News & Events

When we think of saints, we often picture people who lived long ago—holy men and women who grew old in their faith or faced persecution for believing in God. But St. Carlo Acutis was different. He was a teenager—a boy who loved computers, video games, and the internet—who lived not centuries ago but in our own modern time. And this year, in September 2025, Carlo became the first millennial to be canonized a saint.  Born in 1991 and passing away in 2006 at just 15 years old, Carlo reminds us that holiness is possible even for young people in our own time. Carlo loved computers, coding, and video games—but he used his gifts to serve God. He once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.” He believed deeply that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity—and he wanted others to believe it too. From his home in Italy, Carlo created a website that catalogued Eucharistic miracles from around the world. The project gathered more than 160 stories of hosts and chalices that showed physical signs of Christ’s real presence after consecration.  An Example of One Miracle In Sokółka, Poland (2008), a consecrated host was accidentally dropped during Communion. The priest placed it in water to dissolve, following Church practice. Days later, red fibres appeared on the host. Scientific testing confirmed that the substance was human heart tissue—showing signs of life at the moment it was examined. Carlo included this and many other cases in his digital exhibition to help people rediscover the mystery of the Eucharist. To explore these stories, you can still visit the website he built: miracolieucaristici.org  From Being Faith to Sainthood When Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia, he offered his suffering for the Pope and for the Church. He faced his illness with peace and joy, saying, “I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting even a minute on things that displease God.” After his death, miracles began to be reported through his intercession. A boy in Brazil with a rare digestive disorder was instantly healed after his family prayed to Carlo. Years later, a young woman in Italy recovered completely from a severe head injury after prayers through his intercession. Carlo’s body was later found to be incorrupt—meaning it had not decomposed as is usual after death. The Church sees this as a sign of extraordinary holiness, though not itself a required miracle. In recognition of these miracles and his heroic faith, Pope Francis declared him a saint in 2025.  How Can We Inspire Our Children through St. Carlo’s Example?

Dear Parents ACROSS THE PROVINCE, As we prepare to enter the holy season of Advent, we are invited into a time of hopeful waiting, joyful expectation, and spiritual renewal. Advent reminds us that God is always drawing near—bringing light where there is darkness, peace where there is worry, and love that transforms our hearts. In this beautiful season, your continued involvement in your children’s Catholic schools becomes an important way to share that light and hope within our community. By staying active and engaged, you help create school environments where faith is nourished, where Gospel values are lived, and where children can encounter the true meaning of Advent: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Your presence—whether through participation in events, support for learning, or collaboration with teachers and fellow parents—strengthens the bond between home, school, and parish, and enriches the spiritual journey of every child. As we begin this season of preparation, may God bless your families with peace, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, let us walk in faith, guiding our children toward the hope, joy, and wonder of Christmas.

Tips for Parents to Get Involved: OAPCE recognizes that some parents might find it daunting to get involved in their child’s education due to a lack of support or direction. Here are a few tips for parents to actively engage and support their child’s success in Catholic education: 1. Attend OAPCE Events and Workshops: OAPCE regularly organizes events, workshops, and webinars on various educational topics. These events offer a platform for parents to learn, ask questions, and gain insights from experts in the field. “I attended an OAPCE Conference and it provided me with practical strategies to enhance my child’s learning at home. I highly recommend attending these events as they are informative and inspiring!” – OAPCE Niagara Representative  2. Establish Open Communication: Foster open and regular communication with your child’s teachers and school administration. Actively seek feedback on your child’s progress and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. “Open communication between parents and educators is key to fostering a supportive and successful learning environment for our children. By actively seeking feedback and voicing our concerns or questions, we can work together with teachers and school administration to ensure our children’s academic and personal growth.” – R. Takawy, OAPCE Dufferin Peel, Director. 3. Volunteer Opportunities: Look for volunteer opportunities at your child’s school or within the broader Catholic education community. Volunteer work allows you to connect with educators, parents, and students, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility. 4. Stay Informed: Keep updated with educational policies and changes within the Catholic education system. Attend information sessions, read OAPCE newsletters, and connect with other parents to stay abreast of important developments. “As parents, it is essential to stay informed about educational policies and changes within the Catholic education system. By staying updated, we can effectively advocate for our children’s needs and ensure they receive the best possible education.” – J. Perri, Co-Executive Director, OAPCE. As a Ministry of Education recognized organization, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) serves as the voice of parents and guardians in supporting and enhancing Catholic education in Ontario. By providing information, resources, and advocacy opportunities, OAPCE empowers parents to actively engage in their child’s education, leading to improved student success. By partnering with other stakeholders, engaging with media, and organizing annual conferences, OAPCE further supports the continuation and preservation of publicly funded Catholic education for generations to come.