Offers a personal reflection on the beliefs, assumptions and values associated with the baptismal catechumenal process, the initiation process into the church. Outlines a series of actions that are influenced by these core ideas. Examples include designing catechetichical programs to accommodate a variety of spiritual needs at many levels and…

Describes the efforts of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) to provide a coherent, national vision for Catholic education and catechetics. Focuses on the USCC's efforts to support tax relief for Catholic education, monitor proposed legislation, and collaborate with other national, Catholic, and professional organizations. (DMM)

Interviews Father James Walsh, former director of the National Catholic Education Association's (NCEA) seminary department. Contends that he greatly increased the NCEA's outreach to seminaries through his publications and other work. States that Father Walsh left the organization to become a pastor, and is now editor of Grace Under Pressure, which…

Collective bargaining between teachers and schools does not need to be limited to the "market place approach" emphasizing fiscal considerations. Attention to the professional nature of teachers and to the problems of education that administrators and teachers must join together to solve can reduce confrontation. Catholic schools and teachers can…

Argues that faculty hiring is one of the most important duties a principle performs. Catholic schools suffer from a shortage of religion teachers. Author's research suggests that new recruitment methods must be employed, including recruiting teachers from within the schools who are in other disciplines. (Contains four references.) (NB)

Describes one educator's experiences with developing core K-8 curriculum standards that reflect the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the dimensions of the General Directory for Catechesis. Standards were applied in author's diocese. Also describes pilot year for program and offers some qualitative feedback. (NB)

Describes a project designed to create an energy efficient high school in the diocese of Pittsburgh. The project will save over $850,000 in energy, operations, and maintenance costs over fifteen years. The design improves the physical premises as well by adding windows and eliminating fluorescent lighting. Offers tips for developing similar…

Reflects on the teaching of a philosophy course to candidates for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Focuses upon the exploration of interdisciplinary work and the development of new forms of teaching and learning. Comments on the failure to achieve objectives. (KO)

Suggests professional art consultants as an alternative for schools that cannot afford full-time art teachers. Relates the experience of Holy Trinity Elementary School in California where artists teach art to 4th through 8th graders in the presence of a credentialed teacher. Looks at funding alternatives. (DMM)

Provides a description of the author's experiences and challenges as president of the National Catholic Education Association between 1986 and 1994. Indicates that the period, which began with the visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States, was a period of much collaboration among Catholic educators of all levels. (MAB)

Discusses assessment within the realm of Catholic education. States that assessment should not be limited to testing, and that there are other methods of student evaluation that are intrinsic to the classroom environment. Asserts that opportunities to exhibit excellence need to be given by teachers, and that assessment is a celebration of this…

Explains that service learning began as a way to help provide students with a better sense of civic and social responsibility, and has developed into a process enabling students to feel more connected with their communities. Lists benefits from enrollment in service-learning programs, including enhanced self-esteem, leadership abilities, spiritual…

Discusses the saints and how they should be presented to students as individuals who did great works. Explains that saints were not created but recognized for their efforts. Presents a research and writing project, with nine research questions, to help students discover which saint has their talents and can function as a role model. Includes two…

Reports on the Archdiocese of Louisville's (Kentucky) mentoring program for directors of religious education (DREs), which provides an opportunity to become familiar with the standards for DRE ministry. Examines the five stages of the mentoring process: matchmaking, orientation, monthly meetings, concluding session of prayer and testimony, and…

This article is the author's reflection on forty years as a religious educator. Vocation reveals itself to be the distinctive life and work of an individual in so far as it contributes to the service of others in community and society. Vocation has both an individual and a social meaning; it can be viewed in religious or secular terms. It is…