FAITH AND LEARNING

A development programme for Catholic schools

"The Catholic school finds its true justification in the mission of the church; it is based on an educational philosophy in which faith, culture and life are brought into harmony. Through it, the local church evangelises, educates and contributes to the formation of a healthy and morally sound lifestyle among its members. "

(The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School. Rome 1988)

The distinctive character of the Catholic school lies in this religious dimension which permeates and shapes the life and work of the school. The central vision of the Catholic school which emphasises the dignity of the individual, the interdependence of humanity and the sanctity of life is based on counter-cultural values associated with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Faith and Learning programmes are designed to assist the schools in the process of assessing and promoting their essential Catholic character.

Catholic schools share with other schools a concern for the fullest possible development of the individual but they approach this responsibility in a distinctive way, guided by the Christian vision of the whole person as one in whom religious and spiritual growth is important and ongoing. The Catholic school seeks to integrate within the overall curriculum of the school a specific religious tradition which fosters faith in the daily life of the members of the school community.

Building school communities which are animated by Gospel values is a challenge for all concerned with Catholic education. It demands openness and a readiness to be self-critical; it means examining practice, identifying difficulties, addressing weaknesses; it means being prepared to work with others to build a distinctive view of education that permeates all aspects of the learning and teaching process in a school. Locating the Christian message at the heart of the school's way of life also means taking appropriate steps to ensure that staff-pupil relationships, pastoral care, disciplinary codes, curriculum and models of leadership are living witnesses to the Christian way of life in the school community. All areas of the school curriculum should reflect this mission of the Catholic school and should be the background to a meaningful programme of Religious Education.

"The spiritual and religious dimension of the Catholic school cannot be left entirely to the RE department and chaplains. All staff in whatever area of life in the school they work are concerned with this and help to create an atmosphere permeated with the Gospel spirit of freedom and love."

(Vatican II, Declaration on Christian Education)