Dear GrACE Apostles,

GrACE Champions are the heartbeat of our mission—passionate advocates who inspire, educate, and unite communities in support of Catholic education. Among them, Alberta Trustee John de Jong stands out as both a devoted trustee and a proud grandparent, deeply committed to passing on the faith to future generations. His unwavering dedication to Catholic education and his belief in the power of strong home, school, and parish connections make him a true GrACE hero. It was John’s thoughtful insight that sparked the creation of the Grandparents Template—a resource designed to empower grandparents in their sacred role as faith leaders within their families and communities.

Grandparents hold a unique and profound influence in the lives of their grandchildren, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a steadfast witness to lived faith. Inspired by John’s vision, we recognize that this template has the potential to be even more impactful. It can be adapted not only for grandparents but also for grandchildren—or anyone with an inspiring faith story to share. Whether it’s a grandparent passing on cherished traditions, a grandchild discovering and deepening their faith, or a testimony that strengthens the fabric of Catholic education, this resource serves as a guide for sharing, celebrating, and living our faith across generations.

John’s leadership is a powerful reminder that Catholic education is a shared mission—one that flourishes when generations come together to nurture faith, knowledge, and community. Through the dedication of GrACE Champions like John de Jong and the love of families committed to Catholic education, we ensure that the gift of faith continues to inspire and strengthen generations to come.

Blessings and much love.

'Jesus, I trust in You'!

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE

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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.

Grandparents are spiritual anchors in their families, passing on faith through wisdom, love, and lived example. Their influence extends beyond instruction—through their daily witness, they inspire their grandchildren to embrace a faith that is deep, personal, and enduring. Drawing from the insights of John de Jong and supporting research, here are key ways grandparents can nurture and strengthen the faith of their grandchildren:

1. Be a Steady Presence in Faith – In an ever-changing world, grandparents offer spiritual stability. Their unwavering faith reassures grandchildren that God’s love is constant and trustworthy.

2. Share Personal Faith Journeys – Stories of faith—struggles, triumphs, and moments of grace—help younger generations see that faith is a lifelong journey, strengthened by trust in God.

3. Pray Together – Whether through daily prayers, blessings before meals, or spontaneous conversations with God, shared prayer fosters a spiritual bond that spans generations.

4. Celebrate Faith Traditions – Attending Mass together, observing holy days, and embracing family religious customs instill a sense of belonging to both the Church and a faith-filled family legacy.

5. Live as a Model of Christian Virtue – Actions speak louder than words. By practicing kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and service, grandparents provide a living example of what it means to follow Christ.

6. Encourage Open, Honest Conversations – Creating a safe space for grandchildren to ask questions, share doubts, and explore their faith helps build confidence in their spiritual journey.

7. Guide with Moral and Ethical Wisdom – Grandparents can gently offer insights rooted in faith, helping grandchildren navigate life’s challenges with strong values and a Christ-centered perspective.

8. Engage in Faith-Building Activities – Reading Scripture, volunteering together, or discussing Catholic teachings fosters a deeper connection to faith in everyday life.

9. Support Religious Education and Involvement – Encouraging participation in catechism, youth groups, and parish events strengthens faith formation and builds a broader faith community.

10. Live with Joy and Hope – A joyful, hope-filled faith is contagious. When grandchildren witness a grandparent’s peace and trust in God, they are drawn to experience that same deep, fulfilling faith.

Grandparents play an irreplaceable role in shaping the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. Through their love, example, and unwavering faith, they plant seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come—ensuring that the gift of faith remains strong, vibrant, and deeply rooted in family life.

John and his wife, Aggie, are pictured below in a recent photo