Join together to celebrate Catholic Education

This week marks an important time to reflect on the gifts that Catholic education brings people around the world – and close to home.

This week, May 5 to May 12, is being celebrated across the globe as World Catholic Education Week. The week is highlighted on Thursday, May 9 by World Catholic Education Day, which carries the theme You Will Be My Witness this year.

The Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan recently released a statement recognizing this time of gratitude and calling on people to celebrate “the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education in the lives of people around the world.”

The week-long celebration speaks to the vital role of Catholic education in supporting and nurturing each individual in the life-long faith journey. “We set aside this week to focus our attention on the value of Catholic schools in encouraging children to develop their individual gifts and talents in an atmosphere that is characterized by both the freedom and moral responsibility that is found in the teachings of the Catholic Church,” the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan noted.

In the same vein, CCSTA’s mandate is to promote excellence in Catholic education across Canada. Representing 80 school boards, the organization puts the spotlight on how Catholic education has helped define Canadian society, serving the nation through faith-based leading and learning.

Executive Director of CCSTA, John Stunt, said the theme this year acknowledges the way entire Catholic educational communities in Canada can foster faith and grow students’ potential. “This is a time to celebrate and focus on what defines us as a faith-filled learning community,” Stunt said. “Accomplishments over the past two centuries of the Canadian Catholic school system, both English and French, have been in integral part of the growth and spirit of Canada.”

Liturgical services and activities are available on this site, through this link. In addition, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association resources for mass, prayers and more for Catholic Education Week are also available in that section for planning celebrations during WCED in Canada.