GrACE Champions 2026

Dear GrACE Apostles,

As we move into 2026, we invite your school division to take part in the GrACE Champions School Division submissions, sharing a short reflection or story that brings Catholic education to life in your community.

Together, let us move from maintenance to mission. This means celebrating our faith with confidence, sharing our stories with purpose, and keeping Christ at the centre of all we do.

Catholic education is a treasure that flourishes when home, school, and parish walk together. As this new year unfolds, these submissions provide a meaningful opportunity to deepen those relationships and to witness publicly to the transformative mission of Catholic education—building faith-filled communities that inspire, advocate for, and sustain this unique and enduring gift.

Each story shared strengthens a collective Catholic voice across the province—rooted in faith, tradition, and hope.

• Anchor your work in Christ, so Catholic education remains steadfast in truth and alive in faith.
• Shine as a beacon of hope, sharing stories that inspire hearts and strengthen conviction.
• Unite home, school, and parish, building faith-filled communities rooted in love and witness.

To support coordination and shared planning across school divisions, we have attached the GrACE 2025–2026 Monthly Submissions Schedule, outlining the assigned districts and themes for each month. While submissions are welcome at any time, we kindly ask that contributions be received by the 15th of the assigned month to ensure inclusion in the GrACE newsletter and related communications. A brief reminder will be sent ahead of each monthly deadline.

Submission guidance:

• Ideal length: 150–300 words

• Images: 1–3 photos (with appropriate permissions)

• Focus areas may include faith and learning in action, Catholic identity, student leadership, service, or other authentic expressions of your mission.

With the GrACE Champions Template and 2026 Calendar, you have the 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 leave an enduring legacy of faith and excellence.

With gratitude, prayer, and confidence in our shared mission,

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

Kate
Executive Director | GrACE

The table below is the primary reference for assigned submission months and deadlines for the GrACE Champions School Division initiative. Each participating division is invited to submit during its assigned month.

January 2026 – New Year Reflections and Renewal

Conseil Scolaire Franco Sud; Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
January submissions invite reflection on renewal and recommitment as Catholic schools begin the calendar year rooted in Christ, mission, and hope.

February 2026 – Catholic Education Success Stories
Calgary Catholic School District; Conseil Scolaire du Nord-Ouest; Evergreen Catholic Schools
February highlights stories of excellence, belonging, and faith in action that demonstrate the enduring strength and impact of Catholic education.

March 2026 – Lent and Service in Action
Conseil Scolaire Centre-Est; Medicine Hat Catholic Schools
During Lent, schools share how prayer, sacrifice, and service are lived daily, forming students in compassion, responsibility, and Gospel witness.

April 2026 – Easter Joy and Renewal
Grande Prairie Catholic Schools; Red Deer Catholic Schools
April submissions celebrate Easter joy and renewal, revealing resurrection hope alive in classrooms, communities, and relationships.

May 2026 – Marian Devotions and Catholic Identity
Elk Island Catholic Schools; Lloydminster Catholic Schools; Yellowknife Catholic Schools
May focuses on Marian devotion and Catholic identity, affirming tradition, faithfulness, and the public witness of Catholic schools.

June 2026 – Year-End Celebrations and Graduations
Edmonton Catholic Schools; Holy Family Catholic Schools
June concludes the year by celebrating growth, achievement, and graduation, sending students forth formed in faith and ready to serve.

The GrACE Champions Template is a simple, one-page resource designed to support school divisions and local GrACE committees in sharing their Catholic education story with clarity and confidence.

The template is intended to:

• Provide a consistent and recognizable format for GrACE Champions submissions

• Highlight the distinctive identity and mission of Catholic education

• Support public witness, gratitude, and advocacy across communities

The template may be adapted to reflect local context while maintaining a shared provincial voice rooted in faith and mission.

Completed submissions using the template will be featured in the GrACE monthly newsletter and on the GrACE website, strengthening a collective Catholic witness across Alberta, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

This visual calendar provides a quick-reference overview of assigned submission months and participating school divisions.

GrACE is grateful for the faithful witness of Catholic schools across Alberta and the North. Together, we continue to inspire, invigorate, and embolden our shared mission.

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