Describes the leadership qualities of an effective board of education or religious education commission. Provides examples of effective boards solving problems by becoming advocates, skill sharers, communicators, and responders to their communities. Challenges leadership groups to become communities, share their collective wisdom, and become…

Provides a brief survey of church documents to clarify the meaning of the term "Catholic Education." Indicates that the term consistently corresponds to education in the Catholic faith and tradition that occurs in a variety of forms and settings, and not only in Catholic schools. Cites 13 documents. (KP)

Describes a Saturday program connecting parish, school, and religious education programs in events that help families bridge the gap between learning about and practicing the faith. Describes four key elements: it is easy to participate; hands-on activities are featured; activities are big and group-oriented; and "busy-work" is avoided, making…

Discusses the motivation behind and goals held for the process of catechetics and religious education in the Catholic church. Suggests that the chief goal of catechetics is to educate a person in the life of prayer and that celebration, community, and concern for others is the end product of a Christian life. (KP)

Discusses the roles of the director of religious education (DRE) and the school principal at Catholic schools, viewing them as complimentary rather than competitive. Provides examples of positive cooperation between the principal and DRE at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, in Shelby, Ohio. (KP)

Describes results of including students with and without disabilities in the same classroom. Highlights a decrease in fear of human differences, an increase in self-esteem, growth in commitment to personal moral and ethical principles, and an increase in responsiveness toward others needs among students. Suggests ways to create an inclusive…

Argues that curriculum is not a list of objectives but a process of becoming, describing a cathedral museum curriculum project at Cathedral-Carmel Elementary School in Louisiana. Indicates that the project includes French, history, genealogical research, filmmaking, social studies, speech, and theology and offers a guide to understanding conflicts…

Describes the commitment to total education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, indicating that the Catholic school principal, director of religious education, youth minister, and liturgist are all part of a collaborative team working with the pastor to achieve parish goals. Describes strategies undertaken as part of the change in…

Describes the Catholic Education Ministries (CEM) of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, focusing on its vision of total Catholic education and recognition that parish religious education is just as important as Catholic elementary school religion. Describes the CEM's efforts to strengthen collaboration between the two groups and its evolution…

Describes the goals of Metro Catholic Parish School, in Cleveland, Ohio, where 69% of the attending families live below the poverty level. Discusses the importance of the urban setting to the total educational ministry of the church. Argues that urban education should be a more intentional focus of the church. (KP)

Describes the transformation of St. John Neumann School, in South Carolina, from a financially unstable parish school to a thriving and fully accredited institution through parent participation and the efforts of a new principal. Argues that the school's experience shows what can be achieved when families, communities, and schools commit…

Discusses the importance of educating the growing Hispanic population in Catholic schools, highlighting such effects of the high drop-out rate as underemployment, poorer health, debilitated self-esteem, decreased political participation, and increased criminal behavior. Provides examples of techniques and programs that help keep Hispanic students…

Provides a diary of two educators who travelled to Australia and New Zealand to examine Catholic Education as delegates in the Citizen Ambassador/People to People Program. Discusses the culture and educational systems of Australia and New Zealand, where all education, including Catholic, is state supported. (KP)

Discusses the role of the high school principal in supervising teachers, arguing that principals should establish structures and processes that aid teachers' self-assessment. Suggests that principals function to provide a mirror to faculty to help them see their strengths and weaknesses. Provides five sample questions to aid in faculty…

Discusses educational techniques unique to the communication age, including virtual communities, customized knowledge banks, and virtual experiences. Suggests that collaboration among educators in these techniques offers moral support, improved effectiveness, and increased capacity for reflection, while leading to greater organizational…