The annual ALCDSB pastoral themes call us to nurture the members of home, school, and parish, express our faith through our vision, mission, and values, and support the ALCDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Each theme is enriched with connections to Scripture, song, prayer, and imagery.
The ALCDSB pastoral themes (2025-2030) are connected through the overarching theme of the Scripture passage from the prophet Micah: What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
The interconnectedness of these pastoral themes speak to our identity as disciples of Christ, our relationship with God, and how we respond to God’s call by bringing the Good News to the world, and in our particular context, to all Catholic education communities within the ALCDSB.
To learn more about the Board’s Annual Pastoral Themes visit: https://22.files.edl.io/17f8/08/27/25/174148-49d580c7-547d-4b1a-b204-8238542e9fd4.pdf
Board Pastoral Theme: 2025 –2026
The first of five pastoral themes, “We Are Called”, is an introduction to the four proceeding themes. God is calling us to and gives us the gift of salvation by grace. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah boldly proclaims what is required to follow on this path of the Lord.
Inspired by Micah 6:8, through this cycle of pastoral themes we will learn what is good: to do justice, to love kindness, to serve one another, and to walk humbly with God.
In order to accomplish this, we must first listen to God, and then act in humility as ambassadors for Christ on Earth. We are called to bring the light of Christ to everyone whom we encounter. We must do this with joy, love, mercy, and a disposition of tenderness. Through this calling we will be able to build up the Body of Christ.
Whenever we enter an ALCDSB building, we are called to reflect upon who might need joy, love, mercy, or tenderness on this given day. How can we be the best version of ourselves that brings Christ to each person? Consider this our challenge for this year: Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God will come to know God because they know you. The introductory theme “We are Called” is a reminder of the invitation each of us receives from God. How will you respond to this invitation?
Logo:
The “We Are Called” logo is represented by the image of Jesus with his arm outstretched towards us. The outstretching of Jesus’ arm is a reminder of the invitation of this theme. The image of Jesus is also a reminder to us that faith is an invitation to enter into a personal relationship. In this instance we are being called by Christ, and in the greater picture, we are called into relationship with God who is three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is calling us to walk with him, being his hands and feet here on earth. We are all called to respond to this invitation, living out our mission as his disciples, called to bring the Good News to all who we encounter, and to bring people closer to God through our words and our actions.
Scripture Connection:
For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
The Scripture passage that supports the theme comes from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. St. Paul reminds us that God uses the good news of salvation to call us for a purpose. And so we are called to share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Catholic Christians, we are privileged to represent Christ the King here on earth, and because of these we are called to carry ourselves with the dignity that comes with being God’s children. As ambassadors for Christ on Earth, people will see how our words and our deeds align with our faith.
Each theme song is provided for use at school Masses, liturgies, assemblies, and for use at system events. Music will be provided to the music leads at each site.
Music: A Rightful Place
Artist: Steve Angrisano
CCLI Song # 7007170 Steve Angrisano © 2012 spiritandsong.com For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 11515112
Liturgical Function: Gathering or Processional