Together, let’s deepen the connection between home, school, and parish as we celebrate the transformative mission of Catholic education. GrACE invites you to move beyond maintenance and embrace the call to mission—advancing faith-filled communities that inspire, advocate for, and sustain the unique gift of Catholic education.

Dear GrACE Apostles,

The GrACE Champions Template is a versatile, empowering tool designed to celebrate and share the transformative power of Catholic education across Alberta and beyond. This one-page template is an essential resource, particularly for School Districts and Local GrACE Committees, enabling them to:

• Celebrate Core Values and Achievements: Showcase the unique identity and contributions of Catholic education in your community.
• Demonstrate Faith-Driven Excellence: Highlight the profound impact Catholic schools have on students, families, and the broader community.
• Inspire Advocacy and Gratitude: Strengthen collective support for fully publicly funded Catholic education by emphasizing its mission and success.

By leveraging this simple yet impactful format, we amplify the message that Catholic education is a treasured gift and a vital mission for Alberta, enriching our communities with faith, learning, and service.

1. Add a compelling title to your article.
2. Replace the placeholder text with your article (100–150 words is ideal).
3. Include 3–4 engaging photos showcasing Catholic education in action.
4. Adjust elements to fit your images and layout preferences.
5. Save the completed template as a PDF and share it within your district, parish, or community.

Your contributions will be featured in the monthly GrACE newsletter and across other platforms, including the GrACE website, inspiring broader audiences and celebrating your local successes.

To help organize and align efforts, we’ve also attached the GrACE 2025 Yearly Schedule, outlining suggested districts for submissions. While contributions are welcome anytime, we kindly ask for submissions by the 3rd of each month for inclusion in the newsletter.

This tool embodies the movement from maintenance to mission, connecting home, school, and parish to foster vibrant, faith-filled communities.

Why This Matters:

• Spotlight Catholic Education: Highlight its transformative impact and inspire others to join the mission.
• Build Advocacy Momentum: Strengthen collective support through shared stories of success.
• Celebrate Faith and Learning: Sustain the vision of hope, ensuring Catholic education thrives for generations.

Your participation adds depth and richness to GrACE’s collective narrative, helping us unite and amplify the voice of Catholic education.

The 2025 GrACE Calendar offers a thematic framework to inspire School Districts and Local GrACE Committees to share meaningful stories, reflections, and celebrations of Catholic education throughout the year. Each month’s theme aligns with key moments in the liturgical calendar, the academic year, and the broader mission of fostering vibrant, faith-filled communities.

January: Jubilee Year Reflections

• Theme: Hope, renewal, and mission in the context of the Jubilee Year.
• Suggestions: Highlight new initiatives, goals for the year, or stories of collaboration between home, school, and parish. Share reflections on how the Jubilee Year inspires renewed commitment to Catholic education.

February: Catholic Education Success Stories

• Theme: Celebrating excellence and transformative impact.
• Suggestions: Share inspiring stories of student achievements, teacher innovation, or family involvement. Spotlight a project, program, or milestone that demonstrates the unique value of Catholic education.

March: Lent and Service in Action

• Theme: Faith in action through service and reflection.
• Suggestions: Highlight student-led Lenten initiatives, community service projects, or prayer practices. Share how schools and parishes come together to embrace the spirit of Lent.

April: Easter Joy and Renewal

• Theme: Celebrating the resurrection and renewal of faith.
• Suggestions: Feature Easter celebrations, joy-filled school events, or spiritual growth initiatives. Share stories of how Easter inspires students, staff, and families to deepen their faith.

May: Marian Devotions and Catholic Identity

• Theme: Honoring Mary and deepening Catholic identity.
• Suggestions: Share May Crowning ceremonies, Marian processions, or student reflections on Mary’s role in their faith. Highlight programs that celebrate Catholic traditions and values.

June: Year-End Celebrations and Graduations

• Theme: Reflecting on accomplishments and celebrating milestones.
• Suggestions: Showcase stories of graduating students, year-end Masses, or notable achievements. Share how Catholic education has impacted students and prepared them for the future.

September: Faith and Learning in Action

• Theme: Integrating faith and academics in Catholic schools.
• Suggestions: Share examples of faith-based learning projects, innovative teaching practices, or academic achievements that reflect Catholic values.

October: Respect for Life and Social Justice

• Theme: Advocating for life and promoting justice.
• Suggestions: Highlight pro-life activities, social justice projects, or advocacy initiatives led by students or staff. Share stories of how Catholic education fosters respect for human dignity.

November: Saints and Gratitude

• Theme: Celebrating saints and the spirit of thanksgiving.
• Suggestions: Share All Saints’ Day celebrations, reflections on saints’ lives, or expressions of gratitude within your community. Showcase how Catholic education inspires a spirit of thankfulness and holiness.

December: Advent and Christmas Traditions

• Theme: Preparing for Christ’s birth and celebrating the season.
• Suggestions: Highlight Advent prayer services, Nativity plays, or charitable giving programs. Share stories of how schools and parishes come together to celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas.

By embracing these themes and suggestions, School Districts and Local GrACE Committees can share inspiring stories that celebrate the mission of Catholic education and strengthen the collective voice advocating for its continued success.

We warmly invite you to embrace the GrACE Champions Template and 2025 Calendar as tools to share messages of gratitude, hope, and faith. Together, we can move from maintenance to mission, ensuring Catholic education continues to transform lives and communities with its enduring legacy of faith and excellence.

Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support.

Blessings and much love,
"Jesus, I trust in You."

Kate
Executive Director | GrACE

Bear Witness to Our Faith: We embody Christ's teachings through our actions, words, and interactions. By living out our faith, we not only deepen our spiritual journey but also inspire and uplift those within our community.

Share Our Stories: GrACE invites students, staff, and the wider Catholic community to share their personal experiences of faith and reflect on the impact of Catholic education in their lives.

Build a Faithful Community: We fortify our bonds by collectively honoring our faith through prayer, service, and shared celebrations.