Before 1960, the Catholic laity had virtually no say in the governance of Catholic schools. All decisions were made and handed down by bishops, pastors, and provincial superiors of religious orders. Now most dioceses and perhaps half the parishes in the country have a board or committee that shares significantly in decision-making about such…

The significance of ethnicity in the development of self-concept is addressed in an article that focuses on African-American children. Topics include the transmission of cultural values through oral tradition, the proverb tradition in the socialization of African-American children, and implications for parents and early childhood teachers. (GLR)

In five sections, this handbook provides information for directors of religious education (DRE's) in Catholic schools covering the catechetical ministry and the DRE, the functions of the DRE, hiring procedures, compensation and benefits, and evaluation. Section 1 discusses catechesis in the Church today, the DRE as minister of the Word, and…

A core course entitled "Career and Life Management 20" was developed and field tested in Alberta, Canada, and is now required of all Alberta high school students. The Alberta Catholic high schools recognized many similarities between this course and their own Religious Studies Program. An in-depth curriculum analysis was undertaken which…

The first in a set of five publications on the educational "ministry" begins with the title essay by Sister Rose Marie Hennessy. Citing Old and New Testament passages, the essay suggests that the Catholic School principal lives out a form of prophetic leadership in the church: to serve a given community in its relationship to God. "Guidelines for…

This self-study serves as a guide for churches and early childhood education programs, focusing on the relationship between a congregation and its early childhood program. A revision of an earlier self-study which was developed by a Seattle-based team of church-related early childhood professionals, the study complements the accreditation program…

Seven articles and a series of cartoons provide background information and practical suggestions for the development of a working relationship between community colleges and the church. William E. Hallman discusses the church's responsibility for ministry at the community colleges. Robert A. Mayo explores the ways in which a supportive…

The Vatican's statement on Catholic universities outlines the objective of strengthening Catholic higher education worldwide and discusses the ecclesiastical and pastoral functions of the institutions, their role in society and in the church, Catholic university types, the environment and curriculum orientations, and planning and cooperation. (MSE)

This book provides a reflective process through which teachers may consider their distinctness as educators in a Catholic school. After an overview that discusses the ideal Catholic school teacher, the book focuses on five themes: Teacher as Community Builder; Teacher as Committed to Lifelong Spiritual Growth; Teacher as Committed to Lifelong…

Examines the ecological issues within religious education. Suggests ways the curriculum can be restructured to adequately address ecological issues. Focuses on creation myths and their contribution to popular attitudes concerning the earth and ecological concerns. Proposes a reinterpretation of the creation myth in Genesis. (RW)

The Catholic school is unique because it is a religious community within an academic community. There is a dual purpose in a Catholic school--learning and believing. This handbook provides Catholic educators with an effective tool for understanding and articulating the distinct characteristics of the Catholic school. Chapter 1 discusses ways in…

These three booklets were designed to help Christian, Catholic, and Jewish congregations and parishes participate in the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths on October 16-18, 1992. During the Children's Sabbath, religious services and programs focus on the needs of children and ways in which the religious community can help meet those…

The fourth in a set of five publications on the educational "ministry," this booklet focuses on Catholic parents sharing their religious faith with their children. This resource booklet offers tools to elementary school and parish leaders. An explanation of Christian Family Clusters (groups of four to six families formed at the grass-roots level…

This handbook is part of an ongoing process to share models of Total Catholic Education boards, religious education boards, and Catholic school boards. The purpose of the book is two-fold: (1) to provide a rationale for having a group within the parish that sets the direction for the religious education of children, youth, and adults; and (2) to…

The need for reference books, selection guidelines, issues about circulation, descriptions of various types of books, and ideas for promoting the use of these books in a congregational library are covered in this guide. The work opens with a discussion of what reference books are and broad guidelines for deciding which books should be in a…