Part of a six volume series of theme papers commissioned for the National Congress on Catholic schools for the 21st century, November 6-10, 1991, this volume presents three theme papers. "Catholic Schools: Statistical Profiles and Trends" (F. Brigham, Jr.) summarizes the demographic, statistical and financial profile of Catholic school and society. In "Catholic Schools in a Changing Society: Past Accomplishments and Future Challenges" (J. Convey) summarizes major findings about the effectiveness of Catholic schools in the past. Ten challenges that may confront these scools in the future are outlined along with ways in which the schools might respond to these challenges. The final paper, "Education: The Unfinished Agenda" (J. Cummins) argues that the present crisis in education compels educators to debate the following three conditions, from which a plan of action should emerge: first, there have been deep and widespread changes in society, especially in neighborhoods, that call for a diversity of educational approaches; second, U.S. society is pluralistic and its institutions should correspond to that reality; and third, the hour is getting late. The document concludes with a study and discussion guide and biographical information about the authors. (KM)