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GrACE Youth Summit | October 24, 2025
Together in Faith, Forward in Action!
📅 October 24, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 📍 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, Alberta
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Latest update: April 20 2025
Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday
Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday
April 27, 2025 | First Sunday After Easter
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
A Fountain of Mercy for the World
A Fountain of Mercy for the World
As we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy on the Sunday after Easter, let us prepare our hearts through prayer and reflection. Instituted by Jesus Himself through St. Faustina Kowalska, this powerful feast is a refuge of grace for all who seek His mercy.
Prepare Your Heart
Prepare Your Heart
In the days leading up to this extraordinary Feast, GrACE invites you to join us in prayer:
- Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
- Begin the Novena to Divine Mercy on Good Friday, as a spiritual preparation for Easter and the Feast
"Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself." — Divine Mercy Chaplet closing prayer
The Promise of Divine Mercy
The Promise of Divine Mercy
Jesus revealed to St. Faustina:
"Whoever will recite the Chaplet will receive great mercy at the hour of death."
In her Diary, Jesus asks that we share this hope with the world:
"My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, especially for poor sinners. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy." — Diary, 699
What Jesus Promised
What Jesus Promised
On this day, Jesus offers specific, extraordinary graces:
- "I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy."
- "Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."
- "The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."
How to Receive These Graces
How to Receive These Graces
To receive the graces promised by Jesus on Divine Mercy Sunday:
1. Make a good Confession (before or on the day)
2. Receive Holy Communion worthily on Divine Mercy Sunday or the Vigil
3. Trust completely in Jesus' Divine Mercy
4. Pray for the Holy Father’s intentions
"The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive." — Diary, 1578
Plenary Indulgence Granted by the Church
Plenary Indulgence Granted by the Church
In addition to Jesus’ promises, the Church offers a Plenary Indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday. As decreed by Pope St. John Paul II:
"A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff), is available to the faithful who, on Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit completely detached from even venial sin, take part in devotions in honour of Divine Mercy, or, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, pray the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout invocation such as: ‘Merciful Jesus, I trust in You.’"
A Personal Reflection
A Personal Reflection
“Speaking personally, the merciful love of Jesus—the Divine Mercy—keeps me buoyant, especially in times of challenge and uncertainty. In a rapidly changing world, where it is often not fashionable to be Catholic, Christ’s mercy sustains me. He reminds us that our faith is not only worth living for—but also worth dying for.”
Resources to Help You Enter More Deeply
Resources to Help You Enter More Deeply
- Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/chaplet-of-divine-mercy-13364
- Start the Divine Mercy Novena: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena
- Read More from the Diary of St. Faustina: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/diary
- Learn About the Indulgence: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_pro_20020429_divina-misericordia_en.html
✝️ “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You.”
May the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday renew our hearts, our families, and our Catholic communities.
Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint for the GrACE Movement
Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint for the GrACE Movement
Beatified: October 10, 2020
Canonization Date: April 27, 2025
Carlo Acutis shows that holiness is possible for everyone, at any age. His inspiring story aligns deeply with GrACE's mission for Catholic education.
Why Carlo Matters to GrACE:
Why Carlo Matters to GrACE:
Deep Eucharistic devotion: He called the Eucharist "my highway to Heaven."
Passion for serving others, especially the poor.
Authentic and meaningful faith, encouraging others to live as "originals," not copies.
Effective use of technology to share the Gospel and inspire others.
Building stronger communities through faith-based education.
Carlo’s Message to Us:
Carlo’s Message to Us:
Students: Be courageous, use your unique gifts for Christ.
Educators: Inspire students beyond academics; form their hearts in holiness.
Families: Foster faith at home, creating a vibrant domestic Church.
“To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan.”
– Carlo Acutis
Blessed St. Patrick, Pray for Us and Our Catholic Education Cause!
Blessed St. Patrick, Pray for Us and Our Catholic Education Cause!
Each March 17, the world celebrates St. Patrick’s Day—not just as a tradition, but as a reminder of conversion and mission, the very heart of Catholic education. Once a captive, St. Patrick turned to God in suffering. His faith deepened, and after escaping, he answered God’s call to return to Ireland—not for revenge, but for redemption. Through his courage and unwavering belief, he brought the Gospel to a nation, transforming hearts and minds through faith and teaching.
The Shamrock: A Symbol of Faith and Unity
To explain the Holy Trinity, St. Patrick used the shamrock—three leaves, one plant. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, so too are home, school, and parish united in the cause of Catholic education. It is in this unity that we nurture faith, build strong foundations, and ensure Christ remains at the center of learning.
A Model for Catholic Education
Like St. Patrick, we are called to boldly share our faith, forming students who know, love, and serve Christ. His own conversion reminds us that Catholic education is not just about knowledge—it’s about transformation.
St. Patrick’s courage and creativity in sharing the faith are a model for us today. His mission was not just to teach about God but to bring people into a deeper relationship with Him—the same mission at the heart of Catholic education.
As we celebrate St. Patrick may we be inspired by his faith and fearless witness. Let us boldly champion Catholic education, ensuring that it remains a beacon of faith, wisdom, and truth for generations to come.
Let us take inspiration from St. Patrick’s faith and courage as we continue to advocate for and celebrate the gift of Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond. May we be bold in our witness, steadfast in our mission, and unwavering in our love for Christ and His Church.
Let us take inspiration from St. Patrick’s faith and courage as we continue to advocate for and celebrate the gift of Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond. May we be bold in our witness, steadfast in our mission, and unwavering in our love for Christ and His Church.
This year, GrACE invites you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day through the power of prayer. Join us in praying his 9-day novena leading up to March 17th, offering it for the cause of Catholic education. Through this novena, we unite in prayer for the strengthening of our Catholic education movement, that it may continue to thrive and be a beacon of faith, truth, and excellence for generations to come. May St. Patrick's example remind us to boldly live our faith and share the message of Christ’s love with the world.
☘️ St. Patrick, pray for us! ☘️
St. Patrick’s Novena
St. Patrick’s Novena
This novena is traditionally prayed for nine days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, but it can also be prayed at any time to seek his intercession.
Day 1-9 Prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Patrick, apostle of Ireland, you brought the light of Christ to a people steeped in darkness. With unwavering faith, you fearlessly preached the Gospel and won countless souls for Christ. We ask for your powerful intercession as we journey in faith.
Pray for us, dear St. Patrick, that we may remain steadfast in our beliefs, courageous in our witness, and ever devoted to God’s call in our lives. Intercede for our Catholic schools in Alberta, for our students, teachers, leaders, and all who seek to deepen their faith. May our Catholic education system continue to flourish, bringing Christ’s light to the world.
As we pray this novena, may we be reminded of your tireless efforts to educate and spread the Catholic faith. Just as you nurtured the faith of a nation, we seek your prayers for GrACE’s mission to strengthen and sustain Catholic education in Alberta. May our schools remain places of truth, excellence, and faith-filled learning, forming young hearts and minds in Christ.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Through your prayers, may we always walk in God’s grace and be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.
St. Patrick, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Archbishop Richard Smith: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership in Catholic Education
Archbishop Richard Smith: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership in Catholic Education
With the announcement that Archbishop Richard Smith will transition from Archbishop of Edmonton to Archbishop of Vancouver, GrACE expresses profound gratitude for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to Catholic education. As Chair of GrACE’s Board, he has strengthened the foundation of faith-based learning, ensuring that Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond remains a beacon of faith, excellence, and mission-driven purpose. His legacy will continue to inspire, guide, and shape future generations.
A Leader Rooted in Celtic Faith and Missionary Discipleship
A Leader Rooted in Celtic Faith and Missionary Discipleship
Archbishop Smith’s Celtic heritage is deeply interwoven with his leadership, faith, and service. 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.
He reflects the wisdom of St. Malachy, who renewed the Church, and the compassion of St. Brigid, whose life of service embodied Catholic teaching. For Archbishop Smith, Catholic education is not just about knowledge—it is about forming disciples, shaping hearts, and preparing students to live and proclaim the Gospel.
A Transformational Leader: The Fire of Wallace, the Strategy of Collins
A Transformational Leader: The Fire of Wallace, the Strategy of Collins
In his leadership of GrACE, Archbishop Smith has been both a courageous champion and a strategic visionary—a cross between a better-mannered William Wallace and a less temperamental Michael Collins.
Like Wallace, the legendary Scottish warrior, Archbishop Smith has been a fearless advocate, passionately defending Catholic education with boldness, vision, and unwavering faith. He has called on parents, teachers, clergy, and trustees to rise to the challenge of protecting and strengthening faith-based education.
Yet, like Collins, the brilliant Irish revolutionary, he has also led with strategy, diplomacy, and an acute understanding of the long game. He knows that true leadership is not just about rallying cries—it is about forging alliances, overcoming obstacles, and guiding a movement with both wisdom and conviction.
His meetings were always energizing and full of great craic, yet no one ever left without a renewed sense of mission—to do more, achieve more, and celebrate Catholic education with greater passion than ever before.
Thank you, Archbishop Smith. May God bless you on this new journey.
Thank you, Archbishop Smith. May God bless you on this new journey.
What's happening...
What's happening...
Guide our Priorities with this GrACE Survey 2025
Guide our Priorities with this GrACE Survey 2025
Through this survey, we want to gather valuable insights into the needs and priorities of our Local GrACE Committees. The information collected will be shared with the GrACE Board and Director to help guide the organization’s strategic direction.
Your participation is vital to the growth, focus, and success of GrACE, as we work together to advocate for fully publicly funded Catholic education. Thank you, in advance for participating in our Survey.
Here's the link: GrACE Survey 2025
GrACE Celebrates Our Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope
GrACE Celebrates Our Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope
A Renewed Vision for Catholic Education
A Renewed Vision for Catholic Education
Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)
Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)
The Catholic Bishops of British Columbia and Yukon wrote a very inspiring Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)—a profound reflection on the role of Catholic education in today’s world.
Key Themes of the Letter
Mission & Evangelization – Catholic schools as vital centers of faith formation in a secular world.
Educating the Whole Person – Nurturing intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.
Faith & Community – Building a culture of belonging, service, and shared purpose.
The Role of Families, Educators & Pastors – Strengthening partnerships to sustain and enrich Catholic education.
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GrACE Alberta
GrACE Alberta
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
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From Maintenance to Mission: You are the Movement
From Maintenance to Mission: You are the Movement
Catholic education does not sustain itself. It is not the responsibility of a select few—it is the responsibility of YOU.
The Sacred Triad of home, school, and parish is only as strong as the people who uphold it.
Policies, governance, and institutions cannot carry this mission alone—it requires each of us.
Join the movement. Be the movement.
Join the movement. Be the movement.
Check out how you can make a difference in our News & Views/Maintenance to Mission Tab.
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