GrACE

GRATEFUL ADVOCATES FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION 

Parents Advocating for Catholic Education (PACE) was formally established on May 10, 2017 and emerged from discussions at Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools Council of Councils’ meeting in April 2017.

The group wanted to support and enhance the work already being done by CTR Catholic trustees, schools and central office. Parents indicated that there was a lack of understanding regarding the history, mandate, and issues facing Catholic education. Parents were very supportive of Catholic schools, but information or conversations designed to build knowledge and understanding did not take place. There was a desire to build understanding within the group and share information with Catholic school parents. PACE evolved from a desire to inform the community and encourage them to advocate for the gift of Catholic education in Alberta.

PACE officially changed its name to GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education) in April 2019. The goal of GrACE is to advocate for publicly funded education across the province of Alberta. It is supported by the Alberta Bishops, Alberta Catholic School Trustees and the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta. For more information including news stories, history, advocacy tools, visit the Provincial GrACE website: GrACE - Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education 

In response to Provincial GrACE’s calls to action, CTR Catholic formed a local GrACE Committee as a committee of the Board as described in Board Policy 7 – Board Committees.   The Committee works in conjunction with the Superintendent advocating for Catholic education by utilizing the division’s website and social media, conducting community engagement sessions, and determining other means by which publicly funded Catholic education can be promoted.  Membership of the Committee includes trustees and community stakeholders.  We invite all those who are committed to Catholic education to reach out to your local school or trustee to learn how you can advocate for Catholic schools and our children!