Catholic Education Week

Archbishop Smith’s Catholic Education Week Video Message

Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories

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Catholic Education Week 2024

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In this month of May, we celebrate Catholic Education Week in Alberta, the Yukon, and
Northwest Territories. As the Catholic Education liaison on behalf of my brother Bishops, I want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to the educators and all who serve in our Catholic schools.

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024, “Courage to Lead”, reminds us of the call and the responsibility to live and uphold the teachings of our Catholic faith, even amidst the challenges of the world around us.

The call to be courageous is deeply rooted in Scriptures. In the Book of Joshua, the Lord counsels us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

In a time and place where conflicting ideologies are challenging the enduring truths of our faith, it takes tremendous courage to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ's teachings.

This courage begins in the home, with parents entrusted by God with the vital responsibility of imparting the values and principles of our faith within the hearts and minds of their children. When parents make the courageous decision to entrust their children to the care of our Catholic schools, those schools become a supporting partner to parents in the education and spiritual formation of their children.

Catholic schools have the distinctive mission to integrate faith and reason, providing students with an education that not only challenges them academically but also nurtures faith formation. Within this educational environment, the teachings of the Catholic faith are permeated into the fabric of daily life.

Although we are blessed with a constitutionally protected, publicly funded Catholic school system, nevertheless we cannot take this for granted. It is our collective responsibility as Christian faithful to be courageous in ensuring that we are forming confident disciples of Jesus Christ and his teachings. It is incumbent upon the entire school community – administrators, teachers, staff, clergy, parents and parishioners – to honour this commitment.

May God grant us the wisdom, courage, and strength to fulfill our sacred duty with courage and love, knowing that He walks alongside us every step of the way.

Yours in Christ,
Catholic Bishops of Alberta and NWT

Most Reverend Richard W. Smith Archbishop of Edmonton
Most Reverend William McGrattan Bishop of Calgary
Most Reverend Gary Franken Bishop of St. Paul
Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas CSsR Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
Most Reverend David Motiuk Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton
Most Reverend Jon Hansen, CSsR Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith

World Catholic Education Day

World Catholic Education Day Logo

Every year, 40 days after Easter on Ascension Thursday, Catholics across the globe give thanks for the gift that is Catholic education through the celebration of World Catholic Education Day.

Catholic education has served nations for centuries through teaching students in their faith. Throughout Canada, provinces, territories, and dioceses dedicate special days or weeks to celebrate Catholic education. In keeping with these celebrations, World Catholic Education Day is a time for Catholics around the world to take a moment to pause, reflect and pray on the gift that is Catholic education.

This year World Catholic Education Day will be on Thursday, May 9.

We are wearing blue!

Class wearing blue Expand Image

Everyone is encouraged to wear blue in support of Catholic education on World Catholic Education Day on Thursday, May 9 and post a photo on social media using #BlueForCatholicEd and #IBelieveInCatholicEd.

Blue signifies constancy, fidelity, genuineness and aspiration and is especially associated with the Blessed Virgin. This is very appropriate as we celebrate Mary during the month of May.

Information Sheet for Catholic Education Week & World Catholic Education Day 2023

Catholic Education Week (CEW) - Celebrated May 5 - 10 

  • All teachers will be sharing a Liturgy with students on May 9th to Celebrate World Catholic Education Day. These liturgies are shared on the Faith landing pad page. On this day we will pray together as a division for Catholic Education, while reflecting on our division theme of "Inspired by Christ on a Journey to Encounter, Nurture and Serve." 
  • The Communications Department and Faith Lead Teacher will be scheduling information that will go out on social media and websites throughout the week.
  • Catholic Education Week Resources: Resources for Catholic Eduation Week can be found on the Faith Landing Pad page as well as on the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association website: Catholic Education Week Resources 2024
  • School Social Media Posts: If you wish to post your own school photos or videos, please use the hashtag #ibelieveincatholiced. 
  • see www.rdcrs.ca/faith/catholiceducationweek for more information.

World Catholic Education Day (WCED) - Celebrated Thursday, May 9 

#BlueforCatholicEd - The movement to “Wear Blue for Catholic Education'' will be promoted on Thursday, May 9 in recognition of World Catholic Education Day.  Please feel free to post pictures of staff, students and families wearing blue on social media and use the hashtag #BlueforCatholicEd