Jesus Christ gives a transcendent meaning to human existence and this spiritual dimension should inform the intellectual journey of the human person.
The Directory for Catechesis issued by the Holy See in 2020 declares that teaching in Catholic schools is a form of the ministry of the Word that makes the Gospel present within the overall formation – intellectual, human, and spiritual -- of the whole student. For some students, the school is often the only opportunity for them to encounter the Gospel and the lived witness to faith.
"The Catholic faith should permeate not just the class period of catechism or religious education, or the school’s pastoral activities, but the entire curriculum and experience. Catholic schools provide “an integral education, an education which responds to all the needs of the human person." The Holy See's Teaching on Catholic Schools.
In "The Catholic Vision of Education," Archbishop José H. Gomez describes the dynamic mission of Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese: "Catholic education is the Church's future. It is also the key to our society's future. . . . Our Catholic vision always calls us to see deeper — and to give more of ourselves in love. Our Catholic vision always calls us to see with the loving eyes of Jesus; with the eyes of God." The Catholic school is unique because it is an academic community within a religious community. As a school it is a community of learners and teachers, administrators and parents/guardians, staff and resource people. At the same time, it is a faith community of young Christians and adults. where Christ the Teacher is present among them.. A Catholic school always has a twofold purpose: learning and believing. It is exemplary when the school blends these well.
In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Catholic schools serve students from preschool through high school. Each local school is unique in its charism, foundation, and culture. All schools promote "knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, and missionary spirit." General Directory for Catechesis, 87. All schools are committed to providing an academic education that integrates Catholic values across the curriculum. In light of the great gift and contribution of Catholic education, Archbishop Gomez has expressed his strong commitment to "make sure that our schools are open to every family and every child in our city. No matter who they are. No matter where they come from, or how they got here. No matter how much money they have." (The Catholic Vision of Education, Archbishop Gomez: August 23, 2013).
6-23-2021, 7-22-2025