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 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 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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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!
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!)..."
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
