The Department of Catholic Schools respects and is
sensitive to the independent nature of the governance and management of
private Catholic schools in the archdiocese. Essential, formal,
and informal relationships exist between the Department of Catholic
Schools and these schools and each has a particular character.
Essential Relationship
An
essential relationship exists between private Catholic schools and the
Department of Catholic Schools through the authority delegated by the
archbishop. The Department of
Catholic Schools represents the archbishop in preserving and promoting
the teaching of Catholic doctrine in regard to faith, morals, liturgical
practices, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Therefore, it is incumbent upon
private Catholic schools to maintain and preserve their Catholic
identity, which is subject to the authority and oversight of the
Department of Catholic Schools on behalf of the archbishop.
Formal High School Relationships
Formal
relationships between private Catholic high schools and the Department of Catholic Schools facilitate cooperation among all the schools. The Catholic Athletic Association (CAA) is coordinated and regulated through the
Department of Catholic Schools and membership in CAA includes
archdiocesan, parish, and private Catholic high schools.
Informal Relationships
The
Department of Catholic Schools makes its services available to all Catholic
schools in the archdiocese, including independent private schools. In-service workshops, educational
conferences, professional development programs, and at the high school
level, the Christian Service Awards, are available to
all schools. In these collaborative and informal relationships,
participation by private schools enhances the value and effectiveness
of the Department of Catholic Schools' services, particularly through
school staff members who share their experiences and expertise with each
other.
6-28-21, 12-15-2022