GrACE Newsletter

Dear GrACE Apostles,

Welcome back to a new school year! I am excited and delighted to begin another year alongside each of you—trustees, educators, parents, clergy, students, and our partners in the Yukon—who together form the living fabric of Catholic education in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.

As we step into 2025–2026, our hearts are anchored in Christ, our eyes fixed on the hope that does not disappoint, and our hands ready for the work of building His Kingdom through our schools. May this year be one of deepened faith, renewed mission, and courageous witness.

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

Kate
Executive Director | GrACE

In an age marked by drift, division, and disillusionment, Catholic schools must be steady and radiant.

To be anchored in Christ is to be unshaken by the storms of culture, grounded in truth, and nourished by the Eucharist. To be a beacon of hope is to shine—not with the light of the world, but with the light of Christ—drawing others toward Him through the witness of our schools, our communities, and our lives.

This is not just a theme. It is a call: to form disciples, to renew culture, and to hand on the faith without compromise.

Rooted in the Eucharist, faithful to the Magisterium, and strengthened by the communion of home, school, and parish, we step into this year with conviction.

Catholic Education Week is a time to give thanks for the gift of Catholic education, celebrate its constitutional and spiritual foundations, and renew our shared mission.

This week is a moment for Catholic schools to stand visible in the public square—anchored in Christ, radiant in hope. Through prayer, celebration, and witness, we affirm the mission entrusted to us.

In unity, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon—together with GrACE and the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA)—have issued a Pastoral Letter affirming our mission, encouraging courageous witness, and expressing gratitude for all who serve in Catholic education.

Read the Pastoral Letter

• Bishops’ Letter – English Version
• Lettre pastorale des évêques – Version française

Pray the Catholic Education Week Novena (October 18–24, 2025)

• Access the Novena Prayer Guide

Suggested Activities for Schools & Parishes:

• Host a parish-school Mass or Eucharistic Holy Hour
• Pray the Angelus or Novena daily as a community
• Share student reflections on the theme through newsletters or social media
• Invite clergy or religious to speak on Catholic identity

Rooted in our new theme, these resources are offered to help unify and inspire schools, parishes, and families as we move from maintenance to mission.

• Annual Intentions for Catholic Education (2025–2026)
• Download the Annual Intentions Guide

• Angelus Prayer Card
• Download the Angelus Prayer Card

• Holy Spirit Prayer Card
• Download the Holy Spirit Prayer Card

• Top Ten Advocacy Ideas
• Download Top Ten Advocacy Ideas

GrACE invites all Catholic schools, parishes, and families to embrace these resources with generosity and faith—proclaiming Christ with conviction, gratitude, and hope throughout 2025–2026.

“Let us hold fast to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

• Print and share for staff gatherings, assemblies, parish liturgies, and family prayer
• Incorporate into classroom prayer, Novena reflections, Angelus
• Present at planning meetings, board retreats, school orientations
• Share digitally via websites, social media, bulletins, newsletters
• Engage at home or in school for discussion, reflection, and shared commitment

📅 Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
📍 Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, AB
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)
🎓 Target Audience: Grades 9–11 | Up to 400 students
🤝 Hosted by: GrACE, Elk Island Catholic Schools & Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

The in-person portion of the 2025 Youth Summit is now fully subscribed—all student and staff spots are filled. However, Zoom participation remains open for schools, parishes, and communities across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

📌 To Register for Zoom Access: gracedirector7@gmail.com

This year’s theme invites Catholic youth to:

• Encounter Christ in the Eucharist
• Claim their Catholic identity
• Step boldly into faith-filled leadership

The day will feature:

• 🔥 Keynotes – Michael Chiasson, fearless, faithful, relevant
• 🎤 Youth Testimonies – peers boldly choosing Christ
• 🎵 Live Praise & Worship – led by youth musicians and Catholic performers
• ✝️ Celebration of the Eucharist – presided over by Bishop Gary Franken
• 🕊️ Eucharistic Adoration & Reconciliation – available throughout the day
• 🍕 Lunch & Fellowship – nourishing body and spirit

Pre-Summit Formation

GrACE encourages all schools to prepare for the Summit by:

• Exploring the life and witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis
• Participating in Eucharistic Adoration
• Deepening understanding of Catholic identity in today’s culture

“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” — Blessed Carlo Acutis

Why This Summit Matters

Across Catholic schools and parishes, a Quiet Revival is taking root—a return to the sacraments, a hunger for truth, and a willingness to live faith with clarity and conviction. The GrACE Youth Summit is part of that movement.

If we get it right for our youth, we get it right for everyone. They are not just the future of the Church—they are its present voice, presence, and promise.

Spread the Word: Share your participation on social media using #AnchoredInChrist2025 and tag @GrACEAlberta.

Find and follow us on:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrACE4cathed
• X (formerly Twitter): @GrACE4cathed
• Instagram: @grace4catholiceducation
• email us at: gracedirector7@gmail.com

When you post your pictures, remember to tag us so we can share them and celebrate too.
Thanks for being a grateful advocate of Catholic education!

• Sign up for GrACE’s monthly newsletter
• Share GrACE’s monthly Newsletter
• 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
• Subscribe to GrACE’s Facebook; Twitter (X), and social media pages
• Encourage parents to become more actively involved in GrACE
• Support local GrACE group 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 Catholic education in Alberta and beyond
• Assert your choice in favour of Catholic schools/Catholic education and its values
• Champion the benefits of Catholic schools and Catholic education, alongside 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