Discusses the General Directory for Catechesis' (GDC) statement that one of the roles rooted in baptism is the responsibility to evangelize, and that everyone involved with the Catholic church should be meeting this responsibility. Explains the GDC's definition of evangelization (to transmit the word of God) and catechesis (to put people in touch…

Describes a survey conducted by the National Catholic Education Association on how to better serve the needs of religious teachers, catechists, and those involved in faith formation. Reports that, according to 655 respondents (46% response rate), the most important initiatives are those related to catechesis; items related to standards and…

Discusses seven themes of social justice, and how their application to Catholic education can help schools better align American social systems with Gospel imperatives: (1) the life and dignity of the human; (2) the call of community, and participation; (3) rights and responsibilities; (4) options for the poor; (5) the dignity of work; (6)…

Describes how elementary teachers can design appropriate religion units that lead to authentic assessments. Explains how to design units of religion instruction using Thomas Groome's Shared Christian Praxis, combining it with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) and the religion outcomes articulated by National Catholic Education…

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…

Focuses on the determination of Catholic teachers to instill values and quality education into their students. Depicts teachers as educators of the future world as well as the future church. States that Catholic educators have held strong to their beliefs and their vocation as teachers, and in doing so have helped Catholic education survive many…

Highlights cartoonist Bil Keane's support in marketing Catholic schools. Describes Keane as a lifelong Catholic who frequently includes a crucifix in his illustrations to give them a "Catholic touch." Emphasizes how Keane's 40-year-old daily comic, Family Circus, has inspired Catholic readers and educators, and has been included in posters and…

Provides steps for effective fundraising in Catholic Schools: (1) set a goal; (2) recruit a committee; (3) select a company; (4) final planning; (5) advance promotion and advertising, (6) countdown and logistics reconfirmation; (7) "all systems go" and kick-off activities; (8) product delivery; and (9) evaluation. (CW)

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…

Discusses the difficulty Catholic schools face in recruiting Directors of Religious Education (DRE). Suggests that there are not enough skilled DREs to go around. Encourages schools to find talented lay people and mentor and empower them so that they can grow into the position. Presents some model approaches to the recruitment process. (NB)

Describes Bishop Hannan High School's (Pennsylvania) retreat program, in which students learn to develop a spiritual element in their lives. Discusses the theme, "The Bread of Life," and how the process of baking bread for communion helped unite and nourish students. Reports that, through a variety of fellowship activities, students gained a sense…

The National Catechtical Directory will be a pastoral and practical document that will be officially issued by the American Bishops. (Author)

Describes the major issues tackled by the school board in a New Jersey Diocese. The key areas addressed were: revision and expansion of tuition assistance program, a move to president/principal model of administration for high schools, and overhaul of school policy manuals. Describes characteristics of an effective board. (NB)

Discusses the impact of the June 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mitchell vs. Helms, ruling that federal aid can be provided to religious schools when the aid is distributed on a neutral, per-pupil basis to students in all the district schools, public and private, secular and religious. (EMH)

Discusses guidelines from the General Directory for Catechesis for teaching religion to children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade: (1) faith education; (2) liturgical education; (3) moral formation; (4) prayer instruction; (5) community life education; and (6) missionary initiation. Describes in-service sessions with principals and curriculum…