This manual grew out of a study of lay-staffed Catholic schools. In the study, lay principals often expressed the need for assistance in understanding more about Catholic school administration, particularly about what is unique to Catholic schools. The publication is not meant to be an exhaustive manual on school administration, but focuses on those aspects of administration that are applied uniquely in Catholic schools. Although intended to assist lay administrators, it will also benefit religious principals. Some articles are practical, how-to-do-it suggestions; others help in understanding the Catholic school. The articles are grouped under the following headings: philosophy, planning, organization, finances, personnel, evaluation, faith community, and bibliography. (Author/MLF)