2023-24 School Year Calendar
October Virtue of the Month: Empathy
Judge your neighbor's feelings by your own, and in every matter be thoughtful. (Sir. 31:15)
Month of October: A Marian Month
The month of October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily because the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on October 7. It was instituted to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary by the faithful. That is why Pope Francis has invited all the faithful to pray the Holy Rosary every day in October.
Please use the following Litany of Mary of Nazareth to celebrate and honour our Blessed Mother.
Please use the following How to Pray the Rosary card, provided by the Knights of Columbus.
October is:
German Heritage Month (National)
Canadian Islamic History Month (National)
Latin American Heritage Month (National)
Women's History Month (National)
Canadian Library Month (National)
Healthy Workplace Month (National)
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (National)
International Walk to School Month (International)
October 1-7 - National Catholic Health Care Week
From October 1 to 7, we mark National Catholic Health Care Week across Canada, recognizing the important work of Catholic health care organizations in our province and across Canada. Nationally, Catholic health care serves over 5 million Canadians each year and employs over 88,000 people. At the heart of Catholic health care is a deep respect for the intrinsic value and dignity of every human being and an unwavering commitment to serving all people, from all backgrounds and faiths – especially society’s most vulnerable. The Week is an invitation to learn more about the role, value and impact of Catholic health care in Canada and to be vocal, informed supporters of Catholic health care and the healing ministry of Jesus in Canada.
October 2 – Memorial of The Holy Guardian Angels
October 2 - Empowering Women Day
DPCDSB recognizes the first Monday in October as Empowering Women Day. A day to commemorate the notable achievements and advancements of Canadian women and address the challenges faced by Canadian women.
October 4 – Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi
October 4 - Walk to School Day (Provincial)
October 5 - World Teacher Day (International)
October 6 - PA Day (Elementary and Secondary)
October 7 – Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. (Luke 1:28)
October 8-14 - Fire Prevention Week
Join National Fire Protection Association in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. This year's campaign, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. For more information and resources, visit the NFPA website.
October 9 – Thanksgiving Day – A Special Day of Prayer in Canada
It is fitting for God's people to offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings God wants to shower on us through Christ. Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people.
October 10 - World Mental Health Day
October 11 - Memorial of St. John XXIII
October 11 - International Day of the Girl
October 15 – World Food Day
World Food Day has been promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization since 1981. The Church is concerned about the issue of hunger in the world, remembering the words of the Son of Man on the last judgement of the nation, “…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” (Matthew 23:35).
October 15 - Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus
October 16 - Memorial of St. Marguerite d'Youville
October 17 - The Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch
October 17 - Child Care Worker & ECE Appreciation Day (Provincial)
October 18 - Memorial of St. Luke
October 18 – The Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
St. Luke is the author of the third gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles. He is a patron of the medical profession. Living with Christ, October 2022
October 18 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
October 22 –World Mission Sunday
Catholics throughout the world are invited to pray for and give to the missions. The collection this Sunday is organized by the Pontifical Missions Society.
October 23 - Canadian School Library Day
October 25 - DPCDSB Adult Faith Formation For All Series: Father Tony Ricard – We Are Called to Love
Fr. Tony will discuss the sainthood in all of us and our duty to welcome each person we encounter with the love, hope, and joy of our faith. Building on his experiences as the Chaplain of a boys’ only school that supports Black youth, through story, song, and humour, Fr. Tony will serve to remind us of how and where we can minister to students, families, and each other. Location: St. Francis Xavier C.S.S. Session: #22221. Register on Professional Learning. More Information.
October 25 - The Black Excellence Success Team (B.E.S.T) OPEN HOUSE (St. Marcellinus C.S.S.)
The Black Excellence Success Team (B.E.S.T) presents its second annual OPEN HOUSE at St. Marcellinus S.S. on October 25, 2023, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Join us for an evening of networking, fellowship, and self-care. The B.E.S.T mission is to build capacity, promote relationships, and foster community engagement amongst Black employees, students, and the broader community. More details are included in the invite. Register here for more information. Contact Michelle Thompson, Lorian Feres, or Kwadwo Adusei for more information.
October 27 - Dress Purple Day (October is Child Abuse Prevention Month)
Every October, Children's Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign. This year, Dress Purple Day will take place on October 27, 2023. We are calling on all Ontarians to wear something purple to show children, youth, and families that they are here to help! More Information.
October 28 – The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
Simon and Jude appear in the New Testament lists them as one of the apostles.
November 2 - Peel Catholic Teachers’ Guild Mass
Join the Peel Catholic Teachers’ Guild for their first Holy Mass with Celebrant: Bishop Ivan Camilleri. Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: St. Francis Xavier Parish. Register by email to shane.byrne@dpcdsb.org. Flyer
November 25 – St. Vincent de Paul – Christmas Around the Corner Market
Please join St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School as they host "Christmas Around the Corner” Market on Saturday November 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School at 665 Willowbank Trail, Mississauga from 10 am to 3 pm. Home Décor, Jewellery, Baked Goods, Personalized bags, Stationery, Greeting Cards, Mirror Decals, Personalized gifts, Environmentally Friendly Products, Wreaths, Silicone Baby products and lanyards, and much, much more. Free entry. Free Raffle Prizes. More surprises to come! If you require more information, kindly contact Loretta at ext. 60800. More Information.
December 7 - DPCDSB Adult Faith Formation For All Series: Dr. Michael Hryniuk - The Hope of Advent: What are we waiting for?
The season of Advent is traditionally celebrated as a time of hopeful and expectant waiting for the coming of the messiah in Christ Jesus. In these present times of chaos and crisis, we may be feeling especially anxious and in need of God's presence and comfort in our lives. In this session, we'll reflect on how the promise of the coming of Christ is the fulfillment of our deepest spiritual longings and explore how Advent can be enriched through a deeper understanding of what those longings are. Virtual Session. Session: #22222. Register on Professional Learning. More Information.