Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

This year, we invite you to celebrate with us Catholic Education Sunday on November 6, 2005. It is an opportunity for our faith community to praise the work that is done in Catholic education and to reflect on the gifts that we can offer our Catholic families, parishes and schools.

We have selected “Chosen to Feed His Flock” as the theme to celebrate Catholic Education Sunday 2005. Whether you are a parent, teacher, administrator, trustee, clergy or parishioner, be assured that God has chosen each and every one of you to play a specific and integral role in the formation of the students in our Catholic school community.

God chose you to feed his flock—nourishing physically, emotionally and spiritually the children whom God has entrusted to you. It is through your actions of faith—calling for social justice, loving your neighbour, giving selflessly to the sick and poor, celebrating the sacraments, and prayer—that you will be able to feed and nourish our young people.

The theme for Catholic Education Sunday reminds us of our calling. Remember that we have all been chosen by God to contribute fully to the success of our Catholic community and schools. It is equally important that we recognize our free will to choose Catholic education and protect it as we would a valued gift.

Parents—choose to celebrate and share your faith with your children, and live the Gospel message in your homes and community, so that they will learn from you.

Trustees—choose to represent your community in protecting and promoting Catholic education within the public education spectrum.

Administrators, teachers and school staff—choose to be mentors of faith for each other and especially the students in your care.

Priests, and religious brothers and sisters—choose to make Catholic education a part of your ministry through your prayers, support and guidance of parents and parishioners in their faith journey.

Parishioners and community members—choose to support the families, parishes and Catholic schools in your community, so that access to faith-based education is available to all children.

Students—choose to boldly live the gospel today and every day of your lives.

As bishops we want to assure you of our unwavering support for Catholic education and everyone who is part of the formation of our children. Let us together choose to feed Christ’s flock.