Seminarian Perspectives on Catholic Schools and the New Evangelization

Abstract

Recognizing that pastors of parishes with a Catholic school play a vital role in Catholic education, and that the seminarians of today will be the parish pastors of tomorrow, this study sought to provide a better understanding of the perceptions held by Catholic seminarians about parish schools. Fourteen seminary students from 12 seminaries and 14 different dioceses from across the United States participated in focus group interviews to discuss their thoughts and perceptions about parish schools. Themes that emerged from focus group discussions included the reinterpretation of the New Evangelization, the understanding of the value of Catholic schools, mixed feelings about leadership of a parish with a school, lack of preparation for school administration, and minimal preparation specific to Catholic schools. Recommendations include the addition of a focus on Catholic schools in new editions of the Program of Priestly Formation (USCCB, 2006) and changes to seminary curricula.