Author conducted a minisurvey of 50 Catholic educators, parents, nuns, pastors, and theologians to find out how educated people use the term avant-garde'' and to diagnose some of the problems of the Church and Catholic education. (Author/CB)

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…

The author makes a case for Catholic education as the heart of Catholic schools, refuting arguments that this approach is too narrowly sectarian, too insular, and counterproductive to the ecumenical movement. He advocates challenging young people with the message of Catholicism and making the school a Christian community of service. (Author/SJL)

Assesses the current status of catechesis and religious education in Australian Catholic schools and parishes. Notes recent efforts and offers suggestions for improving religious education in those settings. (DMM)

Reviews recommendations put forth in "The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis: Maturing in Faith." Enumerates principles related to the development of a personal faith and Catholic identity in adolescence, stressing respect for variability in maturation rates and learning needs and the need for variety in learning formats, environments,…

Presents an interview with Dr. Robert J. Kealey, an executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association, and an advocate for Catholic schools and educational choice. Explores the growth of National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools, and discusses the vital public policy issues facing Catholic schools. (VWC)

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…

Reports on New Jersey Catholic schools celebrating and demonstrating the meaning of the Gospel. States that each Catholic school in New Jersey made an 8.5"x11" puzzle showcasing current outreach service activities, and that each diocese displayed the puzzles for Catholic Schools Week. Lists outreach activities being performed by the…

Reports that the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (ACRE), which looks at content and technical properties of Catholic education, is being revised. Provides a projected time line for the revision process and states that the new version will be available for the 2001-2002 school year. Asserts that schools need to be ready to make the…

Summarizes a study designed to determine the effectiveness of parental influence on their children. The researcher interviewed nine students from a St. Louis, Missouri Catholic elementary school along with the students' parents and teachers. The author presents findings related to family discipline procedures, parental expectations for children,…

Uses the Archdiocese of New York to illustrate the Catholic Church's successes and failures in religious education. Discusses the archdiocese's efforts to reduce widespread ignorance of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, including a community needs assessment and a weekend Synod. Highlights religious education needs. (DMM)

Article attempted to define how a college or university is Catholic in practice. (Author/RK)

Interview with Miss Marcia Saunders, principal of Regina High School for girls in Hyattsville, Md., and Associate Member of NCEA's regional board for secondary education (Editor/CB)