STATEMENT OF OCTOBER 11, 2009
In a letter called, RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE THIRD MILLENNIUM, the United States Bishops wrote the following: “Young people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church and our nation. Therefore, we must provide young people with an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education and faith formation designed to strengthen their union with Christ and his Church. Catholic schools collaborate with parents and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where faith and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school’s life. By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world.”
“Ongoing faith formation and professional development programs must also be available so that administrators and teachers in Catholic schools can continue to grow in their ministry of education. These programs will introduce new and effective initiatives, educational models, and approaches, while always maintaining a sound Catholic identity in our schools.”
We have followed the Bishops mandate to review “effective initiates, educational models and approaches, while always maintaining a sound Catholic identity in our schools.” It is the responsibility of each Pastor in collaboration with the educational leaders of the West Deanery and the guidance of the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese to ensure that the precious children entrusted to our care by God and by generous parents are receiving the very best educational opportunity. To that end, discussions have been ongoing at the leadership level to 1) assess our current programs and resources, and 2) to review all of the options for ongoing growth and improvement and 3) to ultimately make a recommendation to the Archdiocese.
Our discussions have been very much aware of the nature of change and how difficult it has become in our society. We also recognize that often change is mis-perceived as a negative comment on the past or those who have gone before us. Nothing could be further from the truth. We stand on the shoulders of our current and past Pastors, administrators and faculty who have shown nothing but dedication and service as we try to shape an even better future for our children. We are about polishing the gem. We are about providing the sort of curriculum and learning environment that will allow us to move from excellent to extraordinary.
Our entire focus during these discussions has been on the children and their future. How might we serve them better with a seamless faith-filled curriculum P-K through 12th grade with potential for being P-K to 16? We believe in a faith filled curriculum PK-12/16 committed to preparing its students to succeed in a global and equally dynamic community; a curriculum whose outcomes inspire students to be discerning believers, problem solvers, innovators , communicators, collaborators, media literate, self-directed and globally aware. How do we best address issues related to insuring that the educational program is available, affordable and accessible? How do we best serve varying student needs based upon age and experience? We want an educational community that seamless provides Gospel based faith formation so that all that is learned in school will be seen in the light of service and social justice. We want an educational community in the West Deanery that is safe, caring and where students are known by name. We want an educational community where age-appropriate academic challenges are made and achieved so that we graduate students who are successful and confident of future success – personally and academically.
While all of the details have yet to be worked out, it is now clear in what direction our vision is taking us and it is time to share it with you.
As of July 1, 2010, a new and exciting educational program will be introduced that will include contributions from Cardinal Ritter Junior-Senior High School, St. Michael’s and St. Gabriel’s elementary schools. The vision also includes greater collaboration with Marian University. St. Gabriel’s will no longer serve as a center for elementary education. The many exciting ministry options for the use of the building will be reviewed through a discernment process by parish leadership including the Parish Council. The building which currently houses St. Michael’s students will be reconfigured to welcome the students currently enrolled at St. Gabriel’s. All of the new programs will be directed and overseen by a single board and administration yet to be named. Transition issues related to faculty and staff, tuition, financial aid, student placement and facility use will continue to be addressed in a spirit of justice.
Names of participants:
- Father Crawford
- Father Varghese
- Steve Padgett
- Paul Lockard
- Jo Hoy
- Sarah Watson
- Eve Gill
- Lisa Zetzl
- Matt Goddard
All of the questions you may have in your mind right now may not be able to be answered today. As soon as more details are available, more will be shared with you. As we continue to develop what will be a new experience for our Deanery, we certainly ask for your prayers and your patience.
May God bless you all!
