Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Faith

Advent Season

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Journeying Through Advent at Sudbury Catholic Schools

As we approach the Christmas season, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board joyfully enters into the sacred season of Advent – a time of hope, peace, joy, and love. Beginning on Sunday, November 30, and continuing through December 7, December 14, and December 21, our school communities come together each week to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

A Season of Reflection and Anticipation

Advent invites us to slow down and notice God’s presence in our midst. Throughout these four weeks, students and staff across Sudbury Catholic Schools participate in classroom discussions, morning liturgies, community service projects, and faith-filled activities that highlight the true meaning of the season.

Each Sunday of Advent carries a special theme:

  • Week 1 (Nov. 30) – Hope:
    We light the first candle on the Advent wreath, reminding us of God’s promise and our trust in His guidance.
  • Week 2 (Dec. 7) – Peace:
    We reflect on the peace Christ brings to our world and how we can share that peace with others.
  • Week 3 (Dec. 14) – Joy:
    Marked by the rose-coloured candle, this week reminds us to celebrate the joy that comes from knowing Christ is near.
  • Week 4 (Dec. 21) – Love:
    As Christmas draws close, we focus on God’s unconditional love and how we can share that love in our families, schools, and communities.

Living Out Our Faith

Across the Board, classrooms and school chapels will be filled with readings, prayer services, Advent wreath lightings, acts of kindness, and charitable initiatives that embody the spirit of giving. Many of our schools will also host liturgies, food drives, and Advent-themed activities that bring our communities together in faith and service.

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

During these four meaningful weeks, we walk together-students, families, educators, and parish partners-in hopeful anticipation of Christmas. Advent reminds us that the greatest gifts we can share are compassion, kindness, and love.

As we journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, may this season bring light to our communities and strengthen our connection as a Catholic school family.

Sudbury Catholic Students Focus on Caring for Creation at Annual Leadership Retreat

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On November 20, students from all four Sudbury Catholic Secondary Schools came together for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s annual Leadership Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Church, uniting young leaders from across the Board for a day of meaningful connection.

This year’s retreat focused on sustainability and caring for God’s creation. Guided by our Faith Animators and dedicated Sudbury Catholic staff, students participated in hands-on activities that explored environmental stewardship and how we can continue to protect and honour the earth. They also heard from an inspiring guest speaker who shared powerful insights on living sustainably through faith and action.

Our students embraced every moment, offering thoughtful reflections on how they can champion environmental responsibility within their schools and communities.

Check out our photo gallery on Facebook for highlights from this uplifting day of learning, leadership, and faith in action!

Catholic Education Week: St. David Students Create Lanterns of Hope with SCDSB Trustee 🏮

Posted on by Erin Kendall

This week, the spirit of Catholic education lit up St. David School—both figuratively and literally—as students in Ms. Toffoli’s Grade 4/5 classroom took part in a meaningful hands-on activity: creating Lanterns of Hope. With creativity, care, and faith guiding each design, the students spent a beautiful afternoon reflecting on themes of light, hope, and community.

Adding to this already engaging activity, the class was honoured to welcome Mr. Ray Desjardins, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. Mr. Desjardins joined the students for the activity, rolling up his sleeves to help bring the lanterns to life. His visit made the experience all the more memorable and highlighted the strong connection between our schools and the broader Catholic education community.

Thank you to Ms. Toffoli for organizing such an inspiring and faith-filled opportunity, and for inviting Mr. Desjardins to share in the moment. Activities like these reflect the heart of Catholic education—where creativity, faith, and community come together to light the way forward.

A Sweet Start to Lent: Shrove Tuesday Celebration at the Catholic Education Centre

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Today, staff at the Catholic Education Centre (CEC) gathered to celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a delicious pancake breakfast! From flipping pancakes to sharing a meal, it was a wonderful way to come together before the Lenten season begins on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

In addition to the Catholic Education Centre, students and staff across our schools are marking Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, this day is a time for reflection, reconciliation, and preparation for the Lenten journey. The word “shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning to confess and receive absolution.

Pancakes have long been a symbol of this day, as people historically used up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the Lenten season of fasting and prayer. As we gather to share in this tradition in our own unique ways, we are reminded of the importance of faith, repentance, and renewal.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated school volunteers who help bring this tradition to life for students! May this celebration prepare our hearts for the solemn and prayerful season of Lent.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School Celebrates the Virtue of Compassion

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Last week, the Immaculate Conception Catholic School community came together to celebrate the virtue of the month; Compassion, recognizing students who exemplified kindness, empathy, and a commitment to helping others.

Students were honoured for their meaningful actions, whether through offering a helping hand to a classmate in need or sharing words of encouragement. Their gestures, both big and small, reflected the true spirit of compassion and the values at the heart of our school community.

A special thank-you goes to Mrs. Mailloux’s Grade 3/4 class, who led the school in a moving reflection, inspiring all to continue fostering a culture of care and support.

“At Immaculate Conception, we believe that by uplifting one another, we strengthen our community. Together, we continue to grow in faith and service.” Said Principal Jodi Cunningham.

Together in Service: St. Benedict, Holy Cross, and St. David Schools Raise Over $28,000 for the Sudbury Food Bank 

Posted on by Erin Kendall

In partnership with the Sudbury Food Bank, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to celebrate the success of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s second annual Food Drive. This year, the school community, with help from Holy Cross and St. David Elementary Schools raised $28,056.70 and collected 2,100 cans to support individuals and families in need across the Sudbury region. This marks an increase of $6,552.83 from last year’s total of $21,503.95, highlighting the school’s continued dedication to giving back to the community.

The Food Drive, a cornerstone of St. Benedict’s holiday initiatives, reflects the school’s strong commitment to social justice. The Christmas season provides an opportunity to support local food banks, particularly during a time when the need is greater than ever. According to Food Banks Canada, March 2024 saw over 2 million visits to food banks nationwide, a record high underscoring the urgency of addressing food insecurity.

The Food Drive campaign ran from November 25 to December 11, featuring several impactful initiatives that brought the community together: 

  • St. Benedict students prepared and served pasta dinners for families, students, and community members at St. Benedict and Holy Cross.
  • St. Benedict students collected donations at Chris’ Your Independent Grocer and Messier’s Your Independent Grocer.
  • St. Benedict’s fundraising team organized a class competition to raise funds, fostering teamwork and school spirit.
  • Representative St. Benedict Bears also attended both Holy Cross and St. David Elementary schools for a pep rally, that energized their school partners to join forces in collecting monetary donations and non-perishable food items. 

“This initiative has given our students a chance to reflect on their blessings, connect with their community, and develop leadership skills through community service,” said Principal Beverley Belanger. “We are deeply grateful to all our contributors; this includes our students, staff, families, elementary schools, and, of course, our local partners, including Messier’s Your Independent Grocer, Chris’ Your Independent Grocer, Caruso Club, and Vito Brand Meats, whose support made this achievement possible.”

“I’m truly inspired by the way our school community came together to support those in need this year,” said David Akero, St. Benedict student and Sudbury Catholic District School Board Student Trustee. “The Food Drive showed us the importance of food banks and the meaningful accomplishments we can achieve by coming together as a community.”

St. Charles Students Bring Stockings to Seniors at St. Gabriel Villa

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Mme Winn’s Grade 2/3 class from St. Charles Elementary School embraced the spirit of giving this holiday season by spreading joy to the residents of St. Gabriel Villa. With generous support from their parents, these thoughtful students collected and purchased items to fill 17 stockings, each brimming with gifts to brighten the seniors’ day.

Some students had the special opportunity to hand-deliver the stockings, sharing warm wishes and holiday cheer. The heartfelt appreciation from the seniors was truly touching, with smiles and gratitude creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

This inspiring act of kindness showcases the power of community and the true meaning of the holiday season. Well done, Mme Winn’s class!

Advent Celebration at Pius XII Catholic Elementary School

Posted on by Erin Kendall

On December 10, Pius XII School came together as a community to celebrate the second week of Advent during their school-wide mass.

A special thank you to Father Sam from Holy Redeemer Church, Sudbury for presiding, Ms. Filice and the Grade 5/6 class for organizing, Ms. Schiafone and her Grade 6 helpers for handling the technology, the Pius Choir for their beautiful music, and Ms. Minor and her Grade 3 class for bringing the Living Nativity to life.

It was a wonderful display of faith and community spirit.

Holy Trinity Hosts Moustache Day in Support of Maison McCulloch Hospice! 

Posted on by Erin Kendall

Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School celebrated Moustache Day with an incredible show of support from students, families, and staff. Participants joined in the fun by purchasing moustache stickers, donating online, and embracing the spirit of giving back.

All proceeds from the event are going to Maison McCulloch Hospice, helping to support their essential work in our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed – your generosity and community spirit are truly appreciated.

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