GrACE Newsletter
March 2024
Message from the GrACE Executive Director
Dear GrACE Apostles,
I am astounded by the dedication and devotion demonstrated by our Catholic Educators, Staff, Students, and Parents within our Catholic education system, as well as by the prayers and good deeds of our Parishioners and local GrACE Committees.
We often view ourselves as the most improbable candidates, yet each one of us is chosen to invite others to partake in the blessing of Catholic education.
God's plan for our lives is not always unveiled through grand revelations.
Instead, some are summoned to serve as Catholic Superintendents, Trustees, Teachers, School Staff, and Parish Priests.
Others are called to be Mothers and Fathers, Parents of our Students, Catholic Influencers, supportive Parishioners, and members of the broader Catholic community.
Nonetheless, we are all summoned as His disciples to not only enter the Kingdom of God but also to foster and disseminate it.
The Real Message of Mark 1:14-20: Courage to Lead
Your involvement continues to be instrumental in furthering the Catholic Education Movement throughout Alberta and beyond.
The essence of Mark 1:14-20, to me, lies not in who delivers the good news but in who accepts it, affirming that God's salvation is inclusive of all.
This passage seamlessly dovetails with our shared theme this year, 'Courage to Lead,' and complements the gift of Catholic education.
In Mark 1:14-20, Jesus proclaims the advent of God's kingdom as an immediate reality, not a distant or forthcoming event.
He invites us to acknowledge its presence and to react accordingly.
The message underscores the importance of placing our trust in the actuality of God's kingdom, which demands not just intellectual assent but a profound and steadfast dedication.
In this narrative, where Jesus speaks of becoming 'fishers of people,' He identifies Simon, Andrew, James, and John as His contemporary messengers. They are ordinary individuals, much like we consider ourselves today, similar to how the original disciples were in the early days of the Catholic Church..
Our faith imbues us with reassurance; it is the assurance and support from God Himself that establishes a firm foundation for our shared journey.
Our prayers strengthen our determination and sense of purpose.
The phrase 'God governs the world, but prayer governs God' captures the deep relationship between prayer and the imperative to act in support of Catholic education.
Meanwhile, the imperative to pray as though everything depends on God, coupled with the idea that we should work together as if everything relies on each of us, illustrates a dynamic interplay between reliance on divine providence and our proactive engagement.
Embracing faith and dedication as God's initial disciples did, let us proclaim the gospel of salvation to ensure the prosperity of Catholic education in Alberta and beyond.
Blessings and much love
'Jesus I Trust in Thee'!
Kate
Executive Director, GrACE
The Real Message of Mark 1:14-20
Catholic Education; Challenges; Changes and Controversies
Builidng support for publicly funded Catholic education
The importance of Catholic education
Let's celebrate Catholic Schools and Education
Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
SAVE THE DATE: GrACE Summit 2024
GrACE is excited to announce that GrACE’s 2024 Summit on May 10, 2024 at Corpus Christi Parish Hall - 2707 34 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6T
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Here I Am, You Called Me: Strengthen your Catholic faith and work in 2024
In the constant search for spiritual growth and connection to the sacred in everyday life, discovering new ways to strengthen our Catholic faith can be transformative, here are five ways that could renew your life of faith in 2024
Catholic Education: Challenges; Changes and Controversies
The provision of public funding for Catholic education is not without challenges; changes and controversies.
Critics may contend that allocating public funds to religiously affiliated schools should not occur, as it could be perceived as giving preferential treatment to a specific religious group.
Furthermore, they might argue that public funds should solely support secular public schools to maintain a distinct separation between religion and state.
The issue of public funding for Catholic education in Canada is often viewed as a complex matter, entailing considerations of religious liberty, constitutional rights, equality, and the interplay between church and state.
However, the particular arrangements and policies are influenced by Canada's legal, social, and historical backdrop:
Historical Context: The practice of providing public funding to Catholic schools has deep historical roots. This tradition dates back to the times when Catholic education systems were established before the full development of public education systems. In certain regions, these historical factors continue to shape the current funding models for Catholic schools.
Constitutionality and Legal Framework: The constitutionality of publicly funding Catholic schools in Alberta is upheld by legal frameworks and constitutional provisions safeguarding the rights of Canadian Catholics. These include the right to establish and maintain schools affiliated with their religion.
Separation of Church and State: The debate over public funding for Catholic education touches upon the principle of church-state separation. The degree to which religiously affiliated schools receive public funds varies across Canada, with Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan being the remaining provinces that provide public funding for Catholic schools.
Equality and Choice: Public funding for Catholic education supports the principles of equality and choice within the educational system. Catholic parents possess the right to select an educational path that resonates with their faith. Public funding plays a crucial role in ensuring that families have access to such educational options.
We believe in One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
We Love Our Catholic Faith!
In solidarity with the Bishops of Alberta, Trustees, Superintendents, Educators, Clergy, Parents, Parishioners, Stakeholders, and Catholic Influencers, Catholic education merges faith with academic growth, inspiring Students to attain their utmost potential as beings fashioned in God's likeness.
Our Catholic faith remains the focal point of all our endeavors, cultivating an ambiance that promotes both scholastic distinction and spiritual development while instilling a communal duty to uphold the mission and principles of Catholic education within our shared society.
Blessed St Patrick pray for us and our Catholic education cause
We walk alongside our students, bearing witness to Christ and sharing the good news of God's love with them
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th as a vibrant Catholic religious event honoring the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland's Patron Saint.
This day commemorates the anniversary of Saint Patrick's passing in the fifth century.
For more than 1500 years, this day has been observed by the Irish as a religious holiday.
Occurring during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would typically attend Catholic Mass in the morning and celebrate later in the afternoon. The Lenten restrictions on eating meat were lifted, permitting festivities that included dancing, drinking, and feasting.
Among the most famous legends associated with Saint Patrick is the shamrock, which he utilized to illustrate the Holy Trinity. The three separate leaves symbolize the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, yet they are part of the same plant—similar to how the three entities of the Trinity are distinct but constitute one God.
Born in Roman Britain in the late fourth century, Saint Patrick was abducted as a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave.
After six years in captivity and his subsequent escape from Ireland, Saint Patrick experienced a divine calling to return and assist in guiding the Irish people, significantly contributing to their conversion to Christianity.
In response, every year on this day, Irish people worldwide honor Saint Patrick by attending Mass, singing 'Hail Glorious Saint Patrick,' and reciting Saint Patrick's Breastplate for divine protection.
Canadian Laws; Regulations, and Legal Principles
Laws, regulations, and legal principles constitute the foundation of societies, guiding behavior, settling conflicts, and safeguarding the entitlements and obligations of individuals
Laws, regulations, and legal principles constitute the foundation of societies, orchestrating behavior, resolving conflicts, and safeguarding rights and responsibilities. Below is an overview of each:
A law is a rule set established and enforced by governmental or societal institutions to govern behavior. There are various types of laws, such as criminal law, which pertains to offenses against the state; civil law, which addresses disputes between individuals or entities; and administrative law, which governs the operations of government agencies. Laws are typically passed through legislation by bodies like parliaments or congresses, or they are established via judicial precedents in common law systems.
Regulations: Regulations are specific rules or directives made by government agencies to implement laws passed by legislative bodies. These regulations clarify how laws should be followed and enforced. Regulatory authorities often have the authority to create regulations within their area of expertise, including environmental, financial, or healthcare regulations.
Legal Principles: Legal principles are foundational concepts that guide the interpretation and application of laws. These principles arise from sources such as statutes, judicial decisions, scholarly work, and societal standards. Key legal principles include the presumption of innocence, adherence to the rule of law, fairness, justice, and the protection of individual freedoms. These principles support legal reasoning and decision-making by judges, lawyers, and legal scholars.
Understanding and complying with laws, regulations, and legal principles is essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations to meet legal obligations, protect their interests, and resolve disputes effectively.
Guiding Laws and Authorities that ensure the protection of Catholic education
Legal Protections and Canon Law
Canada's Constitution
- Constitution Act: 1867
- Section 93 - In and for each Province the Legislature may exclusively make Laws in relation to Education, subject and according to the following provisions"
- Section 1 - Nothing in any such Law shall prejudicially affect any Right or Privilege with respect to Denominational Schools, which any Class of Persons have by Law in the Province at the Union
Canada's Constitution Act
- Canada's Constitution Act: 1982
- Section 29 - Nothing in this Charter abrogates or derogates from any rights or privileges guaranteed by our under the Constitution of Canada in respect of denominational, separate or dissentient schools
Canon Law - Title 111. Catholic Education (Cann. 793-821)
Canon Law is the internal ecclesiastical law, or operational policy to include a set of ordinances and regulations governing the Catholic Church.
Education Act 2023
The Education Act sets out the legal parameters that govern the education of students in Alberta. This section contains extracts from the Education Act that highlight the roles and responsibilities of parents, students, teachers, principals and school councils.
STAR Catholic Weblink: Why Chose Catholic Education: Canon Law
According to Canon Law, the Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories have a necessry role to play in the deternination of the Catholicity of our Catholic Schools
The Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories hold the responsibility for guiding and aiding in faith-related matters, ensuring that ecclesiastical authorities and believers receive assurance of the high-quality education provided by our Catholic Schools, particularly in religious instruction.
CTR Catholic Weblink: What to Expect in a Catholic School
We are fortunate to have a publicly funded Catholic education system, which means there is no tuition required to attend a Catholic school.
The Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic School Division extends a warm welcome to children of all faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation.
'Catholic schools contribute to the Church's mission of evangelization by spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth'.
(Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, from "The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools," vii)
By proclaiming the Gospel within their community and allowing individuals to respond freely in faith, Catholic schools carry out their evangelizing mission. Teachers, through their daily lived witness and relationship with Christ, serve as models of faith, unveiling Christ to their students consistently.
Parents Corner
The immutable truth is that parents possess definitive rights and obligations when it comes to raising their children, especially concerning matters of sexuality, providing essential needs, and instilling values such as fidelity, accountability, and respect.
Parents hold the prerogative to guide discussions about sexuality with their underage children. This stance is anchored in the principle of parental prerogative and the conviction that parents are best equipped to judge which sexual information is suitable for their offspring, considering their cultural, spiritual, and personal convictions. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that children have their own rights, including access to precise and exhaustive information about sexuality, which is vital for their health, protection, and overall welfare.
Parents are expected to provide shelter and financial support to their children until they reach 18 years of age. This societal norm and legal duty require parents to cater to their children's fundamental needs, such as housing, nutrition, attire, and schooling until they attain legal adulthood. Neglecting these responsibilities could lead to accusations of neglect or child desertion, with potential legal repercussions.
Parents play a pivotal role in molding their children's values and character. Educating offspring about fidelity, accountability, and respect for oneself and others is imperative for their societal and ethical growth. Parents often exemplify these virtues through their conduct and mentorship.
While it is critical to strike a balance between parental authority and children's rights and necessities—including their entitlement to information, security, and welfare—these should not be imposed by transient political trends or contemporary thought.
Instead, candid dialogue, reciprocal esteem, and comprehension are essential in addressing these intricate matters within the family unit.
An invite to all Parents to join us for the GrACE 2024 Summit
GrACE invites all Parents to join us for the GrACE Summit 2024: Courage to Lead: Fostering Unity and Renewed Commitment to Catholic Education
GrACE is thrilled to extend an invitation for all Parents to save the date and participate in the GrACE Summit 2024: Courage to Lead: Fostering Unity and Renewed Commitment to Catholic Education.
This forthcoming event offers an excellent chance for parishioners like yourselves to express a deep commitment to the value of Catholic education. Your involvement as members of our faith community is crucial in highlighting the role of Catholic education in our lives and society.
The Summit will focus on unity, dialogue, and a renewed pledge as fundamental components crucial to the prosperity of Catholic education. Through collective engagement and dialogue, we strive to fortify our community ties and jointly renew our promise to ensure the ongoing success and extensive benefits of Catholic education, not just in Alberta but also further afield.
Your attendance and engagement at the GrACE Summit 2024 will be instrumental in molding the future of Catholic education and affirming its essential place within our community and the wider world. We eagerly anticipate your active participation in this significant gathering.
Please mark your calendars and join us as we come together in a spirit of faith, dialogue, and dedication to Catholic education.
Event details are as follows:
· Date: May 10, 2024
· Time: 8.15am to 2pm
· Venue: The Catholic Parish of Corpus Christi
· RSVP:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sRaAxQU2Mg3_9JzkTqguFVJJwOAKFiRi/view?usp=sharing
Please note that a number of bursaries are available to ensure Parents have the opportunity to attend and advocate on behalf of Catholic education.
The importance of Catholic Education
‘The individual’s story is the curriculum and in Catholic education if each student can be valued for who they are and their God-given gifts they learn, thrive and find their place in the world.
This is at the crux of our praxis in Catholic education, where we can assist individuals to see their own personal story in the light of THE story, coming to understand how their own lives are significant in the weaving together of all our stories’.
(Institute for Catholic Education, Curriculum Still Matters: A Resource for Catholic Educators, pg. 7
There are so many positive stories about Catholic Schools and Education in Alberta.
Thanks to public funding of Catholic schools throughout Alberta and beyond more than 183,500 Students at more than 450 Catholic Schools from diverse backgrounds in 19 Catholic School Districts and 4 Francophone Boards receive an excellent education in a supportive environment.
Catholic education refers to educational institutions and programmes run by the Catholic faith which includes Schools; Colleges and Universities and all of whom are known for their commitment to delivering academic excellence while emphasizing the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Let’s celebrate Catholic Schools and education!
The publicly funded Catholic Education system in Alberta is a treasured historical legacy that we all appreciate deeply.
It serves as a precious contribution to both the Catholic community and society at large, assuming an ever-increasing role of importance in a world that is becoming more secular by the day.
As the educational landscape shifts, it becomes more crucial to acknowledge and celebrate Catholic Schools. We must highlight the unique qualities that render the Catholic Schools and their educational framework so influential and esteemed across Alberta and beyond.
- What’s your story?
- Why do you support Catholic education?
- What good news story can you share?
Celebrate; Showcase; Highlight the faith of your School
As a GrACE Advocate and Leader in our Catholic education system, celebrate; showcase; highlight the faith of your School
Pope Francis has said 'Education cannot be neutral. It is either positive or negative; either it enriches or it impoverishes; either it enables a person to grow or it lessens, even corrupts him. The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful.'.
Let's unite as a Catholic community to celebrate our Catholic schools. Let's illuminate the beauty within.
By showcasing the virtues present in your school, we collectively strengthen our community and foster the growth of a Christ-centered educational system.
GrACE’s Newsletter seeks to build a provincial Catholic community by celebrating Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond
Building support for publicy funded Catholic education
Through a united and enthusiastic effort, we can safeguard and promote GrACE's mission to support Catholic Schools across Alberta and further afield.
Unifying the Catholic Community and Advocating for the future of Catholic education
Unifying the Catholic community and advocating for the future of Catholic education requires a concerted effort, but with a collective and passionate approach, it is possible to protect and advance the mission of Catholic schools throughout Alberta and beyond.
Whether you're a Catholic Educator, Trustee, Parent, Student, Clergy member, or Parishioner, you're warmly invited to celebrate Catholic education.
As an advocate and leader within our Catholic education system, make sure to celebrate, showcase, and highlight your schools' faith.
If you support GrACE, read, listen, follow, repost, share, support, and cheer for Catholic education and GrACE!
To achieve this goal, it is crucial to tackle not only the negative messaging but also to rekindle and fortify the excitement for the distinct advantages of a high-quality Catholic education.
Consider these strategies for Virtue and Vigilance and Myth Busting:
Virtue and Vigilance
Highlight the faith of your School and Parish
AAs a GrACE Apostle and Leader in our Catholic education system, let us celebrate, showcase, and highlight the faith of our school.
Whether you are a Catholic educator, Trustee, Parent, Student, member of the Clergy, or Parishioner, GrACE invites you to celebrate, showcase, and highlight the faith of your schools and parishes.
Share educational content, updates, and success stories through this template to strengthen our resolve, connect with those who need to hear from us, and expand our impact for the future benefit of all.
Tell us your Schools and Parishes Good News! Or surface what Catholic education issues needs more Catholic care
Please modify this blueprint to incorporate both textual and visual elements, specifying your School District and the name of your School, or your Local Parish. Additionally, create six social media posts.
Fact; Fiction and Fake News: Myth Busting
Bringing together the Catholic community and championing the advancement of Catholic education are key aspects of GrACE's mission.
To achieve this, it is essential to counteract negative perceptions as well as to rekindle and bolster the passion for the distinctive advantages of a high-caliber Catholic education.
Challenges; Changes and Controversies
Catholic education is currently facing challenging times with many different issues that our children are facing each day.
We are at a crucial junction where we have to join as Parents and Parishoners working with our educational partners, to put the pieces together to ensure the success of our children’s future.
Follow; repost; share; support and cheer for Catholic Education!
As a GrACE Supporter, read, listen, follow, repost, share, support and cheer for Catholic Education!
By adopting these strategies, you assist GrACE in countering negative messaging effectively, rekindling enthusiasm, and bolstering support for Catholic education.
GrACE has increased its direct engagement with Parishioners and a wider audience at Parish level to include newcomers to Canada
GrACE organizes Q&A sessions and conducts presentations at local Parishes to encourage the enrollment of every individual into our Church pews. These sessions take place either in person or through Zoom.
Should you desire GrACE's assistance in your Parish to welcome new immigrants into publicly funded Catholic education across Alberta and beyond, please reach out to me at gracedirector7@gmail.com.
Additionally, if you require GrACE's support for any other local Parish Committee, including the CWL or Knights of Columbus monthly meetings, do not hesitate to contact me.
Alternatively, I am available to provide resources that you may utilize to conduct your own Parish sessions.
Let's pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
Jesus revealed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy to Sister Faustina and asked her to pray the Chaplet unceasingly, advising that 'whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death'.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is one of the most powerful prayers we could possibly pray.
'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'. Amen.
Speaking for myself, the merciful love of Jesus of the Divine Mercy keeps me buoyant especially in times of challenge in a rapidly changing world where it is not fashionable to be Catholic and that is not always kind to Catholics and to the faithful.
Let's pray the Novena of the Divine Mercy in preparation for Easter
And for our Catholic education cause!
Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday: The First Sunday After Easter: April 08, 2024
In her Diary, St. Faustina records a special promise given to her by Jesus. He told her to communicate it to the whole 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, and especially for poor sinners. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy.
In three places in her Diary, St. Faustina records our Lord's promises of 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
To receive these graces, the only condition is to receive Holy Communion worthily on Divine Mercy Sunday (or the Vigil celebration) by making a good confession beforehand and staying in the state of grace and trusting in His Divine Mercy.
"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".
The worthy reception of the Eucharist on Divine Mercy Sunday is sufficient to obtain the extraordinary graces promised by Jesus. A plenary indulgence[1], obtained by fulfilling the usual conditions, also is available.
[1]The extraordinary graces promised to the faithful by our Lord Himself through St. Faustina should not be confused with the plenary indulgence granted by Pope John Paul II for the devout observance of the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). The Decree of the Holy See offers:
"A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!)..."
Connect with GrACE Online
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 in support 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
We ask you to help us celebrate Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond
Assist GrACE-:
- Sign up for GrACE’s Monthly Newsletter
- Share GrACE’s Monthly Newsletter
- Celebrate Catholic Schools and education
- Provide information to share in GrACE’s Monthly Newsletter
- Tell your positive stories and benefits from your Catholic School and Education
- Subscribe to GrACE’s Facebook; Twitter and social media pages
- Enrol Parents to become more actively involved in GrACE
- Support local GrACE groups 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 Education in Alberta and beyond
- Assert your choice in favour of Catholic Schools and Education and its values
- Champion the benefits of Catholic Schools and Education, alongside its broader implications for the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of individuals and society as a whole
- Action a movement
- Provide information to share in GrACE’s Monthly Newsletter
- Subscribe to GrACE’s Facebook; Twitter and social media pages
- Share your positive stories and benefits from your Catholic School and Education
- Post your pictures and tag us so we can share them and celebrate too
Follow; repost; share; support and cheer for publicly funded Catholic education!
SAVE THE DATE!
GrACE Summit 2024: May 10. 2024 @ 8.15am - 2pm at the Parish of Corpus Christi
GrACE is excited to announce GrACE’s 2024 Summit on May 10, 2024 at Corpus Christi Parish Hall - 2707 34 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6T.
The GrACE Family looks forward to a wonderful day of strengthening the Catholic education community; making new connections and sharing the gift of Catholic education.
We aim to celebrate Catholic education’s rich past while we set the stage for its future.
We come together to collectively celebrate Catholic education and to ensure for future Families this choice.
We give thanks for Catholic education, which from the earliest days of Alberta has been an integral part of the educational system and unite Parents, Parishioners, Educators and Others in the shared goal of preserving and enhancing Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond.
Please feel free to share your ‘save the date’ and highlight your own events in GrACE’s Monthly Newsletters
GrACE Says Thank You
Michelle Collette
Volunteer GrACE Treasurer
Jolyne deMarco
Volunteer GrACE Instagram Administrator
Grant Gay
Volunteer GrACE Facebook Administrator
Further Opportunities to Volunteer
Student Volunteers are warmly invited to represent their School in GrACE’s social media campaign; GrACE’s new outreach and GrACE’s database development.
All thoughts on how we can we better utilize technology platforms to ensure even more timely communication channels between and within the wider Catholic Education Family and beyond gratefully received.
Please email gracedirector7@gmail.com to express interest and suggestions.
GrACE bids farewell
GrACE bids farewell to a Catholic Education leader of excellence, Charlie Bouchard, Superintendent, St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division
GrACE bids farewell to a Catholic Education leader of excellence, Charlie Bouchard, Superintendent, St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division.
Charlie’s dedication to serving Schools, Families, and Parishes reflects a deep commitment to the values and goals of Catholic education.
In his 34 years of experience, including 11 years in system-level leadership at STAR Catholic and 4 years at Holy Family Catholic, Charlie has made significant contributions to the mission of the Church and the provision of quality education to students in Alberta.
Charlie shares 'It's been an honour to serve schools, families and our parishes, in our combined goal to provide a Catholic faith based education in Alberta and to advance the mission of the Church. I am optomistic that our efforts and the quality of education provided to Alberta students will continue to serve our communities well. I wish to thank the many people I have encountered and worked with over the years who have brought joy and meaning to my life and work; I am truly blessed'.
Charlie has left a lasting impact on GrACE by his dedication; leadership and the powerful way he has lived out his faith in service of Catholic education.
As Charlie moves on to the next phase of his life journey, the GrACE community expresses appreciation for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavors, safe in the knowledge that he will find new opportunities to guide and share his wisdom.
I am especially honoured to have worked directly with Charlie who has been a privilege for me to know.
Blessings; much love and best wishes, Charlie from everyone involved with GrACE.
In expressing gratitude to Charlie, GrACE extends its heartfelt thanks to Catholic Teachers, Educators, Trustees, Superintendents, Administrators, School Staff, and Clergy for the time, energy, effort, and sacrifice invested in educating our Students about the Catholic Faith!
Catholic Education Prayers of the Faithful for April 2024
For Catholic Education:-
· That our Catholic schools will be places of prayer, reflection, penance and faith, we pray to the Lord
· For our Parents, Students, Staff, Families, Educators and Parishioners, we pray to the Lord
· For Catholic Education, we pray to the Lord
· That our Catholic schools may be a blessing to families through their work with the young, we pray to the Lord
More than ever we all need prayers
Mary, the Mother of the Church is our mother to whom we turn to in our needs. Her obedience to God’s will, her faith in her Son Jesus, her hope in the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation of humankind are for us to imitate as we do in our Catholic Schools and wider Education movement throughout Alberta and beyond.
God has choses each of us, with the help of Mary, for work in our Catholic Schools and Education system.
Our loyalty and commitment is shown in our prayers and our love for all.
To Mary, we turn and pray the Rosary, asking Mary, Mother of Jesus to intercede for us and for the success of our GrACE movement.
This Lent, let us pray the Rosary and contemplate the love between Jesus, God’s Divine Son and His Mother for Oursevelves; Our Famiiies and Our Students
In these times, it is evident that Catholics, particularly our clergy and leaders, face more criticism than support and encouragement to deepen their love for their faith and Catholic values.
The Rosary to our Blessed Mother provides a pathway for us to fervently seek Heaven's aid in the success of our burgeoning movement.
By interceding through the Rosary, we not only advocate for the continued success of our resolute movement to defend our faith and the rights enshrined in Canada's Constitution, but we also invite Our Lady of the Rosary to shape us into the finest exemplars of Christ we can be in this world.
For me, the Holy Rosary serves as a roadmap for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
This Lenten season, let us dedicate ourselves to praying the Rosary and meditating on the profound love shared between Jesus, God's Divine Son, and His Mother, the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
The love they share sets the standard for the most perfect love humans can aspire to.
Here I Am, You Called Me: Strengthen your Catholic faith and work this Lent
In the constant search for spiritual growth and connection to the sacred in everyday life, discovering new ways to strengthen our Catholic faith can be transformative, here are five ways that could renew your life of faith in 2024:-
1. Direct your gaze toward Mary.
On January 01, 2024, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to entrust the new year to the Virgin Mary, noting that 'she, with tenderness, will know how to reveal her fullness, because she will lead us to Jesus, and Jesus is the fullness of time, of all time, of our time, of the time of each one of us;.
The most effective way to seek Mary’s intercession in daily life is through praying the Rosary, which provides spiritual protection and guidance to believers in their relationship with God.
2. Learn more about a Saint
Participate in prayers and devotions dedicated to the saints, to learn more about their lives and contributions to the Catholic faith.
3. Study the Bible and the documents of the Catholic Church
Many of us find spiritual and moral guidance in the Bible.
Sacred texts often provide ethical and moral principles that can serve as a guide for daily life.
The second essential book is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the summary of the faith of the Catholic Church.
The structure of this book concentrates almost all the important topics for Catholics in short readings. For an even more condensed version, you can read the abridged Compendium of the Catechism
4. Enjoy good reading
There are also many other books that can guide a Catholic’s spiritual life, among them “The Way” by St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer; St. Augustine’s “Confessions”; “The Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius of Loyola; and “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas à Kempis.
The latter, written more than 500 years ago, is considered the second-most-read book after the Bible. The work is composed of four books, where the author traces the progress of the soul up to and including his union with God in holy Communion.
5. Spend time with Jesus
Lenten Almsgiving
During this lenten season SGA staff and students came together in community to help the vulnerable people of Calgary by serving 281 people with Feed the Hungry.
Feed the Hungry brought to CSSD Chaplaincy shared by Dan Carreiro
One of the most thrilling recent collaborations within our schools is the partnership between Calgary Catholic High Schools and the Knights of Columbus (Holy Spirit Parish).
This initiative began as a modest pilot project involving Notre Dame High School (Calgary), Dan Carreiro, and the council. It has since expanded to allow all Calgary Catholic Chaplains to annually guide 400 students and staff in providing warm meals to those in need.
The driving force behind this idea is to cultivate a sense of community among students and educators while adhering to the commandment imparted by Jesus:
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.' This is the foremost and greatest commandment.
Additionally, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - NRSVCE
On a typical Sunday, students come together to serve the hungry, starting with a gathering in prayer and discussing the reasons behind our service to those in need.
Each student and staff member receives a shirt designed by one of our school's students.
This year's shirt features the story of the Good Samaritan, represented by an image of outstretched hands. Side by side, students travel by bus to serve, culminating the day with a shared meal.
During this time, they reflect on an aspect of the day or a passage of scripture.
Council of a Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA) Update
CCSSA update for GRACE Newsletter March 2024
TERMS OF REFERENCE: K-9 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM
The CCSSA is working on creating a common K-9 curriculum for Religious Education. This curriculum will be based on the Growing In Faith, Growing in Christ resource endorsed by the Alberta Bishops.
MARKED BY GOD COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Marked by God, Formed in Faith conference planning is going well. The conference will address each of the four types of Catholic formation, The Board recently met at the venue (Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre) allowing Board members to identify an interesting social idea for the committee to consider. We hope to open registration in late March.
CATHOLIC POST-SECONDARY PROMOTIONS
Given both the teacher shortage and the importance of the CCSSA promoting fraternal Catholic works, the Board passed a motion to encourage CCSSA superintendents to promote the programs of Alberta’s three Catholic post-secondary institutions.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Professional Development Subcommittee of the CCSSA is developing Faith Formation presentations for teachers and teachers of Religious Studies in the areas of:1) The Catholic Mass; 2) The Creed and Catechism; 3) Assessment in Religion; and 4) Permeation of Faith in all subjects. These presentations will be available to Catholic leaders and those they serve.
Catholic School Districts' Publications
Legally Speaking
Upfront with the Archbishop
Upfront with Archbishop Smith is a weekly podcast where we seek to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.
Prayer for Vocations
Holy St. John Vianney,
I honor the righteous life you lived. I am grateful for your example of how to be a righteous follower of Jesus Christ.
I pray now that you will ask God to send his power to all serving in holy vocations. Teach them how to follow God and serve His children.
Teach them how to listen to the promptings of the spirit so they will lead righteously and courageously.
Help the congregation listen to the words they preach. Help them feel enlightened and prompted to enrich their lives with the word of God.
I pray that these people serving in holy vocations will know the needs of the people they serve. Help God send angels to assist these servants in God’s kingdom.
Help extend their power and reach so that they can serve as many of God’s children as possible. Bless the people being served that they will be receptive to the good news of Jesus Christ.
I pray that You will help God’s church spread on Earth. Help it reach people who are willing to hear it.
I humbly offer this prayer in Jesus Christ’s name.
Amen
Throughout Alberta and beyond
Indigenous Voices of Faith recently took place at St. Mary's University
“I went in obedience to the Lord’s prompting and was so pleasantly surprised by the level of faith I found there. The speakers and leaders were unapologetically committed to Jesus Christ.” - Laura Swart (Audience Member)
Sinda Vanderpool, President and Vice Chancellor at StMU shares with GrACE that 'it was a joy for St. Mary’s University to host a panel which sprang from Cardus’s project, Indigenous Voices of Faith. As a hopeful alternative to conversations that approach the experience of Indigenous peoples primarily through the lens of systems of oppression, we heard about the lived experiences of three Indigenous individuals who live vibrantly and authentically as both indigenous and practicing Catholics.
We are so grateful for Marsha Hanson, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, and Caij Meloche for their willingness to share stories of their lived experiences. They each shared a bit about how their heritage informed how they grew up. The most unique story was Marsha’s, who only learned that she was Indigenous after her mother died when she was much older. This learning helped her to understand many characteristics she has that her siblings did not have.
All three panelists also talked about their Christian faith journeys, each joyfully embracing Christianity as the animating force that explains who they are in their humanity. One theme that emerged during the panel was that, for these three panelists, they do not see the Christian faith as contradictory at all to their indigenous ways of knowing and seeing the world.
Rather than seeing the two at odds with each other, they simply live out their Christian faith within the context of part of their cultural identity. As they seek to learn and understand the cultures of their grandparents and ancestors, they also seek to grow in their Christian faith. Several stories of how Christianity 'translates' into various indigenous cultures were touching.”
LeeAnn Gervais, StMU’s Indigenous Relations & Initiatives Specialist spoke to GrACE about the Indigenous Voices of Faith panel, where she shared the intentions of the event and bios from all three Indigenous speakers. ‘We have all heard of the 94 calls to action; they are deeply important, however let us also be called to human interaction. Let us be reminded we are all children of God; we all have one creator. Let us walk into the future together and as Fr Cristino says,” let us become the new treaty people.”
Marsha Hanson
Cree elder Marsha Hanson is from Muskoday First Nations in Saskatchewan. She has lived in Calgary and Strathmore for the last 44 years. After a career change as an accountant in the energy sector Marsha has dedicated the last 13 years to working for Closer to Home where she runs the Ee-Des-Spoom-oon-soop program, is the program coordinator for Indigenous services and serves as the Elder for Pekewe house. Marsha is motivated by her desire to follow God's call and is driven by her love for the youth and families she works with. She has been honored with two awards for practitioner and international practitioner of the year. She was recently awarded with the Indigenous Change Maker Award by the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth. She is a spiritual mother to many; we were blessed to be guided by her wisdom and truth at this panel.
Father Cristino Bouvette
Fr Cristino was born and raised in Medicine Hat. He is Cree/Metis, Ojibwe and Italian. His family is from the Saddle Lake Nation and Medicine Hat area. Fr Cristino was ordained a priest in 2012 in the Diocese of Calgary. Currently he is the administrator of Sacred Heart parish in Strathmore. He is also the vicar for vocations and young adults, through the Saint Francis Xavier chaplaincy. Fr Cristino lovingly and patiently shares his Indigenous ways of knowing and Catholicism through podcasts with Archbishop Smith and on the Catholic minute with Ken Yasinski. He also shares his knowledge through dialogue, presentations and interviews in the media. As many of you may know Fr Cristino was instrumental in the papal visit in 2022, walking with the Indigenous and Catholic communities. An undertaking that was healing and deeply emotional in the Indigenous community. It was an honour to have him on this panel to guide us with his faith, knowledge and truth.
Caij Meloche
Caij is the alumni panelist who has earned her Bachelor of Education at St. Mary’s University. During her time at StMU she assisted with elder talks, planning and delivering land based lessons and weaving indigenous ways of knowing through a two part Indigenous Education workshop series for her peers. She is a proud Metis woman and member of the Otipemsawak government. Caij has developed her knowledge and experience through taking various university courses in Indigenous studies, shadowing an Indigenous School Liason, participating in a mentorship with an Indigenous Director and being a part of the Indigenous delegation during the papal visit. Caij is now a Teacher Chaplain with the Calgary Catholic School District at St. Gabriel the Archangel school. She is the faith leader, Visual Arts teacher and Indigenous Lead teacher. Caij is a born leader. She was the acting President for the Catholic Women's League at her parish, was the President of the Education Student Association and is now the Communications Officer for GrACE. Caij is a warm, inviting and friendly woman, who always greets you with a smile. It was a pleasure to have her on the panel to share her joy for her Catholic and Indigenous traditions.’
Hearing From the Panelists:
Fr Cristino Bouvette
'As a priest, it is very humbling to find my work and efforts complemented and supplemented by articulate and dedicated laywomen like the two I was privileged to share the mic with during the panel discussion at StMU. The coming together of a variety of voices from multiple perspectives but seeking one common destination is so emblematic of the work of Reconciliation'.
Marsha Hanson
Marsha shared that she came into the panel heightened unsure of how it was going to go but left the panel full of hope. All the panelists varied in age which brought a differing yet well intertwined perspective. Marsha said she tried to speak from the heart. She knew that is what people needed to hear. They needed to be shown her heart by sharing who she is. Marsha’s vulnerability set the tone for the other panelists. Marsha spoke fondly about the beautiful feedback she was given by audience members after the panel. StMU provided a space where panelists felt comfortable speaking about their faith in a positive way while also sharing the turbulent struggles of trying to build cultural identity.
Caij Meloche
I was honoured to share the stage with Fr. Cristino and Elder Marsha Hanson. The way Elder Marsha opened her heart to the audience allowed me to feel safe in the space to be vulnerable when sharing my testimony of the Holy Spirit and speak to my experience with Indigenous Education. Two stand out moments in the conversation for me, were when Fr. Cristino told a story about how, in one cultural setting, they had a tipi as their tabernacle, and, rather than a lit red candle, hung moccasins, which signified that Christ’s body was present in the tabernacle. And when Elder Marsha asked the questions 'Would you let anyone put their hands on you to bless or pray for you? Why go to Ceremony without knowing who is leading?'
Both Fr. Cristino and Elder Marsha educated the audience in how Catholic faith and Indigenous ways of knowing cross over.
40 Days for Life Group stands firm in Scotland against threats to free speech
While the Scottish government attempts to enshrine buffer zone laws with its Abortion Services Bill, vigil participants remain undeterred
As soon as the Catholics of Scotland heard that 40 Days for Life was coming to town, they began to ask Rose, ‘What do you need’? and ‘How can I help’?
With a population of only 5.4 million, Scotland has tragically aborted 10 percent of its population. The U.K. abortion total has now surpassed 10 million babies. These are horrific figures for any nation.
In the face of it all, both Scotland and Rose are resolute and stand firm by the life of every preborn baby in the womb of his or her mother.
Pro-Life Prayer
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness.
Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen
Social Media Posts
Elk Island (EICS)Catholic Schools welcomed Archbishop Smith to Fort Saskatchewan
Highlighted Events
SPICE and Blueprints Retreat: 2024 Blueprints Retreat
April 25th - May 3rd 2024 @ Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
St. Joseph’s College Spring Fundraising Breakfast: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Where: The University Club at University of Alberta, 11435 Saskatchewan Dr NW Edmonton, T6G 2G9
- Breakfast: a wonderful selection of breakfast foods and a cash bar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There will be two seatings, 9am and 11am, so please choose your preferred time!
- Mingling: A chance to mingle with SJC alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and other SJC friends.
- Speeches: Hear from our President, Dr. Shawn Flynn, regarding some news about the exciting future of SJC! There will also be speeches from past alumni and current faculty.
- Silent auction: There will be a variety of silent auction items to bid on. If you would like to donate a silent auction item, please email sjcdev@ualberta.ca
- Entertainment: Like last year, brief entertainment will be provided by some of our current and former SJC students.
May/June 2024: St. Mary’s University offers Educational Leadership Certification
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE CERTIFICATE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
St. Joseph’s College regularly offers all four courses in its Certificate of Catholic Education in an online/asynchronous format, and they all count toward TQS for teachers. The first two courses may be particularly relevant to teachers who would benefit from further formation. A brief resume of these two courses can be found here.
NEWMAN THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE (NTC) MASTERS AND BACHELORS PROGRAMS
NTC offers Masters of Religious Education (MRE), a graduate-level professional degree designed for the theological and spiritual development of Catholic educators. NTC’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Catholic Studies program immerses students in the Catholic intellectual tradition through an integrated liberal arts curriculum. For information, please email Maria Saulnier (registrar@newman.edu).