1 Personnel as Role Models and Witnesses to Faith
While all teachers and staff in schools and parishes are to be models of Christian living, the president, principal, vice principal, campus minister, religion teachers in schools, and all catechists must be practicing Catholics. (See the Suggested Interview Questions Related to Catholic Identity for Teacher or Staff Applicants.) A practicing Catholic prays daily, lives out the beatitudes and a sacramental life, practices the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and adheres to the precepts of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2041–2043).
Discussion of Catholic teaching and practice that leads to a deeper understanding of the faith is welcome and encouraged. Catechists and teachers serve as witnesses to the faith, and their ministry calls them to share the teachings of the Church with integrity, humility, and care. Catechists or teachers who have personal questions, concerns, or difficulty with a particular Church teaching or practice are responsible for bringing those concerns to the person in charge. That conversation should be approached in a spirit of accompaniment, prayerful discernment, and mutual respect, with the goal of fostering greater understanding and helping determine what may be appropriate to present in a teaching setting. Because catechists and teachers represent the Church in a public way, words, actions, or conduct that are contrary to Catholic teaching or archdiocesan policy will be addressed by the person in charge, guided by Gospel values, pastoral charity, and archdiocesan policies. If, after prayerful reflection and conversation, a person finds that he or she can no longer publicly support Church teaching or practice and is unable to continue working with the person in charge toward understanding and fidelity, this situation may indicate that he or she should step back from teaching or publicly representing the Church at this time.
2 Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and organizations are intended to be consistent with the fundamental moral principles of the Catholic Church. The person in charge approves the formation, philosophy, and existence of clubs and organizations, with particular regard for Catholic moral teaching, age appropriateness, and the maturity of the anticipated audience and membership. Individuals who hold a leadership role in any club or organization are expected to have an understanding of and adherence to Catholic moral teaching.
3 Assemblies and Guest Speakers
"The
Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who
act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be
given awards, honors, or platforms which would suggest support for
their actions" (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Catholics in Political Life).
Discussion
of Catholic teachings and practice that promote a deeper understanding
of the faith is important. Speakers or topics, however, should not
contradict the mission and principles of the Catholic Church, especially
in the area of objective Catholic moral teaching. The person in charge
will ensure that only speakers (whether private individuals, elected
civic officials, or appointed civic officials) who do not contradict
these standards are invited to address any audience at a school, parish,
or archdiocesan event. Consultation with the Office of the Archbishop should take place if there is any concern about the suitability of a
speaker or topic. Final responsibility and judgment on these matters is
reserved to the archbishop. For clergy, refer to Chapter 5.13.5.2.
4 Publications, Communications and Digital Media
The
person in charge is responsible for all outgoing communications, including all
digital and print formats, in the name of the parish or school, and assures that the content is in accord with
Church teaching and practice. See Electronic Communications, Copyright, and Acceptable Use Policies.
5 Sunday Activities
Sunday
is a holy day that celebrates weekly the resurrection of the Lord. In
the Catholic tradition Sunday is conducted as a day of worship and rest.
Students, faculty, staff, and their families should approach Sunday as a
day of rest and time to celebrate the Eucharist in their parish (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2177–2186).
School
meetings, school events, athletic practices and competitions are not to be
scheduled on Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday
evening, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday nor are school facilities to be
rented. If an exception is made for athletic practices or competitions
on Sundays, facility use cannot begin until after 12 noon in order to
allow families time to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist in their parishes.
School cafeterias and snack bars should observe the Catholic abstinence
regulations by not serving meat or poultry from their facilities on Ash
Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent.
6 Controversial Issues
Controversial issues are topics of a religious, moral, social, scientific or political nature where there are differing opinions among recognized theologians, philosophers, and scientists. Teachers, catechists, and staff members must share with the pastor/principal/director of religious education any topics that may arise either inside or outside the classroom that may be controversial regarding Church teachings and practice. Teachers and staff members must always be conscientious about learning what the Church teaches before they presume to present or discuss the position of the Church on controversial issues. Presentations and discussions on such matters are to be conducted in harmony with the teachings of the Church in a spirit of ecclesial unity.
1-21-2022, 8-18-2026