Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week
Happening April 30 - May 5, 2023, the theme for Catholic Education Week 2023 is We are Many, We are One. Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week.
With the complexities of our world and our communities today, we can stray from the peace that comes when we are in communion with each other. In our unity, we celebrate our diversity, all uniquely created by God. We read in Corinthians that if one member suffers, we all suffer. Unity brings us to peace and understanding. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2023 was inspired by the following considerations:
- The Church worldwide has embarked on a synodal process, “a synod on synodality,” which centres on intentional listening: listening to each other and listening to the Holy Spirit. We have each been asked to actively reach out and listen to the voices and experiences of people where they are at and consider what steps the Holy Spirit is inviting us to take as we walk together. As the Catholic Bishops of Ontario highlighted in Renewing the Promise, “It is about taking the time to walk alongside one another, to listen and to teach, and in doing so, to transform.” Ongoing recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the importance of Indigenous culture and spirituality as we move forward together.
- The Ministry of Education’s focus on Inclusion and Equity resonates with all educators and administrators as we desire to serve all of God’s children and Pope Francis’ encyclical entitled, Fratelli Tutti, will guide us in this good work.
- The challenges to personal and spiritual well-being posed by the uncertainty of the current global crisis makes the timing and the concerns of Mental Health Week, which takes place during the same week as Catholic Education Week, all the more relevant.
The theme for this year’s Catholic Education Week is: Catholic Education: We are Many, We are One
The theme for Catholic Education Week 2023 was inspired by the following considerations:
- The Church worldwide has embarked on a synodal process, “a synod on synodality,” which centres on intentional listening: listening to each other and listening to the Holy Spirit. We have each been asked to actively reach out and listen to the voices and experiences of people where they are at and consider what steps the Holy Spirit is inviting us to take as we walk together. As the Catholic Bishops of Ontario highlighted in Renewing the Promise, “It is about taking the time to walk alongside one another, to listen and to teach, and in doing so, to transform.”
- Ongoing recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the importance of Indigenous culture and spirituality as we move forward together.
- The Ministry of Education’s focus on Inclusion and Equity resonates with all educators and administrators as we desire to serve all of God’s children and Pope Francis’ encyclical entitled, Fratelli Tutti, will guide us in this good work.
- The challenges to personal and spiritual well-being posed by the uncertainty of the current global crisis makes the timing and the concerns of Mental Health Week, which takes place during the same week as Catholic Education Week, all the more relevant.
The five sub-themes for Catholic Education Week illuminate the path to being many and one. We achieve this unity…
Monday: When we see
Tuesday: When we listen
Wednesday: When we reflect
Thursday: When we learn
Friday: When we act
Catholic Education Week is marked by special activities at all grade levels, including prayer celebrations, service activities, Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day and Catholic Education Week Provincial Mass.
May 3 - Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day – Virtual Event for Students
During Catholic Education Week, the OCSTA will once again celebrate Ontario Catholic Student Youth Day (OCSYD) on May 3. Over the last several years our provincial student trustee leadership team has taken on the task of planning an engaging and interactive event to inform and inspire Catholic youth in our system. This seminar will be held virtually on Zoom and include a series of keynote speakers and interactive workshops. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and will close with the Catholic Education Week Provincial Mass, celebrated by His Grace Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto. The celebration of the Eucharist will be presented via live-stream from St. Michael’s Cathedral at 1:30 p.m. A Zoom link for the OCSYD Seminar will be sent to registered board contacts prior to the event. REGISTRATION LINK / SCHEDULE. For more information, contact Anne O’Brien at OCSTA at [email protected].
May 3 - Catholic Education Week Provincial Mass
His Grace, Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto will celebrate the annual Catholic Education Week Provincial Mass on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The celebration of the Eucharist will be presented via live-stream from St. Michael’s Cathedral. All students, families, staff, trustees, and the broader Catholic community are invited to participate "virtually" in this celebration of the Eucharist by clicking on https://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live at the scheduled time. More Information: CEW Provincial Mass Invitation
For more information about Catholic Education Week and to access OCSTA Resources, visit the OCSTA website.
We encourage you to read through Most Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMI Bishop of Hamilton message for Catholic Education Week.