The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) has issued a pastoral letter recognizing the vital role of Chaplaincy Leaders in Ontario Catholic schools. The full text is available to download below.
Overview
The pastoral letter affirms that chaplaincy is not an optional extra in the Catholic school but an essential expression of the school’s identity as a faith community. It calls on school boards, principals, and the broader Catholic community to support and resource chaplaincy ministry.
The letter acknowledges the particular challenges chaplains face in contemporary school culture — secularization, pluralism, and the diverse spiritual needs of students — and encourages chaplains to approach these challenges with faith, creativity, and pastoral sensitivity.
Key Themes
- Chaplaincy as an expression of the Church’s preferential option for youth
- The unique vocation of the Chaplaincy Leader as a lay ecclesial minister
- The importance of prayer, liturgy, and sacramental life in the Catholic school
- Pastoral care for students experiencing mental health challenges, grief, or spiritual questions
- The chaplain’s role in supporting equity, inclusion, and human dignity in the school
A Word to Chaplaincy Leaders
“You are the face of the Church in your school. Your ministry is a gift — to the students who need to encounter the love of God, to the staff who need the support of a pastoral presence, and to the Catholic school community as a whole. We are grateful for your faithfulness and your service.”