Last Updated: Monday - 09/27/2010

A century of Alberta Catholic school rights

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today across Alberta, Catholics are invited to celebrate the gift of Catholic education. Indeed, this year is a special milestone, marking a full century since the legal rights of Alberta Catholic schools were defined in the ordinance of the Northwest Territories of 1901.

We celebrate the past, present and future of our Catholic schools - schools which aim to educate the whole child, spiritually, academically, socially, physically and emotionally.

Millions of former and current students are faithful witnesses to the love of Christ and to the value of Catholic education that nurtured in them the seeds of justice, faith and love. In turn, we raise our voices in thanksgiving for our dedicated Catholic parents, teachers, trustees, administrators and staff who through countless hours of service, sacrifice and example have helped to build and to inspire many lives.

We light a candle of hope for the future of our Catholic schools. We pray that the joy and the laughter, the gifts and enthusiasm of Alberta's children will continue to be nurtured and inspired through our schools by the Spirit of the Divine Child who is within each one of them and each of us.

	Thomas Collins Archbishop of Edmonton
	Frederick Henry Bishop of Calgary
	Luc Bouchard Bishop-elect of Saint-Paul
	Lawrence Huculak, OSBM Bishop of Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton
	Arthé Guimond Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
	Denis Croteau, OMI Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith

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