Researchers explored the problem of teacher retention, especially among beginning teachers, and noted a lack of consensus on why teachers leave teaching and how to retain the teachers. Private school studies include Catholic school data, but few researchers isolated the data or used data-gathering instruments to examine Catholic school issues,…

Presents a tribute to the late Bishop Francis W. Howard for his many contributions to Catholic education. Presents insights into his character: his desire to spread the Catholic faith through Catholic education, his priestly involvements, his keen social awareness, and his work with the National Catholic Educational Association. (VWC)

Explores changes that have taken place in the Catholic Church's understanding of the concepts of "religion" and "faith." Discusses the effects of these changes on the ministry of religious education. Makes suggestions concerning the development of a suitable environment and atmosphere for approaching religious education within…

The concept of "practice" has become a central category of social analysis across a variety of disciplines. While religious educators have begun to recognize the critical role of practices in faith formation, less attention has been given to their role in education for responsible religious pluralism. Based on conversations between Catholic and…

Contends that Christ's mission to proclaim God's good news of salvation is reaffirmed in the upcoming millennium. States Catholics must help accomplish Christ's mission by answering the baptismal call to missionary work in the community. Lists local and national agencies, dioceses, parishes, and schools that provide mission resources. (11…

Asserts that Catholic schools participate fully in the evangelizing mission and "are the privileged environment in which Christian education is carried out." States that the challenge of bringing faith, life, and culture into harmony is a challenge held in the hands of Catholic school administrators. (VWC)

Describes the creation of the catechetical document, The Catechist in the Third Millennium: Call, Mission, and Formation, which addresses the new urgency and concern for both the quality of catechesis and those who are called to this ministry. Discusses challenges identified in the document and relates the enthusiasm for implementing a new vision.…

Addresses the question of how school leaders can foster faith development among faculty members so the faith witness they give to students is as informed and vibrant as possible. Describes the success of the program "Sharing the Faith" in stimulating faculty growth at Northwest Catholic High School in Connecticut. (VWC)

Discusses a survey of 48 Catholic school teachers regarding religion and spirituality. Finds that: (1) "god" was described most frequently as caring and compassionate; (2) 38 teachers prayed daily; (3) the media was an influential moral force for seven teachers; and (4) 78 percent did not find the Roman Catholic Church to be fair or welcoming. (NB)

Using focus groups, Australian researchers examined characteristics of Catholic school teachers' (N=67) faith development, noting strategies and models that supported faith development. They found eight categories of attributes characteristic of faith-filled teachers. Activities that nurtured personal growth through opportunities for inner…

Explores three characteristics of the Catholic tradition that offer students ways to become more attentive to role of faith in their lives. These include the juxtaposition of faith and reason, the movement towards inclusivity, and an understanding of sacrament as the mediation of the Divine through bodiliness. (MJP)