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Jesus Listens

OAPCE Book Nook

Jesus Listens — For Lent and Easter guides readers through the prayerful journey of Lent into the joy of Easter. This special edition offers daily Scripture ‑ rooted prayers written in a “prayer‑to‑Jesus” style. Each entry is designed to help individuals or families slow down, reflect, and grow closer to Christ during the most sacred season of the Christian year. The devotional encourages readers to seek God’s presence through honesty, gratitude, and trust, offering comfort, stillness, and spiritual renewal. Its prayers accompany the reader from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and into the celebration of the Resurrection, making it a meaningful resource for the entire Easter season.

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Good News of Easter

OAPCE Book Nook

Good News of Easter is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps young children understand the meaning and joy of Jesus’ Resurrection. Written for ages 4–8, it introduces the Easter story in a simple, uplifting way, highlighting God’s love, the hope of new life, and the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead. The book invites families to reflect on the true message of Easter through accessible language and warm, engaging artwork

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2026 Easter message

Bishop Message

✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM Dear members of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), In a few days, during the night of April 4th, the Church will celebrate “The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night.” This “greatest and most noble of all solemnities” “must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on the Sunday.” (Roman Missal, p. 343) It is not by accident that this great celebration is conducted in darkness. The idea is to allow the light of the Resurrection of Christ to illuminate the darkness of our world. We first want to proclaim the greatness of our God and Father: Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty,  wrapped in light as with a garment. (Psalm 104:1-2a) With Christ, we are also invited to pass from darkness to light, from death to life. The Vigil opens with the blessing of the new fire of Easter and lighting of the Easter Candle. While he lights the paschal candle, the priest presiding says: “May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” (Roman Missal, p. 346) During the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet), we sing: “Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness. Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of his glory…” (Roman Missal, p. 353)  In this year 2026, we may have the impression that the world’s gloom and darkness are particularly thick. We live in a world scarred by wars, conflicts and violence. Even our families, our schools, our working places cannot always escape the darkness that surrounds us. For us Catholic believers, it is crucial that we be exposed once again to the light of the Resurrection of Christ. At baptism, each one of us has been entrusted with the light of Christ, with the light of Easter: “Receive the light of Christ. Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. These children of yours have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the light. May they keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts.” (Ritual of Baptism) As parents who presented your children to baptism, you accepted a great responsibility: “On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring them [your children] up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives them is kept safe from the poison of sin, to always grow stronger in their hearts.” (Ritual of Baptism) As members of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education, we must find courage in the gloom and darkness of this world. This courage comes from a living relationship with Christ, the Light of the world. As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection with our families and our parish communities, let us allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle the light we received at baptism, the light that we committed ourselves to relay to our children. Through our commitment and dedication, may we become more and more bearers of Christ’s light, especially for our children and our catholic schools.  As we will celebrate the victory of God’s light over our world’s darkness, I convey to you the words the angel addressed to the women who discovered the empty tomb. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” (Matt. 28:5-7) May we guide our children and family to Galilee so that all of us may contemplate the risen Lord. A happy and holy Easter. ✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM

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An Easter Invitation

Faith Activities

Easter is the holiest and most joyful season of our faith—a time when we celebrate the Resurrection, renewal, and the boundless hope Christ offers the world. It is also a beautiful moment to reflect on how we, as a community of school, family, and Church, can gently and lovingly welcome families back into the fold. In many parishes, families may feel distant for a variety of reasons: busy schedules, uncertainty about returning after time away, or simply feeling disconnected from the routines and relationships that once anchored them. Easter gives us an opportunity to extend an invitation rooted not in guilt or expectation, but in love, mercy, and belonging. Families often need reassurance that the Church is a place where they are known, valued, and missed. A simple smile at the door, a friendly greeting from a familiar face, or a message from parish leadership can make a powerful difference.Easter is the perfect time to say:“We’re glad you’re here. You belong.” Families return when they feel connected—not only to the liturgy, but to their parish community. Consider: Easter holds rituals that speak deeply to the human heart: light overcoming darkness, new life rising from sorrow, and God’s promise of renewal. Families—especially those returning after time away—can find hope in these symbols. Encouraging families to take part in Holy Week services, the Easter Vigil, or a parish blessing event can reconnect them to the richness of their faith. Parents are the first teachers of the faith, but many feel unsure about how to guide their children spiritually—especially after disruptions, busyness, or long absences. Parishes can support them through: Serving others brings families closer to Christ and to one another. Easter is an ideal time to invite families to: Returning to church can feel overwhelming for families who’ve been away. Easter invites each of us into a season of mercy and gentle renewal. Offering opportunities for quiet prayer, reconciliation services, or simply a peaceful space in the church reminds families that God meets us exactly where we are. Welcoming families back isn’t a one‑time moment—it’s an ongoing journey of invitation and accompaniment. A follow‑up message of gratitude, a family event in spring, or a personal note of thanks can help families stay connected long after Easter Sunday. At its heart, Easter is God’s declaration that hope is stronger than fear, love is stronger than loss, and new beginnings are always possible. When we reach out to families with warmth, patience, and joy, we echo that same message. This Easter, may our parishes, our schools, and our homes become places where families feel welcomed, uplifted, and ready to rediscover the beauty of their faith. Together, we can help them hear Christ’s gentle call: “Come home. You are loved.”

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87th OAPCE Annual Conference

News & Events

You’re invited to the 87th OAPCE Annual Conference on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Join us for a full day of faith, leadership, learning, and connection as we explore “Being a Genuine Shepherd in an AI World.” Hear from featured speakers Giancarlo Brotto and Lucy Colangelo, connect with families from across Ontario, and discover valuable resources that support Catholic education. This event is open to anyone interested, and OAPCE representatives receive their conference ticket free. Download the conference promo and learn more.

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Journey Through Lent

News & Events

Loving God,As we enter this sacred season of Lent,open our hearts to Your presencein our homes, our schools, and our parish communities. Walk with our families as we seekto grow in faith, hope, and charity.Help us to choose moments of quietin a world filled with noise,and to find Your voicein prayer, in Scripture, and in one another. Strengthen parents as the first teachers of the faith.Guide our children to act with kindness,to stand for what is right,and to see Christ in every person they meet. Bless the partnership of school, family, and Churchso that together we may accompanyour young people with love, wisdom, and compassion. As we journey through these forty days,may our sacrifices draw us closer to Youand prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A Kids Guide for Lent – Free Family Resource

Faith Activities

Faith Activity If you’re looking for a simple way to journey through Lent as a family, the 40-Day Lent Guide for Kids from Crosswalk is a wonderful (and free!) resource.   Each day includes: The guide begins on Ash Wednesday and walks children through the weeks of Lent all the way to Easter Sunday. Activities encourage kindness, service, prayer, forgiveness, and reflection. Each day is designed to help children grow closer to Jesus in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.  You can use it at breakfast, bedtime, or even just a few times a week if daily feels too busy. It’s a beautiful, easy way to help children understand the true meaning of Lent — and it’s completely free! 

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Saint of the Month: St. Josephine Bahkita

Faith Activities, News & Events

Throughout February, students across Ontario explore Black History Month, learning about individuals who modelled courage, resilience, and the pursuit of equality. Many of these leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., were deeply rooted in their faith and drew strength from their relationship with God as they worked for justice.   This month, February 8th is also the feast day of St.Josephine Bahkita. The date marks the anniversary of her death in 1947 and is recognized by the Catholic Church as an international day of prayer, reflection, and action against human trafficking, as she is the patron saint of victims of slavery.  Her story  beautifully bridges Black History Month, our Catholic faith, and the approaching season of Lent.  Born in Sudan, 1869, Josephine was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery.  She endured suffering during that time, but years later when she encountered the love of Jesus and gained her freedom, she did not choose bitterness – but forgiveness towards her captors.  She then entered religious life as a Canossian nun, and devoted her life to serving others.   As we enter the season of Lent,  we can reflect on her life story and how it echos the message of the Gospel in a powerful way.  Lent invites us to reflect on suffering, sacrifice and transformation through Jesus.  St. Josephine modelled this through her life.   Her story also connects to the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 – 12): In a world where people often respond to injustice with anger – St.Josephine Bahkita responded with grace. She modelled humility, and in her moments of suffering – she chose faith.  As we embark on our own journey toward Lent,we can help our children see that holiness is not separate from history.  The fight for dignity and equality is deeply connected to our belief that all life is sacred and we are all created in the image and likeness of God.  St.Josephine Bakhita reminds us also that transformation is possible, and faith is a source of strength and resilience.

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PREMIUM Conference Sponsors

News & Events

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) continues to serve as the provincial voice for publicly funded Catholic education across Ontario. Representing Catholic district school boards and trustees province‑wide, OCSTA works to protect and promote Catholic education, support good governance, and offer leadership grounded in Gospel values. The Association provides professional development, governance training, and faith formation opportunities for trustees, while also leading key advocacy efforts with government and education partners. With more than 570,000 students in Ontario’s Catholic schools, OCSTA plays a vital role in supporting a strong, vibrant, and faith‑filled education system. Astronomy in Action Astronomy in Action brings the wonders of the universe directly to students through its portable planetariums and immersive astronomy programs, all aligned with the Ontario Science Curriculum. Their travelling domes offer an engaging, student‑centered learning experience that transforms any gym or classroom into a window to the cosmos—without the need for transportation or traditional field‑trip logistics. Programs span all grade levels, from early learners exploring constellations to high‑school students diving into galaxies, black holes, and STEM‑focused inquiry. With breathtaking visuals and interactive teaching, Astronomy in Action continues to inspire curiosity and ignite a love of science across Ontario communities.

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Reflection on Hope

Blog, News & Events

This month,  OAPCE welcomed Dr. Anne Jamieson from the Institute for Catholic Education for a virtual Faith Webinar for parents across the province titled, “Leading in Hope: A Parent’s Gift in Challenging Times” in which she discussed how hope is still on the horizon and needed now more than ever in these challenging times, as well as a reflection as we begin the Lenten journey.  She began by inviting us to reflect on the Jubilee Year that has now concluded, asking a simple but profound question: Now what? The Holy Door has closed. It is sealed. The formal celebration has ended. And yet — our call as parents has not. Dr. Jamieson walked us through the history of Jubilee, beginning in the Jewish faith — a time of restoration, forgiveness, renewal, and letting the land lie fallow so that it could regain strength. It was a reset rooted in justice and mercy. When the Catholic Church embraced the Jubilee tradition centuries ago, it carried forward that same spirit: reconciliation, pilgrimage, forgiveness, and hope. But the closing of a Jubilee year is not an ending — it is an invitation. In these modern and often challenging times, we are reminded that parents are not passive observers in the life of faith. We are leaders. Not because we have everything figured out, but because we model trust. We model hope. We model where to look when life feels heavy. One story Dr. Jamieson shared struck listeners deeply. She recalled a New Year’s Day family gathering many years ago. In the midst of celebration, news came that an uncle had passed away. In that moment of shock and sorrow, her mother — small, frail in stature — quietly took charge and led the entire extended family in praying the rosary. Despite her tiny frame, she led with steady faith. That moment imprinted itself on Dr. Jamieson’s heart. It reminded me that in our toughest and most uncertain moments, our children are watching. They look to us to see how we navigate grief, fear, disappointment, and stress. When we lean on Christ — when we pray aloud, when we pause, when we whisper, the Sacred Heart Prayer, “Oh my Jesus, I put all my faith in you” — we are anchoring something far deeper than the situation at hand. We are anchoring faith in the hearts and minds of our children. Dr. Jamieson spoke about hope as lifting our eyes to the horizon. When life feels overwhelming, when responsibilities pile up, when the world feels divided or uncertain, hope stretches what she called our “faith muscle.” Just as our eyes need to look into the distance to relieve strain, our souls need to look up and out — toward Christ. She reminded us that ‘Parents are the first teachers’. We lead by witness. We lead by example. We lead not only in calm moments, but in the storm of daily life and the challenges that we face. In conclusion, she reminded us that although the Jubilee door may have closed,  the work of hope continues in our homes. This is a time to be intentional — intentional in our prayer, intentional in our words, intentional in how we respond in front of our children. When we fix our eyes on Christ, we teach our children where to fix theirs too. 

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