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Walking in Faith: A New School Year Reflection for Parents September is a season of fresh starts. New teachers, new classrooms, and new routines often leave families juggling homework, schedules, pizza days, school sports, and fundraising forms. In the middle of all this busyness, we are reminded that our journey as Catholic parents is more than just managing the calendar — it’s a pilgrimage of faith. This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week is “On the Path to Holiness.” It reminds us that in our Catholic schools we are not only students and teachers, but pilgrims, walking together in faith toward holiness. That theme inspired me to pause and reflect on what this means in daily family life — especially in the ordinary but sometimes stressful moments of parenting. Parents are often reminded of life lessons in these small, everyday moments. For example, picture a parent helping a grade 8 child work through multiplication of decimals. The numbers don’t line up, the answers are wrong, and frustration builds. At 9 p.m., the night before the quiz, trying to explain why zero is an important place holder can stretch anyone’s patience. It is in these moments that the depth of patience required of parents is revealed — not only in guiding homework, but in every role they play. Sometimes, parents need to pray for patience. As a priest often reminds us, prayer is most powerful when it is specific. We can ask God for patience with schoolwork, patience in the middle of busy schedules, and patience with ourselves and our children. When parents turn to prayer in these ordinary struggles, they are teaching their children what faith looks like in action. Parents are the first teachers of faith. Our children learn from the way we pray, the way we forgive, and the way we serve. When we remain in God’s love, we give them the anchor that grounds their lives and helps them walk their own path to holiness. This is exactly why OAPCE exists — to walk alongside parents in this sacred role. OAPCE’s mission to Engage, Advocate, and Enhance keeps parents connected, supported, and encouraged in Catholic education. We Engage when we join parent councils, volunteer, and strengthen school communities. We Advocate when we connect with trustees and leaders, ensuring Catholic voices are heard. We Enhance when we build strong parish–school–home partnerships that help children see faith lived out daily. By working together, OAPCE reminds parents that we are not alone on this journey. Just as prayer gives us patience in homework struggles, OAPCE gives parents the voice and support needed to guide our children’s education in faith. Ideas for Parents: What You Can Do Choose a Gospel verse together and make it a screen saver or sticky note to spark conversation. Share a favourite worship song on the way to school or at bedtime as a prayerful moment We Enhance when we build strong parish–school–home partnerships that help children see faith lived out daily. Revisit the sacraments — it’s never too late for Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, or Confirmation, for our children or even for ourselves. Look for ways to connect with parish and school events to strengthen the bond between home, school, and Church. Holiness doesn’t mean perfection — it means remaining in God’s love, step by step, in the ordinary moments. Even in late-night homework struggles, we are pilgrims walking with our children, guided by faith, patience, and love. And with OAPCE, we walk this path together as a community of Catholic parents.

Parents are the first educators of their children.  What we do in a school is to build on the foundation of that education as we encourage children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually.  As a result, we expect that parents continue to support their children in this process.  They often do this by assisting their children with homework, supporting their children in extra-curricular events and encouraging them in their relationships with others.  Moreover, our parents make a commitment to nourish the spiritual dimension of their children’s growth by assuring that what schools accomplish for seven hours out of a day is reiterated at home. Religious instruction in our schools is only valuable when our students have a time and a place to live out their religion.  The teaching of Gospel values is only understood when our students have the opportunity to serve in the community, attend worship services on the weekend and witness positive behavior in their homes and in their neighborhoods.  So when parents choose a Catholic education they are choosing more than a school.  They are choosing a way of life for their children and their family and they are making a commitment to raise their children in homes that reinforce the lessons that are taught at school. We are most grateful to parents who make these choices every single day.  Yet the real value of a Catholic education does not lay only in name.  Instead, the value of a Catholic education is measured in the character of the children that we have educated together.  Some say teaching is a thankless job.  Others say parenting is a thankless job.  We have come to realize that both statements are false.  Neither are jobs.  They are vocations to which we have all been called.   We are confident that the end result for all of us is to help nurture young children into young men and women  who exhibit academic achievement and spiritual growth so as to become active participants in building the Kingdom of God.

Catholic education has long been a topic of debate, often focusing on its funding and place within public education systems. However, there is no denying the significant impact Catholic education has on the faith formation of children. It provides them with a strong religious foundation, instills the values and teachings of the Catholic Church, and nurtures a sense of community. “Catholic education has been instrumental in nurturing my child’s faith. The incorporation of religious studies throughout their education has enriched their understanding of Catholic values and helped cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the community.” – Jennifer Pilzecker, OAPCE Niagara Director. “We must remain vigilant in protecting the gift of Catholic education in an increasingly secular society, ensuring that we do not succumb to the influence of fleeting social trends.” One of the key ways in which Catholic education enhances faith formation for children is through its integration of religious education into the curriculum. In Catholic schools, students have the unique opportunity to learn about the teachings of the Catholic Church and actively participate in religious rituals and practices. This not only deepens their understanding of their faith but also fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity with others who share their beliefs. “Working in a faith-filled environment allows me to not only educate my students academically but also guide them in developing their relationship with God. I consider it a privilege to be able to support their faith formation along with their academic growth.” – A. Madonna, OAPCE Simcoe Muskoka Director, Educator Catholic schools also provide a faith-filled environment where children can grow in their relationship with God. The presence of dedicated teachers and staff who are committed to their own faith journey serves as a positive role model for students. These educators not only teach academic subjects but also nurture the spiritual lives of their students, guiding them to develop a personal relationship with God and encouraging them to live out their faith in their daily lives. Furthermore, Catholic education promotes moral values and ethical behavior. Catholic schools actively cultivate a culture of respect, compassion, and social justice. Students are taught to treat others with kindness and dignity, promoting inclusivity and acceptance. They are also encouraged to be conscious of their responsibility to care for those less fortunate and work towards creating a more just society. Through service projects and community outreach programs, students actively engage in acts of charity, solidifying their commitment to living out the Gospel values they learn in school. “I firmly believe that Catholic education, supported by the active involvement of parents through organizations like OAPCE, provides a unique and valuable opportunity for children to develop a strong faith foundation alongside their academic journey. Our partnership with OAPCE allows us to work collaboratively in ensuring that the needs of students in Catholic schools are met and that their faith formation is nurtured in a holistic manner.” – Most Rev. Bishop Mathieu, OAPCE Liaison Bishop, Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario. The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing the faith formation of children in Catholic schools. Recognized by the Ministry of Education, OAPCE works closely with other stakeholders such as Bishops, Principals, Trustees, and Teachers to ensure a holistic approach to supporting Catholic education. This partnership strengthens the connection between school, home, and parish, fostering unity and shared purpose in nurturing the faith of children. OAPCE also provides valuable opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s education and faith formation. Through its network of local OAPCE representatives and regional committee meetings, parents have a platform to voice their concerns and engage with like-minded individuals. These meetings provide a supportive network for parents, allowing them to connect with others in their local Catholic education community. By fostering this sense of community and collaboration, OAPCE further enhances the faith formation of children by creating an environment where parents actively participate in their child’s education and faith journey. “OAPCE hosts regional committee meetings where parents can come together to share best practices, exchange ideas, and get to know other parents in their regions”- quotes R. Takeaway, OAPCE Dufferin Peel Director,  “as well as providing guest speakers such as Dr. Josephine Lombardi and Teresa Hartnett who help with our Faith formation as Adults, which in turn inspires us as parents to our children.” In addition to advocating for Catholic education at the provincial level, OAPCE ensures that the parent voice is heard and considered in decision-making processes that impact Catholic education. Through its involvement in various Ministry of Education initiatives and working tables, OAPCE plays a crucial role in promoting parent involvement and fostering a strong partnership between parents and the Ministry. “Our organization is dedicated to empowering parents and guardians in supporting the faith formation of children in Catholic schools. Through advocacy, information sharing, and community-building initiatives, we aim to enhance the partnership between parents and the Ministry of Education for the benefit of all students.” – J. Perri, Co-Executive Director, OAPCE. In conclusion, while Catholic education may be controversial to some, it undeniably plays a pivotal role in the faith formation of children. It provides them with a solid religious foundation, promotes moral values, and creates a faith-filled environment. Through the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), parents and guardians have a voice in supporting and promoting Catholic education. OAPCE’s advocacy efforts, information sharing, and community-building initiatives contribute to the enhancement of faith formation in children attending Catholic schools in Ontario.