3.1.2 CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
Catholic schools are communities of faith and faith formation. They are committed to developing faith-filled, morally aware, and academically strong individuals who are of service to the Church and society.
Catholic schools provide a Catholic education that illuminates academic teaching with Christian principles and prepares students to see Christ in others by the development of their talents. Catholic schools emphasize the importance of faith in the life of the individual and of morality as the life-giving principle that guides students to become self-giving, responsible citizens and leaders.
Jesus Christ gives a transcendent meaning to human existence and this spiritual dimension should inform the intellectual journey of the human person.
With the support of the Department of Catholic Schools, faculty, parents/guardians, alumni, parishioners, consultative boards, and the community, Catholic schools:
Educate and form the whole person spiritually, academically, socially, and physically
Promote the dialogue among faith, reason, and culture
Build community through the celebration of the Church's liturgical life
Defend the goodness, dignity, value, and freedom of each person
Foster awareness of moral and social concerns
Develop leaders for the community
Students from all faith traditions, cultures, and economic backgrounds are welcome and invited to collaborate in fulfilling the mission. All those who quest for truth contribute to and enhance the community.
The goals of the religion program in the Catholic school are to provide an environment for students to encounter Jesus Christ, to form students in the Christian faith, and to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and experience the Church's teachings and practices in an academic setting. Since Christian education and formation is carried out in a community, the entire faculty and staff are responsible for carrying out this goal. Members from all school departments form a faith-based community with students, not only in the classroom and in other school activities but also in planning and implementing the school's various religious activities and events. In this area, the religion department and campus minister together with other faculty, staff and school administrators provide ministerial leadership and support.
