With the school year well underway, we are pleased to introduce the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board’s 2026-2027 pastoral theme, Alive in the Spirit.
Inspired by our vision statement, Rooted in Faith, Alive in Spirit, this year’s theme invites us to open our hearts to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our learning, relationships, and service to others. Throughout the year, together with our students, staff, and parish partners, we will explore and live out the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, reflecting on how they can bring God’s love, compassion, courage, and hope into our Catholic school communities.
As part of this journey, we will reflect on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit received through the Sacrament of Confirmation:
These gifts are ever-present to us and help guide us in making decisions that are aligned with our Catholic faith.
As a system, we continue to be guided by our Board’s strategic ENDS, and this year’s pastoral theme supports our goal of helping students develop their Catholic faith. With the help of our Board Chaplain, Father Joseph de Viveiros, C.R., and our valued parish partners, our students will engage in learning, reflection, and prayer to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and support their spiritual growth.
A key concept within this year’s pastoral theme is Koinonia, a Greek word that speaks to communion, fellowship, unity, and belonging. While there is no single English word that fully captures its meaning, Koinonia reminds us that the Holy Spirit calls us to build strong bonds of community rooted in Christ. As we journey together this year, we will continue to foster communities where students and staff are welcomed, valued, supported, and empowered to grow into the people God created them to be.
Alive in the Spirit also complements the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association’s 2026-2027 Catholic Education Week theme, Becoming Artisans of Peace. As we grow in awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and embrace the gifts and fruits it offers, we are called to become peacemakers in our schools, families, parishes, and communities.
Through the Spirit’s guidance, we learn to build bridges of understanding, foster reconciliation, nurture belonging, and share Christ’s peace with others. In this way, being Alive in the Spirit helps us become true artisans of peace, bringing God’s love, hope, and healing to the world around us.
The fruits of a life lived in the Spirit are revealed through our words and actions. Throughout the year, our Catholic school communities will highlight one Fruit of the Holy Spirit each month, inviting students and staff to reflect on and embody these virtues in their daily lives.
As we embark on this new pastoral journey, Alive in the Spirit calls us to deepen our faith, strengthen our relationships, and become living witnesses to Christ’s love. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we look forward to seeing this theme come to life throughout our Catholic schools as we continue to build communities of faith, belonging, hope, and peace.