Fall Message 2024

 

OAPCE

Fall 2024 message from the Liaison Bishop

✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM

With the beginning of the school year 2024-2025, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) embarks on its 86th year of existence. And as we enter a new phase of the Association’s history, the Gospel reading of Sunday October 6 (27th Sunday in ordinary time) is reminding us of the educational responsibility of the whole Church:

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)

As parents who believe in and promote Catholic education, we too bring our children to Jesus. We do want them to be touched by Jesus, the risen Lord. We want them to be in contact with his healing power. We want them to know who he really is. We want them to know that his Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has the power of changing our lives for the better. We want Jesus to touch their heart and introduce them to life, eternal life.

However, there are many obstacles that prevent our children from being touched by Christ today. At the time Jesus walked among us, the disciples tried to keep children away from Jesus. Today, many believe that children do not have to be exposed to the Gospel, to the Catholic values. In Ontario, we can count on the presence of a publicly funded English Catholic system of education in the Province of Ontario. 

OAPCE is here to support our Catholic system or Education and advocate for you. We believe that parents play a crucial role in the education of their children, and we encourage you to get involved and be a part of your child’s educational journey. As parents, you are the first and most influential educators of the children God gave you in his love. 

As we journey with our children on the path of faith, let us learn from them to be disciples of Christ, “for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14) A child is totally dependent on his parents to survive. He or she is totally open to God’s action in his/her life. No wonder Jesus declares: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

As we embark in this new school year, let us learn from our children how to receive the Gospel and live accordingly. May the way we live our faith in love and hope inspire our children. And may our commitment to our children’s education make the difference in our school boards, our schools and our families. A blessed school year to you all!

✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM
Scroll to Top