Describes the various programs and goals of St. Monica School, Kansas City, Missouri, and provides individual accounts of student success despite great adversity. Discusses different ways of combating the violence and poverty of urban areas to provide emotional, spiritual, and educational support and guidance. (YKH)

Describes the goals of Metro Catholic Parish School, in Cleveland, Ohio, where 69% of the attending families live below the poverty level. Discusses the importance of the urban setting to the total educational ministry of the church. Argues that urban education should be a more intentional focus of the church. (KP)

Considers the implications of statistics on death and poverty in minority communities for Catholic high schools with large minority populations. Sees hope at the heart of the Catholic high school. Discusses how teachers, school climate, and careful curriculum design can help instill this hope in the students. (DMM)

Describes a new program entitled Faith in the City created to strengthen and enhance every aspect of Catholic elementary education in Washington's center city, and to find ways to help the schools grow by working together. (YKH)