Democracy needs dissent. More specifically, democracy needs citizens with "knowledge" of how to practice political dissent, a willingness to "think" about why and when such dissent is necessary, and "habituation" to the practice of good dissent. Where, then, are citizens to develop such habits? In Sarah Stitzlein's…

In this article, Anne Masters responds to Erik W. Carter's "The Absence of Asterisks: The Inclusive Church and Children with Disabilities." Masters agrees that Carter provides a much needed framework for catechetical programs and parishes. Carter's ten dimensions of belonging remind the reader of the shared human need to belong, which is…

Debate in the Catholic community in Australia often centres on how the Catholic school best expresses its Catholic identity. Is it in closing its doors to all but Catholic families or does Catholic identity require an openness to all Christians, those of other religions and those of no religion? This paper argues that if the school is to be truly…

There is a recurrent conflict concerning law and judgment in the Catholic tradition. The tension between the manner in which just punitive judgments are to be rendered and the possibility of judging justly, if at all, is found frequently in Scripture and in Church history. This paper will give an overview of the dynamics of this tension in…

For close to three decades, his Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholeski, worked at the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura as notary, chancellor, secretary and prefect. A professor, scholar, and canonist of exceptional ability, he is considered one of the world's most prominent experts on the Code of Canon Law. In light of his competence and…

The Catholic Church has a responsibility to create an environment in which the practice of the faith makes sense to Hispanics, and enables their religious vitality to express itself within the Church of the United States. Over the next one hundred years the Catholic population of the United States will be predominantly Hispanic. The Church and its…

Examines the implications of the bishops' pastoral, "The Challenge of Peace," for Catholic schools and analyzes issues and problems in responding to the pastoral. Recommends clarification of philosophical positions, development of archdiocesan guidelines, varied teacher in-service opportunities, and global concept development. (DMM)

Summarizes the major themes of "Gathering God's People: Signs of a Successful Parish," a National Catholic Educational Association publication dealing with various aspects of parish ministry. Underscores the need to integrate Catholic schools with the church's mission; increase parent involvement; and address potential problems in…

Seven catechetical theorists and practitioners (Alfred McBride, Berard L. Marthaler, Dan Keller, Mary Ann Johnston, Eileen Loughran, Matt Hayes, and Mike Carotta) discuss the significance of the new "Cathechism of the Catholic Church," which replaces the "Cathechism of the Council of Trent" -- the official catechism of the…

This publication completes the series that focuses on the five groups of persons involved in the educational "ministry" of the Catholic school. Based on a survey of pastors and diocesan and archdiocesan superintendents of concerns related to the pastor and his role within the school community, this essay discusses seven areas of pastoral concern…

Argues that instruction in literature, the sciences, philosophy, and social interaction, in as much as it is part of the process of humanization, is important to the mission of the Catholic Church. (DMM)

Suggests that if theology professors at Catholic institutions have to get authorization from bishops in order to teach (as mandated by the Vatican's "Ex Corde Ecclesiae"), academic freedom will be lost. (EV)

Finds India's educational system to be irrelevant to the country's present needs. Applauds the contributions of the Catholic church to Indian education, highlighting St. Xavier's College of Education, its student selection policies, integration efforts, instructional program, and problems. (DMM)

Urges Catholic educators to reacquaint themselves with the church's doctrines of access and inclusion, and to increase their efforts to involve disabled persons in their programs. (YKH)

Draws from hearings and testimony regarding Hispanic experiences with the Catholic Church and Catholic schooling. Highlights Hispanics' feeling of non-acceptance by the church; interest in Catholic schooling; support of biliteracy and bilingual education; and concerns regarding cultural and religious maintenance, family, the law, leadership…