We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, members of the OAPCE Executive were honoured to attend the Institute for Catholic Education's (ICE) 40th Anniversary Mass and Luncheon , alongside representatives from Ontario's Catholic education community, including the Catholic Curriculum Corporation (CCC), Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario (CPCO), and the Bishops of Ontario.
The celebration, themed "We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe," offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on four decades of faith, dedication, collaboration, and the shared mission of Catholic education in Ontario.
One of the highlights was a nostalgic reflection by Sister Joan Cronin , former Executive Director of ICE, who guided guests through the history of Catholic education in Ontario. She recalled the pivotal announcement in 1984 by Premier Bill Davis that Catholic secondary schools would receive full public funding, and the journey that followed as Catholic education partners came together to establish ICE.
Sister Joan fondly remembered how those early planning sessions felt less like formal administrative meetings and more like conversations around a "kitchen table." It was a place where people gathered, shared ideas, listened, and worked together with a common purpose. Her reflection beautifully echoed the invitation of our Lord to gather at His table, reminding us that Catholic education has always been built upon relationships, shared faith, and a commitment to serving one another.
Over the past 40 years, ICE has played an instrumental role in strengthening the identity and mission of Catholic education in Ontario. Through collaboration, curriculum development, faith formation initiatives, and educational resources, ICE has helped ensure that our Catholic faith remains at the heart of teaching and learning. Its contributions include the development of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, Religious Education and Family Life curriculum documents, and support for faith-based programs such as Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ and the newer Blessed & Beloved Family Life series. These resources continue to help educators and parents nurture the faith of children in our Catholic schools.
Former Executive Director Michael Pautler and current Executive Director Dr. Anne Jamieson also shared heartfelt reflections, recognizing the dedication, vision, and contributions of the many individuals and Catholic education partners who have helped ICE flourish over the decades.
The celebration included a beautiful Mass of thanksgiving, bringing the Catholic education community together in prayer and gratitude for the blessings of the past 40 years. OAPCE Executive members also had the pleasure of sharing a table with Bishop Yvan Mathieu , OAPCE's Liaison Bishop, and Bishop Joseph Dabrowski , strengthening the relationships that connect parents, educators, and Church leadership.
As we celebrated this remarkable milestone, Sister Joan's image of the kitchen table served as a powerful reminder that Catholic education is not built by one organization alone. It flourishes when parents, educators, trustees, clergy, and Catholic leaders come together in faith, united in their mission to lead our children closer to Christ.
We remember those who laid the foundation. We celebrate the blessings and achievements of the past 40 years. We believe in the enduring promise of Catholic education for generations to come.
On behalf of OAPCE, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Institute for Catholic Education for 40 years of faithful service, leadership, and dedication to Catholic education in Ontario.
