Catholic Education Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in Ontario. It’s a time to reflect on the beautiful gift of Catholic education and the unique contributions Catholic schools make in nurturing faith, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community among students.
This year, the theme for Catholic Education Week is Pilgrims of Hope, inspired by the Jubilee Year declared by the late Pope Francis. When he announced the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis called for us to unite as one human family to “fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
It is timely to note that the conclave to replace the late Pope Francis will begin in Rome during Catholic Education Week, on May 7.
Throughout Catholic Education week, Niagara Catholic schools will explore five daily sub-themes through classroom lessons and school activities, all tied to calls to action during the Jubilee Year:
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- Honouring human dignity
- Caring for creation
- Responding to the poverties in our world
- Serving in solidarity
- Living as peacemakers
These themes will guide activities and reflections across all Niagara Catholic schools.
Interested in learning more about the Catholic Education community? Click here to view this year’s video: A Precious Gift: Celebrating Funded Catholic Education in Ontario.
Keep reading to see how Niagara Catholic is living out this year’s Catholic Education Week theme.
Monday - Honouring Human Dignity
As part of the Day 1 theme, elementary teachers will lead students through lessons encouraging them to learn about who they are and what makes each one of us special, recognizing and respecting the inherent worth of everyone.
Tuesday - Caring for God’s Creation
As part of the Day 2 theme, Niagara Catholic schools will participate in environmental cleanup and planting projects aimed at improving and beautifying their local communities. Among the activities taking place, students at Saint Michael Catholic High School, Father Hennepin CES and Loretto CES will plant marigolds at their schools, while some students and staff at St. Mary CES will participate in a community clean up.
Also on May 6, the Niagara Catholic community will gather for our annual Celebrating Excellence Awards, which includes the Catch the Spirit Student Awards of Excellence, the Inspiration Awards (presented to staff), and the Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Catch the Spirit Awards are presented to one student from each Niagara Catholic elementary and secondary school, alternative learning school, and one Continuing Education student. The recipients demonstrate exceptional Catholic leadership, active engagement in school and community life, and a strong commitment to their faith and overcoming obstacles.
Inspiration Awards are presented to exemplary staff who have been nominated by their peers. Finally, the Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize graduates of our system who have made a lasting and notable contribution to society through their chosen fields of work. We will share our 2025 recipients online after the celebration.
Wednesday - Responding to the poverties in our world
Many Niagara Catholic elementary and secondary schools will participate in local food and clothing drives throughout Catholic Education Week, delivering much needed supplies to local community organizations, recognizing the theme for Day 3. Denis Morris Catholic High School will hosting its annual Starvathon, raising money for impoverished communities in Haiti and Guatemala. Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School will host- a weeklong food drive and Saint Michael Catholic High School will host a women’s clothing drive, encouraging students to bring in gently used clothing.
Also on Wednesday, student leaders from across the board will come together at Club Roma for the annual Student Leadership Conference. In addition to electing new elementary and secondary Student Senators, including the new student trustee who will serve two terms, in 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, students will participate in activities based on the presentation by Jeff A D Martin, a motivational speaker and equity and diversion coach.
Thursday - Serving in solidarity
Niagara Catholic believes that there is a strong connection between our faith and mental health and well-being. This is particularly reflected in the 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, Pilgrims of Hope, and this year’s theme for Mental Health Week, Unmasking Mental Health.
The Day 4 theme ties into this concept perfectly, as we align our mental health and wellness with our faith and hope.
We’ve invited students to reflect on how their faith can be a source of strength, healing, and hope during life’s challenging moments. They will also learn how to support those who experience mental health difficulties.
Other faith-based events and activities include prayer services and living rosaries.
Friday - Living as Peacemakers
As part of the Day 5 theme, ‘Living a Peacemakers’, many of our students will explore how they can help unite people from diverse backgrounds to promote peace and harmony in our communities. Schools will engage in activities such as welcoming guest speakers and learning about cultures from around the globe.
Assumption Catholic Elementary School will be celebrating Francophone Day where students will have a day dedicated to learning and celebrating the French language and French heritage in Canada. While St. Mary Catholic Elementary School will be hosting a guest speaker Jamie Lazon from Alternative Mobility Inc.