A survey of Roman Catholic bishops (N=276; total population) and priests (N=655; random sample) on the purpose, effectiveness, and administration of parish religious education programs revealed a broad range of opinion. The respondents were almost unanimous in stating that such programs help people grow in faith into mature adult Christians; that…

The study was developed to help lay religious education teachers develop the necessary skills, methods, and strategies to improve their effectiveness. The review of literature and interview results provide information from the areas of professional education and religious education. The review of literature and interview results were compiled into…

Article presented an interview with a Congressman, Father Robert F. Drinan, formerly the dean of Boston College Law School, and questioned him about the state of religious education, the nation's moral values, and the future of religion and education. (RK)

Part of a larger study entitled "The Church's Expanding Role in Adult Education," this paper is concerned with the Roman Catholic Church's efforts in the adult education movement. Divided into 3 parts, this background study begins with an historical review of the church's and church-related institutions' contributions to the adult…

A vigorous debate within the U.S. Catholic community questions the efficacy of Catholic schools. To explicate what many Catholics believe is the most appropriate educational program for youth, the educational philosophy, history, and theology of Catholic education are presented here. It is hoped that by isolating these principles, those who…

Administrators and board members often wonder how their respective governing bodies measure up to others. To help them gauge their success, some benchmarks that diocesan, elementary and secondary school boards, commissions, and councils can use are presented here. The information was gathered through surveys, the results of which are coupled with…

Article considered the need for better cost accounting and for realistic planning for the future of Catholic education. (Author/RK)

Give a historical background to those people that helped bring Catholic education from the eastern seaboard to the West Coast. Discusses the actions of Bishop Louis Dubourg, Father Jean Pierre De Smet, Father Quickenborne, the Jesuits at Saint Mary's Mission, and others. Contains 7 references. (MZ)

Discusses the role and challenges faced by the Catholic Church in the delivery of health care services. Crucial to the discussion is service to the poor and vulnerable, in spite of budgetary constraints. Commitment to the most vulnerable also shapes the Church's advocacy efforts. Discusses the Catholic role in reproductive services. (Contains…

Argues that physical activity and water can increase brain activity, and hence, learning. Findings of neuroscientists regarding the brain can inform educators. Brain-based teaching emphasizes teamwork, cooperative learning, and global responsibility. Argues against gathering information without relevance. Connects brain-based learning concepts to…

Analyzes and contrasts a number of Roman Catholic documents, published in the United States and foreign countries, emphasizing theological themes which are presented as central to adult religious education. Focuses on the tension between church authority and adult education principles. Concludes that the optimism of the documents is diminished by…

Describes the importance of providing religious education to children with disabilities and the role which catechists must play in such education. Provides suggestions for catechist training, including disability simulation activities, multiple approaches to teaching a lesson plan, analysis of teaching/learning styles, and group interaction and…

Describes the revision process that the National Catholic Educational Association's Department of Religious education is currently undergoing to update and improve its religious education assessment surveys. Factors that have prompted revision pertain to ecumenical, social justice, and human sexuality concerns and use of age-appropriate and…

Discusses Catholic school scholars and their books. Asserts that every Catholic scholar and practitioner should have books on the shelf that are relative to what is being taught. Presents a list, based on the opinions of 35 Catholic educators, of general books, practical books, and church documents that are most commonly needed. (Contains 63…

Examines the religious educator's role as catalyst in transforming local church culture. Proposes model of congregational education aiming to change the corporate life of a religious community through members' work to reshape concrete behaviors, structures, and roles in carrying out the church's mission. Notes the range of skills required of…