Thank you so much for your feedback on this month's faith topic.
We are indeed a Catholic school board ... and, as a Catholic school board, we follow official Catholic teaching, which includes demonstrating respect for those who belong to non-Catholic religions, and engaging in dialogue with them. The declaration "Nostra Aetate," issued by Pope St. Paul VI and more than 2000 bishops at Vatican II in 1965, says:
"The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all people ... The Church, therefore, exhorts her children that, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these groups".
Of course, not everyone in our Catholic school system is Catholic; we have both students and staff who belong to a wide range of religions and spiritual paths. We welcome and respect all of them, and we work together in terms of the many things we share in common.
Wicca is a very broad category that can encompass a variety of beliefs, so it is wise not to generalize. Unlike Christianity, Judaism or Islam (monotheistic religions), it tends to be polytheistic and focusses on the divine presence in nature. It often includes various forms of ritual, often viewed as "magic". It is governed by the cycles of the moon and the rhythms of the seasons. Like many non-Christian faiths, there are areas where Wiccans and Catholics can agree, and others where we disagree. But, even in the case of those disagreements, we always demonstrate respect and kindness, and recognize that there are things we can learn from others who are different from us.
In all of these matters, it is important to be guided by the teaching of our Church and the example of its leaders, including Pope Leo.
Why mention the Wiccan "faith"?
From "Faith and Fresh Perspectives: A Festive and Faith-Filled Season!"
Go to the project
We are a Catholic school board - Wicca is at best pagan, at worst Satanic.
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Last update: December 2, 2025
Posted on December 2, 2025
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Profile of Yvonne Stahlmann
Posted by:Yvonne Stahlmann
6 months ago
Murray, you are so right, thank you!
The Wiccan community and beliefs are rooted in the earth, the light, the moon, the water and in fire. They are peaceful and spiritual, and honour and revere the sanctity of life. While they have a short "official" history (became an officially developed and recognized practice in the 1950's), they have a long and spirited history throughout the times, being the "behind the scenes" saviors of many historical figures, leaders and beliefs that worship gods and goddesses in many countries, much like Catholic faith.
The word pagan as an adjective, actually means "customs/beliefs", and as a noun means 1) one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, as the ancient Romans and Greeks; 2) a member of a religious, spiritual, or cultural community based on the worship of nature or the earth; a neopagan.
I am intrigued by so many beliefs and cultural differences, and I feel that to be a good and just community, we need to know about each other, the things that we all celebrate and honour, to allow us to live more harmoniously together, being accepting of our similarities and differences, and working toward a similar goal of peace, love and eternal life.
