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. – Romans 15.13
Catholic Education Week is October 17-23, 2026
Theme: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Edmonton Catholic Schools' mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another.
We are thankful for the opportunity to provide a faith-based education to more than 51,000 students, and for the teachers, administrators, parents, students, priests, and parishioners who are committed to Catholic education.
In Alberta, we acknowledge with deep gratitude and embrace with unwavering resolve the gift of publicly funded Catholic education.
Featured Saint: St. Pier Giorgio
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati was an Italian Catholic activist and a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. He was dedicated to social justice issues and joined several charitable organizations, including Catholic Action and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, to better aid the poor and less fortunate living in his hometown of Turin. Recognizing his example of holiness and service, Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1990 and called him the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes."
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati reminds us that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. It is expressed through our actions, our relationships, and our service to others. As ECSD schools explore the five roots of joy this year, students will discover that serving others is a powerful way to experience and share God's love.
During Catholic Education Week, many schools will participate in activities inspired by Catholic Social Teaching. These may include charitable initiatives, outreach projects, fundraising campaigns, environmental stewardship activities, social justice projects, or other acts of service that respond to local community needs. Through these experiences, students learn that their faith calls them to love their neighbour, care for the vulnerable, and work for the common good.
Like St. Pier Giorgio, our students are invited to put their faith into action, encounter Christ in others, and discover that Catholic education extends beyond the classroom into the wider world.
Catholic Education Sunday - October 18
Catholic Education Sunday is a special opportunity to celebrate the gift of Catholic education and the faith-filled communities that make it possible.
One of the greatest strengths of Catholic education is the partnership between home, school, and parish. Together, families, educators, clergy, and parish communities support the growth of children in mind, body, and spirit. Catholic Education Sunday invites us to recognize and celebrate these important relationships.
Traditionally marking the beginning of Catholic Education Week, Catholic Education Sunday provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between schools and parishes. Students and staff may participate in parish liturgies, choir ministry, hospitality, faith witness presentations, displays, bulletin features, and other activities that highlight the impact of Catholic education.
These celebrations make visible the close relationship between parish and school and remind us that Catholic education is a shared ministry of the Church, supported by the collective efforts of families, educators, clergy, trustees, and parish communities.