This book provides a series of conceptual guidelines and models, predicated on Catholic tradition and law, for all those responsible for educational governance in Catholic elementary and secondary schools and in the various forms of parish religious education programs. Chapter 1, "Education and Governance," discusses Catholic educational governance in the larger context of Christian values and the mission of the Church. Chapter 2, "Governance and Law", discusses the respective roles of canon and civil law in the organization and operation of Catholic education. Topics discussed include the distinction, in the Code of Canon Law, between catechetics and Catholic schooling; the legislative, judicial, and executive power of the diocesan bishop; parish governance; schools and ecclesiastical structure; civil law and church property; contracts and employee relations; and Catholic school boards. Chapter 3 sets forth the following basic principles for church governance: (1) shared mission, (2) participation, (3) discernment of shared vision, (4) collaboration, (5) pastoral planning, (6) justice, (7) formal and informal relationships, (8) subsidiarity, and (9) accountability. Chapter 4 provides models by which groups within the church can structure educational governance. These include three models for single parish educational programs (a consultative board, a consultative committee formally related to the Parish Pastoral Council, and a board with limited jurisdiction); two models for inter-parish educational programs (a consultative board or a board with limited jurisdiction); and three models for private schools (a consultative board, a board with limited jurisdication, or an independent corporate board). Chapter 5, the conclusion, discusses the distinctions between power and authority in church governance. Appended are sample board constitutions and a glossary of terms. (TE)