This guide provides philosophical and theological underpinning for authority and its exercise inside of Catholic schools. It examines authority from a cultural perspective and accords primary consideration to the principles of democracy, Scripture, and church teaching while reflecting upon what these imply for Catholic educational leaders. Chapter 1 considers the foundation of authority as it is expressed through parental authority, steeped in the virtue of charity. Chapter 2 describes the five attributes of authority: substitutional, pedagogical, practical, essential, and humble, which express an ethic of service. Chapter 3 provides a discussion of the religious issues associated with authority, gleaned from three scenes from the Gospel of Matthew. Chapter 4 considers three tools that Catholic education al leaders can use to integrate the philosophical and theological rationale of the decision-making processes. Chapter 5 responds to four questions that Catholic educational leaders have raised concerning authority. Chapter 6 provides an integrated vision of the exercise of authority in building democratic school communities through communion-causing conversations among various stakeholders. Addressing concerns beyond school management and toward cultural leadership leaders can ideally ensure that every member of the Catholic school community engages in decision-making processes. (Contains 91 references.) (RKJ)