Advocating as a Parent for Catholic Education & The Role of OAPCE
As parents, we are the primary educators of our children, entrusted not only with their academic development but also with the nurturing of their faith and values. In Ontario, we are blessed with a publicly funded Catholic education system that allows our children to grow academically, spiritually, and morally—guided by the teachings of Christ. However, this gift is one that must be protected, promoted, and continually strengthened. That is where advocacy becomes essential.
Advocating for Catholic education means standing up for the values that set our schools apart: faith-based learning, a focus on community and service, and an education rooted in the Gospel. It means staying informed, involved, and vocal about the importance of Catholic schools in our province. Whether it’s participating in school councils, engaging with trustees, or voting in school board elections, parents have a critical voice in shaping the future of Catholic education. Meeting with your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) helps to ensure that the gift of Catholic Education remains a vital part in our children’s lives.
The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) serves as the official voice of parents within Ontario’s Catholic school system. Established in 1939, OAPCE has a long history of representing Catholic school parents and advocating on their behalf with the Ministry of Education, school boards, and other educational partners. The organization works to ensure that the Catholic identity of our schools remains strong and visible, and that parental input is respected and valued in all matters affecting our children’s education.
By connecting parents across Ontario, OAPCE provides resources, hosts conferences and workshops, and supports the formation of engaged, informed parent communities. Most importantly, it reminds us that Catholic education is not only a system—it is a mission, one that we are all called to support.
Faith Joseph, former Director from London, has been supportive of OAPCE and parents in Catholic education – as a new former parent in Waterloo Catholic DSB and a new parent in the LDCSB she continues to help where she can “In today’s ever-changing world, where faith and values can sometimes be overlooked, the role of Catholic schools is more vital than ever. As parents, we must continue to advocate boldly and faithfully—not just for the future of our children, but for the future of Catholic education itself.” We thank F. Joseph for her advocacy and meeting with MPP Ernie Hardeman.
