Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium

Abstract

The Catholic bishops of the United States and the entire Catholic community continue their journey through the twenty-first century, it remains their duty to model the Person of Jesus Christ, to teach the Gospel, and to evangelize their culture. They are convinced that Catholic elementary and secondary schools play a critical role in this endeavor. The Catholic community is encouraged at every level to support the work of their Catholic elementary and secondary schools, keeping them available and accessible to as many parents as possible. Therefore, the Catholic bishops of the United States strongly encourage their clergy and laity to market and support Catholic elementary and secondary schools as one of their church's primary missions. Their vision is clear: their Catholic schools are a vital part of the teaching mission of the Church. The challenges ahead are many, but their spirit and will to succeed are strong. The Catholic bishops of the United States, in cooperation with the total Catholic community, are committed to overcoming these challenges. Adversity often brings out the best in men and women. They must respond to challenging times with faith, vision, and the will to succeed because the Catholic school's mission is vital to the future of their young people, the nation, and most especially their Church. (Contains 3 endnotes and 9 resources.)