Catholic Identity

1. Catholic Identity

2. “The Catholic school – it would no longer deserve this title if, no matter how much it shone for its high level of teaching in non-religious matters, there were justification for reproaching it for negligence or deviation in strictly religious education. The special character of the Catholic school, the underlying reason for it, the reason why Catholic parents should prefer it, is precisely the quality of the religious instruction integrated into the education of the pupils.” • Pope John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, n. 69a

3. Is it really necessary for the planning team to pay attention to Catholic Identity? • “We hold a sacred trust to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Accountability invites members of the community to share in the process of assessing the successof catechetical and educationalprograms, verifying that we arewho we say we are. Accountabilityis essential to that sacred trust.” • NCEA Statement on Accountability& Assessment in Catholic Education

4. What will happen to our school if we are notwho we say we are?

5. Marks of Catholic School Identity • Students, teachers, and staff who are respectful of others • Inclusive and caring school community • Daily prayer, with Mass central to the prayer environment • Visible signs and symbols of Catholic faith life • Religion taught and applied in other subject areas each day • Rigorous academic setting • Teachers are prepared and skilled as catechists • Education for stewardship and social justice • Ongoing invitation to full participation in parish community • Christian values are taught and virtues are practiced • Christian spirituality is evidenced in service to others, peacemaking, and reconciliation • Deep awareness of true purpose of life • Source: Archdiocese of Chicago

6. How can we know if we are who we say we are? • Examples of Data Sources: • NCEA ACRE scores • NCEA IFG scores • Logs of community service hours worked by students … teachers … parents • Review of calendar (student retreats, teacher workshop topics, liturgical schedule) • Level of family participation in Mass • Review of budget (funds for religious periodicals, Bibles, religious artwork, Catholic curriculum, etc.)

7. Some questions for reflection • Do teachers utilize the Diocesan Religion Curriculum to guide instruction (or the US Bishops High School Catechetical Framework)? • Are all religion teachers certified catechists (or have at least 18 credit hours in theology or religious instruction)? • What opportunities exist for spiritual direction for the faculty and staff? • Do religious education and sacramental preparation programs provide for significant parental involvement? • Is religion class offered daily at each grade level? Note: Mass or paraliturgies are not considered substitutes for religion class. • Is each Eucharistic liturgy (Sacred Mass) given the priority it deserves as the Source & Summit of Christian life (reverence for Real Presence, full participation in singing and prayers, well rehearsed readings, etc.)? • Are class sets of student Bibles readily available and in good repair? • Does the school involve students in the support of foreign missions (e.g. Holy Childhood Association)?

8. Some questions for reflection • How does the school promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life (brothers, sisters)? • Is sacred artwork displayed prominently throughout the building? • How does the school encourage the formation of virtues such as mutual respect, temperance, modesty, and chastity, which are foundational for strong marriages and family life? • How are students introduced to the various devotional practices of the Church (Eucharistic adoration, Stations of the Cross, Marian devotions, Angelus, Liturgy of the Hours, pilgrimages, etc.)? • Is there an active RCIC process available for non-Catholic students who wish to enter the Church? • Does the school website & logo clearly reflect its Catholic identity? • Does the school have a patron saint? How is the patron saint honored? • If the school was founded/has been staffed (or is presently staffed) by a religious community, how are the community’s special charisms kept alive and vibrant in the minds and hearts of teachers and students?

9. Charism: A Special Blessing in the Church • Each religious community is a special blessing to the Church, with its own particular mission, spirituality, and flavor. This unique spirit is known as a “charism.” • A religious community’s special charism is a part of the permanent heritage of a Catholic school community.