October 2026
Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Education
October is one of ECSD’s favourite months, given that Catholic Education Week takes place this month. Between October 17 and 23, we will celebrate Catholic Education Week by giving thanks for the remarkable gift of publicly funded Catholic education. Our theme this year, "The Power of the Holy Spirit," is inspired by Romans 15:13:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
As we reflect on this gift, I am reminded of ECSD's Five Roots of Joy: Faith, Adventure, Service, Worship, and Discovery. These roots help us understand what makes Catholic education unique and life-giving.
Faith grounds us in Christ and provides a foundation of hope and purpose. It is our reason for existence as a Catholic school division, and together we continue to grow as a vibrant community of faith, learning, and belonging.
That growth is evident in the increasing number of families choosing Catholic education for their children. Today, Edmonton Catholic Schools serves more than 51,300 students, and we are grateful for the trust families place in our Catholic mission, our dedicated staff, and the exceptional Christ-centred learning opportunities available across our Division. To support this continued growth, construction has started on three of our new schools:
- Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
- St. Sophia Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
Adventure encourages students to courageously discover and respond to God's call in their lives. Catholic Education Week is an especially important time for student discernment. Schools have been provided with resources to help students explore the many ways to respond to God’s call.
Service reminds us that faith is lived through love of neighbour. Our students and staff engage in generous acts of service throughout the year. For example, this year, I am honoured to represent ECSD as Chair of the Sign of Hope Campaign for Catholic Social Services. Our schools have a longstanding relationship with the Sign of Hope, and I look forward to the amazing learning and projects whereby our students learn about the call to care for others.
Worship unites our communities in prayer, gratitude, and celebration of God's presence among us. Our students begin each school year with worshipful gratitude, purpose, and joy, but before they arrive, ECSD staff gather to celebrate the Eucharist and recommit ourselves to the vocation of Catholic education. ECSD staff are privileged to live out our Catholic faith in every aspect of our work, beginning with nurturing our relationship with Jesus. School Opening Mass for staff was held in eight churches across the city, and we raised just over $11,000 to be shared between the Catholic Social Services Sign of Hope and The Edmonton Catholic Schools Foundation.
(PICS OF SCHOOL LITURGIES)
Discovery inspires students to seek truth, grow in wisdom, and recognize God's hand in all creation. As the ECSD community acknowledges the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students are invited to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and cultures, while reflecting on our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation. Through learning, listening, and meaningful dialogue, students discover not only a deeper truth about our past, but also how faith calls us to walk together with respect, compassion, and hope.
(Pics of Truth & Reconciliation)
Together, these roots nourish our students' hearts and minds while strengthening the vital partnership among school, home, and parish. Catholic education is more than an educational model. It is a shared mission of faith formation, learning, discipleship, and service that helps young people flourish academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and morally.
As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, may we give thanks for this enduring gift and for the many ways the Holy Spirit continues to fill our schools with hope, joy, and peace, keeping us firmly Rooted in Joy.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Anderson
Chief Superintendent