A new school year in Catholic education

As the new school year begins, our Catholic schools and communities across the Diocese are alive with excitement, faith, and the shared hope for a year filled with growth, learning, and grace. 

During last week’s School District opening Mass, Bishop McGrattan reminded teachers and staff that "it is a time to focus on those you will serve, especially the students and their families who are seeking an authentically Catholic education within our Catholic schools." As we embark on this year, the bishop acknowledged the challenges that may lie ahead—whether through experiences of persecution, affliction, or suffering. He emphasized that, as St. Paul taught, these trials are opportunities to strengthen our faith.

Despite the potential challenges facing Alberta's education system this year, and the possible criticism or undermining of the teaching vocation by the media, Bishop McGrattan encourages us to rise above: "Do not fall into the victimization culture of anger but rather see that the Lord is calling you to an enormous task and responsibility of educating the students and citizens of the future. Do not lose sight of the eternal destiny of your students." 

As educators, you are called to see the students' growth in maturity, both in their academic learning and in their relationship with God through Christ." ~Bishop McGrattan

The Bishop also highlighted that "all of your work, efforts and accomplishments will always be fulfilled by His power and grace." The growth in charity and unity within our Catholic schools is not solely the result of human effort but is deeply dependent on the grace of God. "These simple signs that can foster the growth of the Catholic faith must become evident in the teachers, staff, students, and their parents within our Catholic schools.”

​Our diocesan Pastoral Renewal invites us to deepen our relationship with God, recognizing that we are Called, we Matter, and we Belong. "I hope that in this coming year you will in fact experience this same spirit of Renewal within your classrooms," says Bishop McGrattan, encouraging us to rediscover our passion for the vocation of Catholic education. He referenced Dr. Brett Salkeld’s Educating for Eternity, which offers an expanded vision of teaching that integrates faith into every aspect of the curriculum—an approach that is not merely an additional task but a central element of our mission.

The growth in charity and unity in our Catholic schools is not solely the result of our human efforts. It is always dependent on the grace of God that brings about the growth in goodness in all of our lives and which must be evident in all of our Catholic schools. These simple signs which can foster the growth of the Catholic faith must become evident in the teachers, staff, students and their parents within our Catholic schools." ~Bishop McGrattan

Finally, Bishop McGrattan emphasized the importance of tangible ways to foster growth in faith within our schools. Just as St. Paul witnessed growth in the Thessalonian community, marked by steadfastness in the face of persecution and acts of charity, so too must we strive to see these virtues flourish within our own school communities.

Enjoy the photos from Catholic schools and communities in our diocese, capturing the joy and anticipation of both staff and students as they embark on the new school year together.

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Holy Spirit Catholic School Division staff had a blessed day on August 28, 2024 as they held our Opening Mass for the 2024/2025 School Year in Lethbridge. "We're excited to move forward with Year 3 of our Faith Plan with a focus on Proclaiming Our Faith. Thank you to everyone who helped make this glorious day a huge success!! We look forward to welcoming students into the classroom next Tuesday on September 3, 2024, for the first day of school!" (Photos: Holy Spirit Catholic Schools Facebook) 

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Calgary Catholic School District staff gathered at parishes across Calgary to celebrate the District Opening Mass. "It was wonderful to gather as a community and kick off the 2024-2025 school year. We are blessed!"  

Opening Mass at St. Peter's, Calgary

Opening Mass at St. Joseph, Calgary

Opening Mass at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary

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​In this video, Monique Baker, Director General of the Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, highlighted the start of the school year in the FrancoSud School District, where around 4,000 students will return to 16 schools. Staff are ready to offer a year of learning and enjoyment, with various educational, cultural, sports, and social activities planned. Monique also thanked parents for their support and trust, wishing all families a wonderful school year. Watch video

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Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools teachers from across the division gathered in Okotoks for our opening professional development day on Aug 26, 202 marking the start of the new school year. The day began with a Mass and a blessing from Bishop McGrattan, continuing our cherished tradition. The focus of the day was our Catholic faith, with the afternoon dedicated to professional learning and teacher planning. "We pray for our teachers and staff as they prepare to welcome our most precious gift - the students of CTR - on Wednesday, August 28!"  | (Photos: CTR Facebook)
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“Heavenly Father, as we gather together to prepare for this new academic year, we ask for Your blessing on all of us. May Your Spirit set our hearts ablaze with love of You - love that we can share with our students, their families and each other. Bless our planning and be with us each day.” 

CTR welcomed 32 new teachers to the CTR family this new school year. The teachers gathered for two days of learning, orientations and collaboration. On the final day, CTR staff extended a traditional farewell blessing to the teachers as they look ahead to welcoming students to the classroom next week (photo above). Photos: CTR Facebook ​

Photo: St. Anthony's School, Drumheller

Photo: Holy Spirit Academy, High River

Photo: St. Joseph's Collegiate, Brooks

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Be who you are meant to be and you will set the world on fire” ~St. Catherine of Siena

Friday, Aug 30, 2024 was a day full of big smiles, warm hugs, snacks, and an inspiring message to kick off the 2024-25 school year for Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education (MHCBE).

​"Special guest speaker, David Wells, joined us to start the day with his inspiring message of gratitude, grace and discipleship. Following lunch, his Excellency Bishop McGrattan led us in our first mass of the school year and new staff members were welcomed into our division family."  | Photos & Video: MHCBE Instagram

Click here and watch the highlight video!

MHCBE: "Yesterday our friends at Southland Transportation hosted two “My First Ride” events for our school division. The program is intended to teach first riders or new students about school bus safety and allow them to ride the bus for the first time prior to the first day of school... Wishing our students a wonderful first ride next week!"  |  Photos: MHCBE Facebook.

Thirteen new teachers begin their journey as educators in MHCBE Catholic schools. "We look forward to seeing them in our classrooms and hallways this school year. Please join us in welcoming them to our MHCBE family!"

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Clear Water Academy, a Catholic private school in Calgary: "As we prepared to welcome students to school this week, we began by preparing our hearts and minds. Faculty Faith Day, led by our amazing formation team, was an enriching time for faculty to worship, reflect, and build community. We look forward to the start of the 2024-25 school year!" (Photos: Clear Water Academy Facebook)