We Are Called to Love: PVNC Catholic Schools Celebrate Catholic Education Week (May 5 – May 10)

During the week of May 5 to May 10, 2024, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board will celebrate the significant contribution that Catholic education has made to the community, the province and to Canada.

Our Catholic Graduate Expectations challenge students to articulate in society those fundamental values that underpin Catholic education.

“During Catholic Education Week, we have a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate our students, staff, and families, while also reflecting on the vital role of faith in our lives and its profound impact on Catholic education,” Board Chairperson Kevin MacKenzie said.

In a video address to all students, staff and families, Peterborough Bishop Daniel Miehm reflects on the importance of Catholic Education Week.

“Catholic schools are places where the great values of justice, mercy, and charity are not only taught, but lived, as we strive to live out Pope Francis’ call to us, that we should be peace makers, weavers of hope, and builders of the future,” Bishop Miehm said. “I pray that the many activities of Catholic education will remind us of God’s immense love for us, and also of our call to love.”

The theme for this year’s Catholic Education Week is:

Catholic Education: We are called to love

L’éducation catholique: Appelés à aimer

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024 was inspired by the following considerations:

• With joyful anticipation of the Jubilee Year of 2025, we are inspired by Pope Francis announcing the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope.” With open hearts of love, we can continue to “fan the flame of hope” for a bright future.
• On the fifth anniversary of Renewing the Promise, we celebrate that Catholic Education is centred on our Christian call to love. This love permeates how we live in the world and as we act with love, we build a better future. As Pope Francis stated in 2023, “He wants us to be artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers.”
• The theme of the synod, “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” invites us to listen in love, to be a healing presence to one another and to strengthen relationships.
• In his visit to Canada last summer, Pope Francis gave us hope for our continued work for Truth and Reconciliation. Through prayer and a commitment to love, stronger bonds are forming and a new way forward is emerging.
• Catholic Education Week comes at the same time as Mental Health Awareness Week. Through love and compassion, we continue to support each other’s wellbeing. God is love and we are always called to live out this love.
• In our continued work for Equity and Inclusion in Catholic schools, a focus on love reminds us that all God’s children are loved unconditionally.

There are five sub-themes, one for each day of Catholic Education Week and they are aimed at helping staff and students to reflect more fully on what We are called to love means to them. The five sub-themes are:

Day 1: As people of hope / Dans l’espérance

Day 2: As people of faith / Dans la foi

Day 3: As people of mercy / Avec compassion

Day 4: As people of justice / Dans la justice

Day 5: As people of joy / Dans la joie

Catholic Education Week is marked by special activities at all grade levels, including prayer celebrations and service activities. PVNC Catholic will host its annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards night in-person at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.