The mission of Catholic colleges and universities and their responses to change are discussed in four articles. Historical information on Catholic women's colleges and the current picture are reviewed by Abigail McCarthy in "A Luminous Minority." The revision of the curriculum at Fordham College is described by James N. Loughran in "A New Curriculum Can Make a Difference." The college moved from a loose, distribution requirements curriculum to a more structured core curriculum. A sample 4-year program for an A.B. student majoring in political science with a concentration in comparative politics is included. A radical approach to the communication of values and the measurement of outcomes is illustrated in the Alverno College plan, described by Margaret Earley and Joel Read in"Identity and Quest: Their Interrelationship at Alverno College." The teaching of valuing involves four levels: sharpening awareness, tracing patterns (inference), teaching patterns (relationships), and carrying out decisions. Finally, in "Education for Justice: Concern, Commitment and Career," David J. O'Brien reaffirms the overarching purpose of Catholic education: to penetrate the culture. An introduction by Alice Gallin is included. (SW)