​​​Catholic School Communities

Catholic Schools​

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.​

6-23-21​

Department of Catholic Schools

The Department of Catholic Schools provides support, guidance, and assistance to Catholic schools by:

• ​Assisting schools in evaluating and strengthening the Catholic identity of the school
• Supporting the faith formation of the entire school community
• Advancing the realization of the school's Mission and philosophy in accordance with Catholic social teachings
• Developing resources for the faith formation of principals, teachers, and staff members as spiritual and educational leaders
• Appointing the commissioner(s) and facilitating the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA)  accreditation for archdiocesan, parish, and independent Catholic schools
• Providing training and support for financial oversight and planning, marketing and development, public relations, tuition and enrollment management
• Nurturing and encouraging mutual support among Catholic schools
• Providing opportunities for ongoing professional development for principals and teachers
• Providing in-service programs on archdiocesan policies, practices, and procedures for school leadership
• Fostering and implementing the goals of the Department of Catholic Schools
• Assisting distressed schools with the development of stabilization plans
• Responding to schools that seek reorganization and substantive change
• Advising in the establishment and licensing of preschools 
• Identifying potential leaders of schools and supporting the process of recruiting, selecting, and hiring new principals and presidents
• Advising pastors in supervising  and evaluating principals at parish schools
• ​Directing a systemic approach to curriculum development,  planning and evaluation
  
• Providing guidance on the annual budget and monthly financial reports of all schools
• ​Reviewing and approving the annual budget and monitoring monthly financial reports of designated archdiocesan elementary and high schools
• Consulting and advising on issues of student behavior and appropriate disciplinary actions
• Providing advice and support, as needed, on personnel matters and practices
• Encouraging active engagement in community relations
• Approving capital improvements and capital investments in conjunction with the regional bishop's office, the  Construction Department, and the  Real Estate Department, as appropriate
• Collaborating with C3​ on  technology projects and initiatives
• Such other matters as may be appropriate to assist in the successful administration of schools.

6-22-2022

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