Maintaining and advancing Catholic education in a rapidly changing and increasingly secular society!
Dear GrACE Apostles,
Catholic education faces a challenging period, with numerous pressures confronting our Schools, Teachers, Trustees and Clergy.
As Catholics, it is crucial to meet these challenges with resilience, collaboration, and a profound dedication to our faith and values.
Uniting as communities of Students, Parents, Parishioners, Educators, and Clergy is vital for overcoming these obstacles.
Archbishop Smith, the Alberta Bishops' liaison for Catholic education, highlighted the significance of active engagement with educational and community partners at our GrACE summit.
This includes schools, parishes, Catholic Social Services, and healthcare, which bolsters our ability to tackle the issues facing students, parents, and teachers.
Such cooperation creates a supportive environment where resources and ideas are exchanged, enhancing the resilience of the Catholic educational system.
Maintaining the unique character and mission of Catholic education is fundamental. It transcends academics, embedding values, ethics, and community awareness in students.
Rooting our efforts in hope and faith allows us to manage societal complexities while focusing on comprehensive education.
By working collaboratively, we can secure our children's future success amidst the intricacies of modern society. This involves empowering children with hope, fortified by our faith in Jesus Christ, a source of strength and inspiration.
Our faith directs the Catholic education movement and extends into the broader world, fostering hope and resilience in the face of secularism.
Catholic education underscores the duty of all Catholics to actively embody and disseminate our faith, including serving, defending, and promoting Catholic teachings and values within the school setting and the wider community.
Blessings and much love.
'Jesus, I trust in You'!
Kate
Executive Director | GrACE
The Importance of Unity, Courage and Collective Action!
The GrACE Summit surfaced incredibly powerful and inspiring messages, emphasizing the importance of unity, courage and collective action to ensure Catholic education not only survives but thrives throughout Alberta and beyond.
Catholic Education is Evangelization:
Catholic schools play a crucial role in the Church’s evangelizing mission by bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
They are particularly significant as places of evangelization for our young people.
Throughout history, Catholic education has molded our Students in their Christian life and their future salvation. This has involved active participation in the sacraments and growing in the knowledge and truth of the Catholic faith.
The Call to Lead:
The Church encourages us as Catholics, alongside our educational leaders, to live out our role as mission-focused vocations in service to Christ and families.
We all have a role to play in strengthening our Catholic identity; by building a Catholic culture; fostering faith development and integrating Church traditions and doctrinal practices.
Answering the Call — Communion of Catholics:
We need to pray for Catholic education and also to take action to defend it.
The call goes beyond our Catholic educators to each and every Catholic to uphold and advance the mission of Catholic education.
God choses the unlikely - just as he did his first Disciples – to spread the good news.
We too are called – despite what might be our hesitations – to make a stand for Catholic education.
In support of Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond, we Catholics have unity; a purpose and an urgency to lead with courage and faith.
We must be driven from the ground up with grassroot support rooted in prayer and the desire to fulfill God’s will for us.
As Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, ‘put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch’ (Luke5,4),
No-one is on their own:
We all have a contribution to make rooted in our Catholic beliefs and safe and secure in God’s love and our Catholic faith.
As the Chair of Grace and also the Bishop’s liaison, Archbishop Smith symbolizes that our Schools are bound to the Church and her mission which is to announce Jesus Christ.
He often talks of Catholic education as Catholic work versus the work done by Catholics and that it acts in the name of the Church and is accountable to her.
The ultimate outcome of Catholic education is heaven.
Our Children are God’s Children, and He wants them, as he wants all of us, to be with Him forever.
The history and story of publicly funded Catholic education in Alberta is a cherished gift for which we are all grateful!
As stewards of this gift, it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that our faith-based education remains steadfast.
The Mission of our Catholic Schools is to lead the Students to know; love and follow Jesus Christ.
To learn that He is the one trustworthy, foundational reference point in all things.
The key to our success as a Catholic Education Movement – just like the emphasis and pattern of the early Church – is participation and encouragement; support and outreach to anyone and everyone that we can enrol in our cause.
The early Church thrived on active participation.
Believers were not mere spectators; they engaged fully in worship, community life, and evangelization.
Through participation and dialogue at the GrACE Summit, we strengthened our collective resolve to ensure the continued success and widespread benefits of Catholic education.
We heard from speakers about the past, present and the future of the GrACE Catholic education movement throughout Alberta and beyond.
After each presentation, groups let by facilitators spent about 20 minutes discussing the following questions:
What did we learn that we didn’t know before?
and
How does our history, for example, or our present, serve GrACE’s Catholic Education Movement to preserve, promote, and enhance Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond?
The End Result
- A guide/document for Parents; Parishioners and Local GrACE Committees
- A product/report for GrACE’s partners – Alberta; NWT and the Yukon’s Bishops; ACTSA and CCSSA to include:
- Summary of presentations by the Speakers
- Feedback from the facilitated Workshops
- Action piece: How might we lead courageously in support of Catholic education?
- How in unity with our Bishops and our ACSTA and CCSSA partners we begin to build a Catholic education movement throughout Alberta and beyond?
This intentional effort to build a strong Catholic culture within our educational environment created a fertile ground for the holistic development of students, nurturing their faith, fostering creativity, cultivating compassion, promoting cultural awareness, and empowering them to become courageous leaders who make a positive impact in the world.
In our Catholic schools, art surpasses mere aesthetics.
It is not limited to canvases and sculptures.
Art serves as a divine dialect that resonates with the soul, an active manifestation of our beliefs, and plays an integral part in nurturing a dynamic Catholic culture in educational contexts.
It weaves a dynamic link, connecting the tangible with the ethereal.
Through interaction with art, students gain exposure to the splendor of their creed and are inspired to reflect on its profound messages and importance.
Such engagement fosters attributes like empathy, cultural insight, and bravery, molding our students into leaders who propagate the splendor and veracity of their faith to the world.
It also leaves a profound and enduring legacy in wider society, shaping communities for generations to come.
The Catholic identity is recognized and protected both by section 93 of our Canadian Constitution and the Education Act
‘The Catholic identity is recognized and protected both by section 93 of our Canadian Constitution – for without recognition of that identity the agreement that created Canada would not have proceeded – but also by the Education Act. Both the constitution and the Education Act make it clear that the Catholic identity of the school must be respected’.
Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto
The right to Catholic education is protected by Canada's obligation to provide access to education for all children
The existence of rights implies the existence of corresponding obligations that are necessary to protect and uphold those rights.
Rights define what individuals are entitled to, based on principles of justice, dignity, and equality. These entitlements can include civil and political rights, such as the right to freedom of speech and the right to vote, as well as social, economic, and cultural rights, such as the right to education and the right to health care.
However, for rights to be meaningful and effectively exercised, there must be obligations on the part of individuals, governments, and institutions.
These obligations serve to ensure that the rights of one person are not violated or impinged upon by the actions of others, and that the rights of all individuals are protected.
In essence, rights and obligations form a reciprocal relationship. The recognition of rights implies that corresponding duties are expected from individuals, governments, and institutions to ensure the realization and protection of those rights.
It is essential to strike a balance between rights and obligations, as the responsible exercise of rights is vital for a harmonious and just society where the well-being and dignity of all individuals are respected and upheld.
Similar provisions protecting religious freedom can be found in other Canadian laws
- Canadian Bill of Rights: Section 1©
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Article 18
- Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 14
- The Canadian Human Rights Act and Section 15 of the Charter also prohibit discrimination based on religion.
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
This encompasses:
- The right to entertain religious beliefs of one’s choosing
- The right to declare religious beliefs openly without fear of hindrance or reprisal
- The right to manifest religious belief through worship, practice, teaching, or dissemination.
In summary, Section 2(a) aims to prevent interference with deeply held personal beliefs related to religion, conscience, and spirituality.
It safeguards the diverse religious landscape in Canada, allowing individuals to freely practice and express their faith.
Other International Instruments and the Worldwide Protection and Culture of Rights
- While not legally binding on Canada, similar provisions exist in international and regional instruments:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 18
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Article 12
- American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man: Article 3
- American Convention on Human Rights: Article 12
- European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
- First Amendment to the Constitution of the Unites States of America
As Apostles for Catholic education, we promote a positive image of Catholic education while addressing concerns in a respectful and open manner.
In essence, rights and obligations form a reciprocal relationship. The recognition of rights implies that corresponding duties are expected from individuals, governments, and institutions to ensure the realization and protection of those rights.
It is essential to strike a balance between rights and obligations, as the responsible exercise of rights is vital for a harmonious and just society where the well-being and dignity of all individuals are respected and upheld.
By fostering understanding and cooperation we contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for Catholic education in Canada.
As Canadian Catholics, each and every one of us must:
⦁ Recognize the unique protection afforded to Catholic education by denominational rights enshrined in Canada's Constitution and the historical and ongoing importance of Catholic education within the Canadian educational system. This protection underscores the significant role that we as Catholics must own in shaping and strengthening publicly funded Catholic education.
⦁ Defend these rights involves advocating for the continued recognition and support of Catholic education within the broader educational landscape. It also entails raising the profile of Catholic education by sharing its unique benefits and contributions, thereby increasing public support and awareness.
⦁ Acknowledge the challenges faced by Catholic education, particularly in addressing the diverse issues confronting children today, and stress the importance of cooperation among parents, parishioners, and other educational partners.
Catholic education faces a challenging period, with various pressures confronting our schools, teachers, trustees, and clergy.
It is crucial for us, as Catholics, to respond to these challenges with resilience and a steadfast commitment to our faith and values.
Uniting as communities of students, parents, parishioners, educators, and clergy is vital for overcoming challenges.
At the GrACE 2024 Summit earlier this month, Archbishop Smith, the Alberta Bishops' liaison for Catholic education, highlighted the significance of actively engaging with educational and community partners.
Support for our schools and parishes is key to strengthening our approach to the challenges faced by students; parents; teachers and trustees.
Cooperation fosters a supportive environment, where the exchange of resources and ideas contributes to strengthening the Catholic educational system.
Preserving the distinctive character and mission of Catholic education is essential; it goes beyond academic instruction to nurture values, ethics, and a sense of community in students. Anchoring our endeavors in hope and faith allows us to navigate societal complexities while emphasizing holistic education.
By working collectively, we can secure our children's future success as they navigate the intricacies of contemporary society.
This includes empowering children to remain hopeful, bolstered by our faith in Jesus Christ, which acts as a beacon of strength and inspiration.
Our faith shapes and directs the Catholic education movement, extending its influence into the broader world, fostering hope and resilience in the face of secularism. Catholic education emphasizes the resilience and hope that our faith in Jesus Christ provides.
Can. 800 §2
The Christian faithful are to foster Catholic schools, assisting in their establishment and maintenance according to their means.
Can. 796 §1. Among the means to foster education, the Christian faithful are to hold schools in esteem; schools are the principal assistance to parents in fulfilling the function of education.
Let us pray that Policymakers recognize that with rights come obligations to include respect for our Catholic faith and values.
Rights and obligations are inherently interconnected and interdependent. The existence of rights implies the existence of corresponding obligations that are necessary to protect and uphold those rights.
Let us pray:
- That policymakers recognize that with rights come obligations to include respect for our Catholic faith and values in all policies, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
- That along with a sense of responsibility and support for students who identify as LGBTQ, we will (or policymakers will) recognize and support students who do not identify as LGBTQ.
Publicly funded Catholic Education in Alberta is a unique and cherished historical gift for which we are all grateful. It is an invaluable offering to both the Catholic Community and wider society, carrying growing responsibility in an increasingly secular world.
Virgin Mary, favored by God, who has been chosen among humanity to be the Mother of the Lord, join us and lead us to meet your Divine Son.
GrACE's Monthly Newsletter seeks to build a provincial Catholic community by celebrating Catholic education across Alberta.
There are so many positive stories about Catholic schools and Catholic education throughout Alberta and beyond.
Catholic education refers to educational institutions and programs run by the Catholic faith which nclude schools, collegues, universities, and all who are known for their commitment to delivering academic excellence while emphasizing the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- 'Instruction of the Congregation for Catholic Education, ‘The identity of the Catholic school for a culture of dialogue, from the Vatican, 2022
- Growing in Faith Symposium - 5 Marks of Catholic Education
- CCSSA Catholic Leadership Quality Standards
- 5 Marks of Excellent Catholic Leader
- 5 Marks of the Excellent Catholic Teacher
- Calgary Catholic Schools
- Redeemer Revelations
GrACE Welcomes Karen Koester as Volunteer Editor for GrACE's Monthly Newsletter
GrACE Welcomes Karen Koester as Volunteer Editor for GrACE's Monthly Newsletter.
Karen is the Religious Education Coordinator for Evergreen Catholic School Division.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Karen attended Grandin (now Holy Child) and J.H. Picard in Edmonton Catholic School District and her home parish was St. Joseph’s Basilica.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta and a Master’s of Religious Education (with Distinction) at Newman Theological College.
Karen has been involved in liturgical music since her youth and has been blessed with the opportunity to organize and oversee music for many ordinations in the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
In 2022, Karen was honoured to coordinate the choir for the Mass at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton during the penitential pilgrimage of Pope Francis to Canada.
GrACE welcomes Charlotte Taillon to our Catholic Education Movement!
Charlotte Taillon began working for the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association in
the role of Communications Coordinator in January of this year.
Originally from British Columbia, Charlotte graduated from Simon Fraser University with a
Bachelors of Arts in English and Geography. It was during university that her faith came alive
while volunteering with a university student movement called Catholic Christian Outreach, where she met her husband, Paul, during a mission project with Catholic Christian Outreach.
