“To fall in love with God is the greatest of romances, to seek him the greatest adventure, to find him the greatest human achievement." – St. Augustine

Dear GrACE Apostles,

This past weekend, as I worked with newcomers to Canada, I was deeply reminded of my own journey as an immigrant and the profound privilege of living in a country where Catholic education and the freedom to uphold Catholic identity in our schools are protected. For many of us who come to Canada seeking a better life, it is this heritage—rooted in Judeo-Christian principles and enshrined in our Constitution—that provides hope, stability, and a sense of belonging in an often unfamiliar land.

Catholic schools are not merely places of academic instruction; they are sanctuaries of faith and values, shaping young minds and hearts to lead lives of service and purpose. They stand as beacons of moral integrity and spiritual nourishment, guiding generations to embrace compassion, justice, and the teachings of Christ in their everyday lives.

As a Catholic immigrant, I recognize the immense importance of preserving this right—not just for myself but for the countless families who arrive in Canada yearning for an education that reflects their beliefs and cultural values. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with its affirmation of the supremacy of God and the rule of law, guarantees this right, while Section 27 celebrates the multicultural richness that defines our nation. Yet, in celebrating diversity, we must remain vigilant to ensure that it does not erode the Catholic principles that form the foundation of our educational institutions and contribute so meaningfully to Canada’s identity.

Catholic schools do more than teach students—they prepare them to become conscientious citizens who contribute meaningfully to society, guided by compassion and integrity. For many newcomers, Catholic education offers a vital bridge between their cultural roots and the opportunities of their new home, helping families integrate into Canadian life while remaining anchored in their faith. These schools embody the essence of inclusion, dignity, and respect, providing a space where the soul of our multiculturalism is nurtured without compromising foundational values.

Protecting the Catholic character of our schools is essential—not only to honor Canada’s historical and legal commitments but also to safeguard the freedom for families and educators to live their faith openly and fully. It ensures that students grow in an environment that respects their values while preparing them to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

As I reflect on my own journey and the stories of those I met this past weekend, I am filled with profound gratitude for the right to Catholic education and an unwavering sense of responsibility to defend and uphold it for future generations. In a world where such freedoms are not universally guaranteed, we must remain steadfast in protecting this unique gift—a cornerstone of Canada’s promise of freedom, opportunity, and faith.

Blessings; much love and warm Christmas wishes from everyone at GrACE!.

'Jesus, I trust in You'!

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE

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GrACE Alberta

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The purpose of this survey is to support the continued growth, alignment, and impact of GrACE by providing a clearer understanding of the current state of Local GrACE Committees. Local committees play a crucial role in promoting Catholic education and addressing community-specific priorities. However, to strengthen their efforts, it is important to have an accurate picture of their structure, activity levels, and needs.

Through this survey, we aim to achieve the following:

1. Assess Committee Coverage: Identify how many GrACE Local Committees are currently active across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, ensuring no region is overlooked.

2. Understand Priorities and Needs: Gather information on the key challenges, goals, and resource requirements of each Local GrACE Committee to ensure their efforts align with the larger mission of GrACE.

3. Identify Key Individuals: Recognize individuals who are actively involved in local advocacy and may serve as leaders or key points of contact for collaboration and coordination.

4. Guide Organizational Strategy: Provide actionable data to the GrACE Board and Director, enabling them to tailor resources, programs, and strategies that address the unique needs of local communities.

By participating in this survey, respondents contribute to strengthening GrACE’s collective voice, ensuring that local committees are supported and empowered to advocate effectively for publicly funded Catholic education.

Why This Matters:
Catholic education faces unique challenges that require a unified, well-organized advocacy effort. This survey will help GrACE become more responsive to local communities, optimize its support structures, and ensure that every committee has the tools needed to thrive. Your input is an essential part of this process, helping GrACE fulfill its mission and make a meaningful difference for Catholic education in Canada.

GrACE fuels a dynamic Catholic education movement that champions Catholic education, exemplifying the Catholic faith in action while celebrating the unique qualities that make Catholic schools special. Through its efforts, GrACE ensures that the distinctiveness of Catholic education is recognized, valued, and preserved, fostering a strong, faith-based community dedicated to nurturing the minds and spirits of students.

GrACE cooperates closely with key partners, including the Catholic Bishops of Alberta, NWT, and Yukon, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association (ACSTA), and the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA). This partnership approach reinforces Catholic education's presence, enhances its impact, and fosters a united effort to uphold the values and mission of Catholic education across the regions.

• Our Bishops provide our spiritual direction and support for our faith
• Our Trustees are the governors of our Catholic education system
• Our Superintendents are the administrators of our system

We meet:

• as needed, if there is a crisis
• on an ongoing basis—through roundtable meetings— to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and changes that face Catholic education.

Our roles are unique yet complementary, based on the service we provide to the Catholic educational system. No one group represents the entire system; rather, we are one body in our Catholic education works and in Christ.

Collectively, we support each other to lead, even when it may feel uncomfortable to do so.

Our Shared Mission:

Through faith formation, education initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we inspire unity and action. Key highlights include:

• Faith-centered events and training
• Resources and stories showcasing the impact of Catholic schools
• Advocacy to sustain publicly funded Catholic Education

Together, we celebrate milestones like Catholic Education Sunday, host collaborative events, and amplify our collective voice.

Call to Action:
Join us in advocating, celebrating, and promoting Catholic Education. Let’s ensure its legacy thrives for generations to come.

GrACE is thrilled to invite Michael Hauptman, representing the Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Bishops, along with the CCSSA and ACSTA, as part of the inspiring Cath Ed Talks series.

This special session will highlight GrACE’s vital role in advocating for Catholic education and together with GrACE's key three partners will deliver a dynamic joint presentation, showcasing the strength of our partnership and the unified commitment to preserving and promoting the mission of Catholic education across Alberta and beyond.

Join us for this engaging and insightful event as we explore how this partnership champions faith, values, and excellence in education, ensuring that the gift of Catholic education thrives for generations to come.

Don’t miss it! February 12, 2025—an opportunity to be part of the conversation and celebrate our shared vision for Catholic education.

As we embrace the excitement of new beginnings, GrACE extends a warm welcome to Cindy Escott and Jolyne De Marco, who join us as passionate advocates for Catholic education. Their experience, vision, and dedication will undoubtedly enrich GrACE's mission to sustain and nurture the faith-based education community.

Cindy’s dedication aligns seamlessly with GrACE’s goals, while Jolyne brings a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to the cause of fully publicly funded Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond. Together, they will help GrACE continue to grow, advocate, and inspire.

While we celebrate this new chapter, we also take a moment to bid heartfelt farewells to Betty Turpin and Vince MacDonald. Their unwavering dedication, leadership, and faith have been pillars of strength and inspiration for GrACE over the years.

Betty’s legacy is one of boundless compassion and steadfast commitment to Catholic education. Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping me during my inaugural year as GrACE's Executive Director.

Vince’s contributions, marked by wisdom and resilience, have left an indelible mark on both my work and my person. Both have been true exemplars of service, and their impact will continue to resonate throughout GrACE in the years to come.

As Betty and Vince embark on their next chapters, GrACE's Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude and prayers for their future endeavors. They will forever be cherished members of the GrACE family.

With Cindy and Jolyne joining the fold, we look forward to building on the foundation laid by Betty and Vince, working together to support and celebrate the gift of Catholic education.

GrACE extends its deepest gratitude to the Catholic Bishops of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon for their unwavering support and leadership in safeguarding the Catholic identity of our schools. Their steadfast guidance and active role are instrumental in ensuring that our faith remains at the centre of Catholic education. Through their commitment, they inspire and empower all partners—educators, parents, students, and advocates—to uphold, strengthen, and advance the legacy of Christ-centered learning for future generations.

We are truly blessed by their dedication, which sustains and enriches the mission of GrACE and the vital role of fully publicly funded Catholic education.

In recent weeks, educational leaders from the CCSSA and ACSTA gathered from across Alberta for their Annual Meetings, exemplifying unwavering determination and steadfast commitment to Catholic education.

These gatherings were a powerful celebration of the enduring gift of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta and beyond. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of advocates who work tirelessly to safeguard and promote this invaluable cornerstone of our society.

GrACE plays a vital role in complementing and enhancing the efforts of the wider Catholic education community. By fostering connections among individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, GrACE inspires collaboration and nurtures a collective responsibility for upholding the mission and values of Catholic education in our shared society.

Together, through our united efforts, we ensure that Catholic education remains a beacon of faith, values, and transformative learning—shaping future generations with purpose and integrity.

In partnership with its members, the 2024/2025 CCSSA Board of Directors has established the Annual Assurance priorities for the year. These priorities reflect a commitment to advancing Catholic education and include:

• Faith Formation: Supporting the spiritual growth of teachers and administrators.
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Developing strategies to attract and retain dedicated Catholic educators.
• Communication and Issues Management: Strengthening communication practices and proactively addressing emerging challenges.
• Partnerships with Catholic Post-Secondaries: Fostering stronger relationships with Catholic post-secondary institutions to enhance educational opportunities and resources.
• Catholic Teachers and Leaders Faith Toolkit: Creating a comprehensive toolkit to support faith development and leadership in Catholic education.
• Curriculum Development: Advancing the development of Grade 1-9 Religious Education and Family Life Education curriculum to reflect Catholic teachings and values.

These priorities demonstrate the CCSSA's steadfast dedication to nurturing faith, excellence, and community within Catholic education.

ACSTA held its AGM in mid-November 2024, with updates on the 2024-2025 Board to be shared soon. ACSTA has shared that Board photos are traditionally taken in May, and the new Board will convene for its first official meeting during ACSTA’s virtual session in February.

In the meantime, GrACE expresses heartfelt gratitude to Alberta's dedicated trustees who continue to govern with diligence and care. Their unwavering commitment and tireless service play a vital role in shaping the future of Catholic education across our province. We are deeply thankful for their leadership and contributions to our faith-based learning communities.

Catholic education flourishes when parents, educators, administrators, clergy, and trustees come together with a shared mission. Your support—whether through advocacy, volunteering, or prayer—makes a significant difference in preserving and growing this cherished institution.

As we reflect on the transformative power of Catholic education, let us celebrate its enduring impact and reaffirm our commitment to its mission. By uniting as a community, we ensure that Catholic schools continue to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation, fostering a brighter future for all.

Stacey MacNeil-Ayeh serves as the Alberta Catholic Education Curriculum Resource Coordinator (ACE CRC) for the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA). Previously, she taught at St. John Paul II Collegiate under Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools and currently works from the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Education Centre when not traveling across Alberta supporting Catholic educators.

Stacey was recently honored with an appreciation award at the annual Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) meeting, a recognition she humbly attributes to the collective efforts of Catholic School Superintendents and educators. For her, the award highlights the shared mission of enriching students' faith and communities.

Central to Stacey’s work are visits to school divisions, where she supports staff in faith formation and student development. Inspired by the Diocese of Calgary’s pastoral renewal promises, she is committed to forming missionary disciples, fostering encounters with Jesus, and strengthening family life as a cornerstone of faith. Stacey views her role as a vocation, sharing her faith journey to inspire joy and hope in others.

Looking ahead, Stacey is excited about Catholic leadership sessions at the uLead conference and new classroom resources, including Jubilee celebrations and professional development opportunities. She credits the Religious Education Network (REN) for their pivotal role in advancing these initiatives. Connecting with educators and witnessing their dedication to Catholic education remains the most rewarding part of her work.

There are so many positive stories about Catholic schools and education throughout Alberta and beyond.

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.

Take and Eat: Family Activities is a heartwarming video series where faith, family, and food come together to create meaningful moments in the kitchen. Hosted by ECSD Division Chaplain Father Glenn McDonald, this series invites families to discover the joy of cooking together while deepening their connection to Catholic values and traditions.

Through easy-to-follow recipes and creative culinary activities, Take and Eat encourages families to embrace the beauty of shared meals as a sacred opportunity for bonding, gratitude, and reflection. Each episode offers step-by-step guidance to create delicious dishes, thoughtful ideas for sharing food with others, and inspiring reflections that connect everyday experiences to faith.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, Father Glenn's warmth and approachable style make every activity accessible and meaningful. Take and Eat is more than just a cooking series—it’s an invitation to gather as a family, nourish your relationships, and strengthen your faith through the universal language of food.

Episode 1: Patience Baguettes

In the premiere episode of Take and Eat: Family Activities, Father Glenn McDonald guides families through the art and spiritual practice of making "Patience Baguettes." This simple yet profound recipe emphasizes the virtue of patience—not only in waiting for dough to rise but also in cultivating it as a vital quality in everyday life.

As families work together to knead, shape, and bake their baguettes, they are invited to reflect on how patience can transform their relationships and deepen their faith. Once the bread is ready, it becomes a centerpiece for sharing—whether around the family table or as an act of kindness by giving it to someone in need.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer and a special blessing for families, reminding viewers of the joy, love, and gratitude that arise when we take time to nurture both body and spirit.

At Elk Island Catholic Schools, kindness is more than a gesture—it’s a way of life. Through selfless actions and heartfelt generosity, our community continuously demonstrates the core values of compassion, service, and faith. These acts of kindness, big and small, create a ripple effect of hope and positivity, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Let us continue to live out our mission of love and service, showing the world the transformative power of faith in action.

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

Website: https://www.gracealberta.org/home

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrACE4cathed

Email: gracedirector7@gmail.com

X (formerly Twitter): @GrACE4cathed

Instagram: @grace4catholiceducation

• Sign up to receive GrACE’s monthly newsletter.
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• 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.
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• Encourage parents to become more actively involved in GrACE.
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• 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 favor of Catholic education and its values.
• Champion the benefits of Catholic education and 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.

How we can we better utilize technology platforms to ensure timely and effective communication within the wider Catholic education family and beyond? Your ideas 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

Upfront with the Archbishop is a weekly podcast with Archbishop Richard Smith that seeks to bridge the gap between the hierarchy and the faithful by discussing the beauty, truth, and challenges of our Catholic faith.

St. Martin’s Catholic School students in Vegreville enjoy the challenge of keeping bubble wrap afloat during a wellness workshop presented by PEPY: People Empowering People. Our partnership with PEPY is one of the many ways we are seeking to address student and staff mental health and well-being throughout our division.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience! The 3rd Annual ELEVATE Youth Retreat, hosted by FacetoFace Ministries, will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (OLPH) in Sherwood Park, located at 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB.

This dynamic retreat is designed for youth in grades 6-8, offering an incredible opportunity to encounter the Lord, have fun, and be inspired to embrace your journey toward becoming a modern-day saint!