Religious education in catholic second-level schools in Ireland: Drawing on our heritage, living in the present, anticipating new directions

Abstract

This chapter describes the changing context of Religious Education in Ireland at the secondary or high school level. It outlines the role played by guiding documents such as 'Share the Good News' issued by the Irish Episcopal Conference. It is possible to identify a renewed and expansive vision for Religious Education in Ireland, rooted in Vatican II but reaffirmed by Pope Francis. Religious Education now needs to respond to the plural nature of contemporary Irish Society and to do this, it has been necessary to revitalise Religious Education in Catholic School. Attention is given to the role of the Irish Centre for Religious Education, particularly in nurturing doctoral level research and nurturing networking opportunity among researchers and advocates of Religious Education. There is room for hope and optimism about the future state of Religious Education in Catholic schools in Ireland.