Discusses the saints and how they should be presented to students as individuals who did great works. Explains that saints were not created but recognized for their efforts. Presents a research and writing project, with nine research questions, to help students discover which saint has their talents and can function as a role model. Includes two…

Reports on the Archdiocese of Louisville's (Kentucky) mentoring program for directors of religious education (DREs), which provides an opportunity to become familiar with the standards for DRE ministry. Examines the five stages of the mentoring process: matchmaking, orientation, monthly meetings, concluding session of prayer and testimony, and…

This article is the author's reflection on forty years as a religious educator. Vocation reveals itself to be the distinctive life and work of an individual in so far as it contributes to the service of others in community and society. Vocation has both an individual and a social meaning; it can be viewed in religious or secular terms. It is…

Born an Episcopalian in New York, Elizabeth Ann Bayley (1774-1821), married (1794) William Magee Seton (1768-1803). Blessed with three daughters (Anna Maria, Rebecca, and Catherine Charlton, called "Kit") and two sons (William and Richard), the couple briefly enjoyed the comforts of social status and prosperity. They opened their arms to…

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) maintain a vibrant presence in ministry in the US. This article presents an overview of their co-foundress, Catherine Spalding, and shows Mother Catherine to be the creative, mission-driven, and articulate leader that is still very much in need in today's society.

This article assesses religion teaching as a profession in terms of selected characteristics that scholars agree are common to all professions. The characteristics that are addressed include essential service, call to serve, special knowledge and skills, specialized and advanced university training, public trust and status, code of ethics and…

Parish religious education programs for children and young people are examined with emphasis on how these programs are administered and operated, how students evaluate them, and what organizational and program factors are characteristic of particularly effective programs. Nominations for effective programs were solicited from 83 dioceses, and 258…

A total of 1,062 full-time teachers from a national sample of 45 Catholic high schools responded to a 260-question survey about beliefs and values. The survey inquired into the teachers' personal backgrounds, religious beliefs, religious practices and experiences, values, social and political attitudes, and attitudes on religious education. The…

This prayer book is intended for Catholic educators who are involved in the ministry of education and as teachers in Catholic schools. Daily prayer services are included, each centering on a particular theme pertinent to the personal and professional lives of ministers and teachers. The first week of themes for the month focus on the concept of…

Although large numbers of teachers are employed in the Catholic parochial schools, little information about their continuing education interests is reported in the literature. A mail survey of a systematic sample of 215 classroom teachers in the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocesan schools revealed high interest in such continuing education topics as…

A collection of nine brief statements by prominent Catholics and other religious policymakers on the moral implications of compulsory military and other national service is presented. Each of the respondents answers the following question: "In your judgment, what are the moral and ethical implications of a public policy, in time of peace, of…

Offers information from a study of anorexia nervosa patients, discussing the behaviors and attitudes that characterize this group. Considers related social, cultural, and environmental factors. Suggests that educators voice concerns to the disturbed student and his/her parents in a simple and frank manner and encourage seeking professional medical…

Addresses how the Catholic school environment and instructional program help students internalize values by fostering values growth, values formation, critical thinking skills, and skills application. Stresses the importance of faculty incorporating thinking skills and Christian values into teaching objectives and taking responsibility for…

Describes the methods and tools used by the Office of Religious Education of the Diocese of Worcester to help parishes improve the quality of their programs through long-term planning. Explains the parish visitation process. (DMM)

Examines the obligations placed upon Catholic educators by the pervasiveness of television. Describes "The Media Mirror," a Christian-value-oriented student guide to television viewing, that seeks to develop an understanding of television's role and influence, foster constructive use of television, and clarify Christian values as…