18. Western Catholic Educational Association Catholic Identity Standards
All schools, whether archdiocesan, parish, or those owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards, are required to meet the following Catholic identity standards from the accrediting agency for archdiocesan elementary schools, the Western Catholic Educational Association.
- The school has a mission statement and philosophy statement that indicates the integration of the Catholic faith in all aspects of the school's life.
- The school provides regular opportunities for the school community to experience prayer and the sacraments.
- The school has a religion curriculum and instruction that is faithful to Catholic Church teachings and meets the requirements as set forth by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- The local ordinary approves those who teach the Catholic faith (Canon 805) and there is ongoing formation for catechetical and instructional competence.
- The school maintains an active partnership with parents/guardians whose fundamental concern is the spiritual and academic education of their children (Canon 796).
- The school has a service-oriented outreach to the Church and civic community after the example of Jesus Christ, who said, "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you" (Jn 13:15).
- The school uses signs, sacramentals, traditions, and rituals of the Catholic Church.
- All school personnel are actively engaged in bringing the good news of Jesus into the total educational experience.
18a. Elementary School Curriculum
Implementing these standards and evaluating and setting goals is a yearly task of the elementary school in a manner that is consistent with the curriculum standards set by the Department of Catholic Schools.
Curriculum components include:
- The Profession of Faith
- The Celebration of the Christian Mystery/The Seven Sacraments of the Church
- Life in Christ; Man's/Woman's Vocation: Life in the Spirit
- Christian Prayer; Prayer in the Christian Life
These components are based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
