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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.
If we believe Catholic schools exist not just to educate but to evangelize, then the question is not who will act? but rather will you act?
At a recent GrACE gathering, GrACE’s Executive Director asked Alberta's Trustees to confront a reality:
Catholic education’s survival is not guaranteed.
Faith-based schools will not thrive by chance—they will thrive by choice.
Every Catholic must decide whether to be a passive observer or an active disciple.
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.
The Turning Point: The Power of One
We can no longer think of Catholic education as something others must defend. This mission is personal.
If you are a trustee, will you boldly protect Catholic identity in every decision?
If you are a parent, will you lead faith formation in your home?
If you are an educator, will you integrate the Gospel into every subject?
If you are a parishioner, will you embrace Catholic schools as part of the Church’s mission?
If you are a student, will you live as a witness beyond the classroom?
Catholic education will not thrive because of what institutions do.
It will thrive because of what YOU choose to do.
Beyond Institutions: A Movement Rooted in Personal Action
✔ GrACE engages Catholics at the grassroots level.
✔ ACSTA protects Catholic trusteeship and governance.
✔ CCSSA supports faith-based education leadership.
But these organizations alone cannot sustain Catholic education. Their success depends on each Catholic stepping forward and taking action.
We Are the Movement. We Are the Mission.
Trustees: Lead decisively—your policies must protect faith, not just manage schools.
Educators: Teach not just subjects, but souls—integrate Catholic values into everything.
Parents: Your home is the first Church—actively form your children in faith.
Parishioners: Welcome students into parish life—schools need the Church, and the Church needs schools.
Students: Carry your faith boldly—live as disciples in every part of your life.
Each role is critical. No one is exempt.
From Survival to Revival: The Time to Move Is Now
The BC and Yukon Bishops’ 2025 Pastoral Letter warns:
“Secularization has increasingly pushed faith to the margins. Catholic schools remain critical in this missionary moment.”
If we remain passive, we risk losing what generations before us fought to protect. Catholic education is not about survival—it is about revival.
The Choice Is Yours
Will you be a silent bystander, or will you be an advocate?
Will you maintain the status quo, or will you step into mission?
Will you wait for others to act, or will you lead the way?
Join the movement. Be the movement.
Engage. Advocate. Lead.
Follow GrACE & share your voice! #GrACE4CatholicEd
Catholic education’s future does not rest in the hands of institutions—it rests in yours.
You are the movement. You are the mission. Now is the time to act.
From Maintenance to Mission: Strengthening Catholic Education: Key Take Aways are found at: From Maintenance to Mission: Strengthening Catholic Education
A Renewed Vision for Catholic Education
A Renewed Vision for Catholic Education
Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)
Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)
Catholic education is more than just schooling—it is a mission that nurtures the whole person, integrating faith, knowledge, and service. With this in mind, the Catholic Bishops of British Columbia and Yukon present the Pastoral Letter on Catholic Schools (2025)—a profound reflection on the role of Catholic education in today’s world.
At a time when faith is increasingly marginalized, this letter reaffirms the indispensable role of Catholic schools in shaping young hearts and minds. It calls on educators, parents, and parishes to deepen their commitment to Catholic identity, ensuring that schools remain beacons of Gospel values, academic excellence, and moral formation.
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.
This pastoral letter serves as both a guiding document and a call to action—inviting all who cherish Catholic education to engage more deeply in its mission. Now more than ever, we must stand together to ensure that Catholic schools flourish as places of faith, learning, and transformation.
We encourage parents, educators, clergy, and supporters to read and reflect on this important message.
Pilgrims of Hope: The Eucharist and Catholic Education in Alberta
Pilgrims of Hope: The Eucharist and Catholic Education in Alberta
As we journey through Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that true hope is found in Christ’s Eucharistic presence. Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark, England, emphasizes that in Eucharistic adoration, we encounter the source and summit of Christian life—Jesus Himself.
“In the wonder of Eucharistic adoration, we can find hope.”
In Alberta, Catholic education exists to form students in this very hope, nurturing hearts and minds in faith, knowledge, and service. Our fully publicly funded Catholic schools provide a space where Christ’s presence in the Eucharist is central, shaping students not only academically but spiritually, preparing them to engage the world with faith and purpose.
Catholic Education: A Place of Hope in a Divided World
Catholic Education: A Place of Hope in a Divided World
"We all need hope," the Archbishop reminds us.
In a world facing division and uncertainty, Catholic schools stand as beacons of hope, ensuring that students encounter Christ daily—in the classroom, in prayer, and most profoundly in the Eucharist. Here, they learn that faith is not just a subject but a way of life, guiding them to recognize the dignity of every person and the call to serve others.
The Eucharist: The Heart of Catholic Education
The Eucharist: The Heart of Catholic Education
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us His Body and Blood, promising:
“This is my body… This is my blood.”
This real presence means we are never alone. In the Mass, Holy Communion, and adoration, students in Catholic schools are invited to encounter Christ, allowing Him to shape their hearts and lives.
Catholic education fosters this Eucharistic amazement, teaching students that faith is not only believed but lived—through prayer, service, and a commitment to truth.
The Role of Catholic Schools in Forming Eucharistic Disciples
The Role of Catholic Schools in Forming Eucharistic Disciples
To be Eucharistic disciples means to:
Seek Christ in the Eucharist and recognize His real presence.
Find hope in His love and mission.
Witness to others, sharing the Gospel through our lives.
Catholic education makes this possible by integrating faith in all aspects of learning. It ensures that young people grow in their understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty, forming leaders who carry Christ’s light into the world.
Protecting and Strengthening Catholic Education
Protecting and Strengthening Catholic Education
The public funding of Catholic education in Alberta is not just about supporting a school system—it is about protecting the right of families to choose faith-based education and ensuring that future generations can encounter Christ through learning.
As we embrace this Jubilee Year, let us renew our commitment to Catholic education, recognizing its vital role in forming disciples, strengthening communities, and keeping the Eucharist at the heart of learning.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus, for seeing me, for waiting for me with love, healing, and mercy.”
Let us respond to Christ’s invitation—to find hope in His presence, to defend Catholic education, and to ensure that faith continues to be nurtured in our schools for generations to come.
The Role of Fully Publicly Funded Catholic Education
The Role of Fully Publicly Funded Catholic Education
Fully publicly funded Catholic education ensures that Alberta’s schools remain accessible to all, providing a foundation rooted in faith and values. Catholic schools are essential for shaping compassionate, engaged citizens who carry the spirit of renewal into their communities. By supporting this ministry, we ensure its continued impact on families and society.
Answering the Call
Answering the Call
The Jubilee invites everyone to take action. In Alberta, this means:
Advocating for fully publicly funded Catholic education.
Supporting local Catholic schools through time, talent, or resources.
Building strong connections within the sacred triad of home, school, and parish.
As the Jubilee reminds us to open doors of mercy globally, let us open doors of opportunity here at home. Together, we can ensure Catholic education continues to inspire, transform, and bring hope to future generations
GrACE Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith and Catholic Education
GrACE Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith and Catholic Education
Like a pilgrimage, Catholic education is a journey of discovery, reflection, and growth. Catholic schools serve as sanctuaries where students deepen their understanding of Gospel values, nurture their spiritual formation, and learn to care for creation as stewards of God’s gifts. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Jubilee message, “Pilgrims of Hope”, Catholic education in Alberta emphasizes gratitude, solidarity, and a shared commitment to building a more just and compassionate world.
GrACE plays a vital role in this mission. By fostering advocacy, cooperation, and gratitude, GrACE ensures that Catholic education continues to thrive and inspire future generations. Through its support, Catholic schools remain vibrant spaces where faith and learning intersect, forming disciples of Christ who carry His message into their families, communities, and the wider world.
The Jubilee Year reminds us that Catholic education and faith are interconnected journeys. Together, GrACE and Catholic education invite all to walk this path of hope, gratitude, and renewal, ensuring the transformative power of Catholic education shines brightly for generations to come.
GrACE Alberta
GrACE Alberta
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
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