Gathering as One in Christ
From June 4–6, Catholic education leaders from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the 2026 Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association Annual General Meeting and Conference.
Centered on the theme “For All of You Are One in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), the conference offered an opportunity to pray, learn, reflect, and renew our commitment to the shared mission of Catholic education across Canada.
As always, one of the greatest gifts of our annual AGM & Conference is the opportunity to gather from many different contexts and realities into one shared space. Trustees, board members, educational leaders, clergy, and partners from coast to coast arrived carrying the unique opportunities and challenges of their local communities.
Yet throughout the weekend, we were reminded that while our circumstances may differ, we remain united in a common mission: forming young people in faith and education.
Opening Reflections with Steve Angrisano
The conference opened Thursday evening with prayer and the first keynote address from internationally renowned Catholic speaker, musician, and storyteller Steve Angrisano.
Drawing on the conference theme, Angrisano captivated participants through humour, storytelling, music, and prayer, encouraging Catholic leaders to foster school communities where every person feels seen, valued, and welcomed. He reminded us that every individual reflects the image of God and has a unique role to play in building vibrant Catholic communities
Learning, Dialogue, and Leadership
Friday morning began with keynote speaker Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg, who welcomed participants to Manitoba while offering reflections on the critical role Catholic schools continue to play in the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. He shared moving stories from his years of working with Indigenous communities and offered hope and encouragement for the future. Participants also enjoyed a time of sharing local practices, asking important questions, and encouraging one another in this important ongoing dialogue.
The conference workshops further explored many of the issues and opportunities facing Catholic education today.
We had the privilege of engaging in sessions on social justice, legal issues affecting Catholic schools, Indigenous relationships and reconciliation, global solidarity, media relations, and government advocacy. Workshops such as Living the Gospel Through Social Justice in Catholic Education, Building Bridges: A Journey Toward Relationship with First Nations Communities, and Global Solidarity Starts Here: Understanding Our Impact on the Global South challenged us to consider how Catholic schools can continue to form students who are compassionate, informed, and committed to serving others.
Sessions on legal issues and media relations provided practical tools for trustees and leaders navigating increasingly complex educational and public policy environments.
Friday afternoon brought a second keynote presentation from Steve Angrisano focused on leadership rooted in Christ’s unity.
In a time marked by rapid change and uncertainty, Angrisano encouraged Catholic leaders to remain anchored in the Gospel and to lead with humility, courage, and a deep sense of shared purpose. His message resonated strongly as we reflected on the realities facing Catholic education across the country and the importance of leadership that fosters collaboration, belonging, and hope.
The Gift of Community
While the keynote presentations and workshops offered valuable learning and inspiration, some of the most memorable moments happened in the spaces between sessions.
Conversations over coffee, shared meals, hallway discussions, and informal gatherings created opportunities for authentic connection. The opening reception featuring a local Irish band and the Manitoba Social Night beautifully reflected Winnipeg’s renowned hospitality, creating space for laughter, conversation, and meaningful connection while strengthening relationships across provinces and territories.
Faith, Celebration, and Looking Forward
On Saturday morning, Archbishop Albert LeGatt of Saint Boniface delivered the conference’s final keynote address.
Reflecting on unity in Christ amid a world increasingly marked by division and polarization, Archbishop LeGatt challenged participants to continue forming schools where dialogue, empathy, solidarity, inclusion, and Christian love flourish.
His message connected directly to the mission of Catholic education today: helping young people become not only academically successful, but also faith-filled citizens capable of building communities rooted in dignity, respect, and authentic encounter.
Saturday’s Eucharistic Celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral offered a beautiful opportunity to gather in prayer before the closing gala. During the Mass, CCSTA’s Board of Directors was commissioned, entrusting their leadership and service to God’s guidance in the year ahead.
Later that evening, we celebrated the presentation of the 2026 Justice James Higgins Award to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary of Manitoba. Their remarkable legacy of faith, service, and leadership in Catholic education offered a powerful witness to the enduring impact of lives dedicated to forming future generations.
The closing gala also offered an opportunity to celebrate the generosity that continues to animate Catholic education communities across the country. Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division, Saskatchewan, was recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Toonies for Tuition Trophy in honour of its exceptional fundraising efforts in support of families seeking access to Catholic education. Saskatchewan was also named the 2026 Provincial Trophy winner, reflecting the province’s longstanding spirit of generosity and support for Catholic education. We offer our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s campaign and helped advance this important mission.
Facing Challenges with Hope
Throughout the conference, there was a refreshing honesty in conversations about the realities facing Catholic education today.
Together, we spoke openly about challenges related to funding, governance, enrolment, advocacy, changing social landscapes, and the ongoing work of strengthening Catholic identity within our schools. Yet alongside those conversations was a profound sense of encouragement and hope.
The conference theme, “For All of You Are One in Christ Jesus,” served as more than a slogan. Through communal prayer, shared reflection, and mutual support, we were reminded that we do not carry these challenges alone. There is strength in gathering as one national Catholic education community, united in faith, purpose, and hope for the future.
Looking Ahead to Vancouver 2027
As we look ahead, planning is already underway for the 2027 CCSTA AGM & Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.
At the same time, Catholic education organizations across Canada continue to face financial pressures and changing realities. To assist with future planning, CCSTA is asking members to complete a brief attendance survey regarding next year’s conference.
If you have not yet done so, we invite you to take two minutes to share whether you anticipate attending the 2027 gathering. Your feedback will help ensure future conferences remain accessible, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our membership.
Gratitude to Manitoba Catholic Schools
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Manitoba Catholic Schools and the local organizing committee for hosting an extraordinary conference.
From the moment delegates arrived, they were welcomed with exceptional warmth, generosity, and hospitality. Throughout the weekend, Manitoba Catholic Schools showcased not only their dedication to Catholic education, but also the spirit of service that defines their communities.
Winnipeg has certainly earned its reputation as “Friendly Manitoba,” and we experienced that hospitality firsthand in countless ways. We are deeply grateful to the many staff, volunteers, students, clergy, and organizers whose efforts made this gathering such a meaningful and memorable experience.
Thank You
To all who attended, presented, sponsored, organized, volunteered, and prayed for this year’s conference, thank you.
Thank you for helping make the 2026 CCSTA AGM & Conference an unforgettable weekend in Winnipeg. We leave renewed in mission, strengthened in community, and inspired by the future of Catholic education in Canada.