GrACE Youth Summit 2026

Dear GrACE Apostles,

A quick note to clarify where things stand with the GrACE Youth Summit.

The Summit was postponed from 24 October 2025 to 23 October 2026 because of the industrial action. Nothing else changed. In particular, the schools that had already registered remain registered.

As you'll recall, we opened the call to all school districts at the time on a first-come, first-served basis, against a maximum in-person capacity of 400. Those places filled, and every school district that wanted to attend in person was accommodated. Our priority throughout has been student attendance, so a fresh general call for registrations was never planned — the numbers were already in place.

Virtual attendance remains open. If a school or district would like to join us that way, please get in touch with me at gracedirector7@gmail.com.

Two things I would ask of you in the meantime: please keep the Summit, and the young people who will gather for it, in your prayers; and please help spread word of the theme and the virtual places within your own circles.

Over the coming weeks I'll circle back to each district that previously confirmed, to check they're still planning to attend. I'll provide a further update once I've heard back from everyone, and expect to be in a position to do so by the end of September 2026.

Blessings and much love.

'Jesus, I trust in You'!

Kate

Executive Director | GrACE

📅 Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

📍 Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Sherwood Park, Alberta
🕙 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, Sherwood Park, Edmonton

What to Expect

• 🔥 Keynotes with Michael Chiasson – fearless, faithful, and relevant

• 🎵 Live praise and worship led by youth musicians and Catholic performers

• 🎤 Testimonies from peers who are boldly choosing Christ

• 🍕 Lunch and fellowship to nourish both body and spirit

• ✝️ Celebration of the Eucharist – the summit’s spiritual heart

• 🕊️ Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation offered throughout the day

• 🎁 Sacred Keepsakes – blessed medals of Carlo Acutis and tiny statues of Jesus

• Nominations: Who Should Attend?

✔ Deepen Our Faith – Foster a personal and communal encounter with Christ through the Eucharist, Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, making space for authentic spiritual transformation.

✔ Form Missionary Disciples – Equip youth to actively live and lead as missionary disciples in their schools, parishes, and communities, boldly proclaiming the Gospel by word and witness.
✔ Celebrate Catholic Identity – Strengthen our shared gratitude and love for Catholic education by renewing our commitment to its mission, traditions, and sacramental life.
✔ Lead and Be Led – Create a culture of intergenerational leadership where young people and adults grow together in mutual respect, shared vision, and faith-filled service.
✔ Cultivate Communion – Deepen the vital connection between home, school, and parish—building a faith culture that nourishes belonging, relationship, and ecclesial mission.
✔ Inspire Vocations and Purpose – Encourage youth to discern their vocation with courage and confidence, recognizing their role as the future educators, priests, leaders, and saints of the Church.Live with Courage – Equip youth to be bold, joyful, and public witnesses of the faith.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Encourage Parent Involvement – Invite parents to take an active role in GrACE and advocate for the future of Catholic education.

⛪ Support Your Parish’s GrACE Group – Join or start a GrACE group in your parish and work together to nurture and strengthen Catholic education.

📧 Keep in Touch – Help us stay connected by updating your contact information and ensuring you receive important updates.

🤝 Strengthen Our Collective Mission – Uphold the values and vision of Catholic education by working together as a united community.

✝️ Stand Up for Catholic Schools – Be a champion for Catholic education in Alberta and beyond. Your voice matters in ensuring a thriving future.

💡 Defend Your Choice – Support the right to Catholic education and its lifelong impact on faith, learning, and community.

🏆 Be an Advocate – Champion the spiritual, intellectual, and social benefits of Catholic education and its role in shaping strong, faith-filled individuals.

🔥 Take Action with GrACE – Your involvement fuels the movement—join us in ensuring Catholic education continues to thrive.

📸 Share the Joy – Capture moments, tag us in your posts, and let’s celebrate the beauty and success of Catholic education together!