not just about academic excellence—it is about forming disciples, shaping hearts, and preparing students to bring Christ to the world.

A Champion for Catholic Education

In his time with GrACE, Archbishop Smith has been both a bold defender and a strategic leader—a cross between a better-mannered William Wallace and a less temperamental Michael Collins.

Like Wallace, the legendary Scottish warrior, he has been a fearless advocate, passionately defending Catholic education with courage, vision, and unwavering faith. He has called on all of us—parents, educators, clergy, and trustees—to stand firm in protecting and strengthening faith-based learning.

Yet, like Collins, the brilliant Irish revolutionary, he has also led with strategy, diplomacy, and wisdom, understanding that sustaining Catholic education requires not just passion, but careful planning and partnership. His leadership has been both energizing and inspiring, and no one ever left a GrACE meeting with him without a renewed sense of mission—to do more, achieve more, and celebrate Catholic education with greater passion than ever before.

A Lasting Legacy: Vancouver’s Gain, Our Gratitude

Vancouver does not yet realize how lucky it is. They are gaining a transformational leader—one who inspires, guides with wisdom, and challenges those around him to strive for more. We have been blessed to have his leadership for so long, and while he will be going from our daily lives, he will never be far from our hearts.

His influence will live on in the work we do, the mission we serve, and the faith we continue to nurture in our schools, homes, and parishes. His departure is not just a farewell—it is a reminder of the impact a true leader can have on a community of faith.

As the Irish say, "Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day." And so, with deep gratitude and admiration, we bid you farewell with with a cherished Irish benediction for times like these:

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Thank you, Archbishop Smith, for your unwavering commitment to Catholic education. May God bless you on this new journey.

Blessings; much love from everyone at GrACE!

'Jesus, I trust in You'!

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE