On Tuesday, May 3, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will celebrate Catholic Education Week at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston. Student and staff representatives from each school across the district, as well as trustees, senior administrators, clergy and religious, will make the pilgrimage to the Holy Doors at the Cathedral and participate in a joyful Eucharistic Celebration. At this time, excellence in the Board will be recognized through the presentation of a number of annual awards. Recipients will be honoured at a luncheon following the Mass.
Throughout the month of April, ALCDSB schools held vigils to raise awareness of issues of poverty, justice, and peace. By standing in prayer and solidarity with those who experience injustice in our communities and around the world, students and staff demonstrate our board theme, Faith in Action, and carry on the work of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, who held a weekly silent vigil in front of Kingston City Hall for 20 years. This initiative is particularly relevant during the Year of Mercy, when Pope Francis has called us to “be a living sign of the Father’s love in the world.” Photos of this special project will be compiled into a video presentation which will be released during Catholic Education Week.
Two evening events for families and community members will be held at which keynote speaker, Fr. Raymond DeSousa, will address the question – How do we raise our children to be practicing Christians in a secular world? On Friday, May 6, secondary students will gather for a Faith and Leadership Day. The Catholic Education Week theme, Opening Doors of Mercy, will also come alive in each individual school through a variety of activities, including prayer celebrations, music and drama performances, learning activities, and acts of service.
