Catholic Schools - Permeated By Faith
The Catholic School
Christ in All Things

Being Catholic and Being Political
Church and State
Criticized For Speaking Out
The Challenge For Catholics
Social Teachings Rooted in Scripture
Called to be Prophets

So You Want to be a Catholic School Trustee?
Stewards for our Schools
The Challenge
Roles and Responsibilities of Catholic School Trustees
Becoming a Catholic School Trustee
Responsibilities of Catholic School Supporters
Faith for the Future

Catholic Schools - Permeated by Faith

Introduction

Catholic education is a unique partnership between the school, home and parish. Together, this triad seeks to develop a student's whole person by integrating academic excellence permeated by faith. Catholic education exists and will continue to do so because its central focus is Jesus Christ.

Within that partnership, excellence in Catholic education is achieved through the personal involvement of all members of the community, whether it be as voters or elected trustees.

This booklet examines the uniqueness of Catholic education and the Catholic community's responsibility to ensure a faith-based education for its children. It is intended to assist Catholic school supporters understand their rights and obligations as voters, and to inform those who wish to serve as trustees of their roles and responsibilities.

Please note that this booklet is intended only as an introduction and guide. For additional information, please contact your local school board, Alberta Learning, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association or the Alberta School Boards Association.

The Catholic School

For more than a century, Alberta and the Northwest Territories have been blessed with a multi-dimensional public education system, of which Catholic education is an integral part. Catholic schools not only complement the public school system, but also provide an educational choice where student success and achievement thrive. Such a diverse public education system ensures that students in Alberta and the Northwest Territories have an opportunity to receive a faith-based education, which challenges them to reach their learning potential. Catholic education is an indispensable part of the culture and education system in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

However, a Catholic school is not a duplicate of a public school. Catholic schools are unique and distinctive because they are faith communities that nurture the spiritual, academic and physical needs of its students.

Christ is the centre of the Catholic school and His presence and teaching permeates every math and English class in the school building. In fact, the mission of a Catholic school is to show Christ to all its students throughout the school day. Catholic school teachers are not simply teaching curriculum, but integrating faith into every instruction plan in every program, to demonstrate its relationship to the world of human culture. It is a learning environment where spiritual development complements intellectual development. There is no delineation between religious and non-religious learning in a Catholic school. There is a faith dimension in every aspect of the curriculum.

Christ in all Things

In a Catholic school, a crucifix symbolizing God's love hangs proudly in every classroom. In a Catholic school, religion classes are as much a part of the curriculum as the sciences. In a Catholic school, Christmas and Easter is celebrated by sharing the light of Christ. In a Catholic school the spirit of Christ permeates more than the physical environment-it is studied, witnessed and modelled throughout the school day by students and staff.

Catholic schools offer an integrated curriculum of faith formation and academic development in an effort to form the student's whole person. This integration helps students develop a deeper personal relationship with God, which forms the basis of their relationships with those around them. In Catholic schools, this integration of faith and academics can take many forms.

For example, a Eucharistic celebration can be an opportunity to involve the entire school and a way to provide students with a better understanding of their faith. For this celebration, the home economics class makes unleavened bread, the shop class builds portable crosses, which transform the gymnasium into a place of worship, and the music students prepare and perform the liturgical music. Language arts and social studies classes can also be a part of the faith celebration by selecting events from the Church calendar as themes for writing assignments.

Every class subject in a Catholic school is permeated by the teachings of Christ. Social studies, for example, are based on the social teachings of Jesus Christ, who was a model of social reform. One Alberta Catholic school has integrated references to a number of papal encyclicals in the social studies curriculum for grades 5 through 12. The principal states, "Students are not ashamed to talk about Jesus and relate to His teachings, even in the student handbook."

A teacher in another Catholic school writes, "In social studies, the Catholic school allows me the opportunity to discuss both the historical and spiritual life of Christ in relation to other historical events. This type of integration is something I value."

In a Catholic school, students are encouraged to model the behaviour of Christ and discipline is based on the ideals of justice, love and service. Catholic schools strive to build self-control, self-discipline, leadership and discipleship within students. One teacher writes, "...during playground supervision, when disputes arise among the younger students it is always useful to rely on the teachings of Christ-the most basic concept of 'love one another' seems to be something younger minds can comprehend."

When discussing career opportunities, Catholic schools allow students to explore social justice issues such as fair wages, equality, the possibility of a call to ministry and the concept of "service." Careers are not portrayed to students as means of gaining the greatest material success, but of how they may be of most service.

In the sciences, teachers address the moral and ethical dilemmas of such topics as euthanasia, genetic engineering and advances in reproductive technologies from the viewpoint of Catholic theology and philosophy. The series of articles entitled "Topics in Bioethics for Science and Religion Teachers," written by specialists from the Catholic Bioethics Centre and St. Joseph's College (University of Alberta) is a resource which helps to permeate the faith in science classes. Each article raises a number of ethical considerations, relates them specifically to the current science curriculum and addresses them from a Catholic perspective. The following is one example from the document:

The intrinsic meaning of science and technology is connected with unconditional respect for the fundamental criteria of the moral law, that is, they must be at the service of the human person, of his or her inalienable rights and his or her true and integral good according to the design and will of God. If prenatal diagnosis respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safeguarding or healing as an individual, then it is morally acceptable. Any link between prenatal diagnosis and abortion is to be discouraged and condemned. It is regarded as an abuse of the unborn child's right to life.

The subject of human relationships can be discussed in the classroom and reinforced with the morals espoused by the Church. Whether it be the value of abstinence from sexual relations until marriage, the sacred nature of marriage as a lifelong commitment or the development of a loving relationship with God, such topics can be openly discussed in a Catholic school with the confidence that it reflect the teachings of Christ.

Catholic schools provide religious education programs and strong support for the sacramental preparation provided through the parish and at home, to give students a firm base from which they can grow in an understanding of their faith. Through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, social justice projects and retreat days, students learn how to build a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to the Gospel's call to transformation.

Catholic schools are for the formation of students, but also encourage the spiritual growth of the staff within them. Prayer and reflection are an essential part of the school day for both students and staff. The strength, which comes from sharing prayer and providing time for reflection, empowers teachers and all staff to be strong, consistent models of their faith.

Catholic schools exist because Christ is their focus. The permeation which makes our schools holy ground is not an idealistic theory, but one that is at work in every Catholic school throughout Alberta.

Being Catholic and Being Political

The following is an excerpt of a keynote address to the SPIRITUS 2001 Annual General Meeting, given by Dr. Terry Downey, President of St. Mary's College in Calgary. The talk, entitled "Being Catholic and Being Political" addresses the role and responsibility of the faith community in the decisions and policies, which affect our everyday lives.

There is extensive pressure in the public domain to separate the spiritual and the secular. However, being Catholic and being political are inseparable. While it is clearly possible to be political without being Catholic, the reverse is virtually impossible. The reason for this is simple-we are called to live our faith every moment of everyday.

Church and State

There are some myths that have served to narrowly define the parameters of public discourse in this country in recent years and these have effectively constrained discussion of values no matter what the source. In particular, these myths have served to restrict any real serious and systematic consideration of the ethical and moral dimensions of public policy and public life.

The first of the myths that attempt to limit participation on the part of Catholics and others in public life is the concept of separation of church and state, which is often invoked as a justification to "keep religion out of politics."

The term "Separation of Church and State" derives from the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States which reads as follows: "Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." What this actually means is that there should not be an official state religion, a notion that is a long way from "keeping religion out of politics." By no means should the Church cozy up to the government in power-that has its own dangers. However, the Church and those in it have an obligation to challenge conventional wisdom and to actively participate in the life of the community and nation.

There is a second, more pervasive myth that attempts to constrain participation in public policy debates. Politicians are relentless in trying to convince us that there is nothing ideological or political in what they are doing-they usually try to convince us that they have no choice but to do things such as cut social programs, increase taxes, go to war or build more missiles and nuclear plants. They like to convince us that there is nothing political in what they are doing, but doing what is "best" by dealing with current "realities."

To suggest that policies are made on non-ideological, rational and pragmatic grounds implies an idea-less, value-free political world where policy choices simply reflect what is most rational or "best" in any given circumstances. If we accept this notion, as many of us have, there can be little room for the discussion of non-objective, non-rational things such as values. This approach implies that an important matter like the economy should be left to the experts and there is no place for values.

Criticized For Speaking Out

Accordingly, when various Christian denominations have spoken out on social injustices they have been told to keep their values out of an economy they can't possibly understand and to stick to their pulpits-values and economics do not mix. This notion was reflected in the enormous outcry surrounding the much talked about Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' statement, Ethical Reflections on the Economic Crisis. The statement, which was released in the latter part of 1982, talked of a preferential option for the poor and the priority of labour over capital, all long-standing elements of Catholic social teaching. The Catholic bishops who authored and supported this document were pilloried in the press and ridiculed by politicians.

Later, in the 1990s, when the Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Marion Best, urged members of her congregation to stop what she called "the growing war against the poor in our society" she was ignored by politicians and told by the Globe and Mail that current public policies were simple matters of arithmetic, that she should face facts and stick to her pulpit. The basic message was that there was no room in the debate for the issues she was raising.

Much of the current discussions on globalization/larger free-trade zones are characterized by the same exclusive, "leave it to the experts" tone. Canadians are being told that these are inevitable economic arrangements ("We are only doing what is best and what must be done. We have no choice.") and critics who insist on talking about human rights and social justice are seen as troublemakers who do not understand the real issues. This approach to policy discussion and policy making has effectively drained the ethical content out of public debate and public life.

The Challenge For Catholics

Where does all this leave us on the question of "being Catholic and being political?"

Pollster Allan Gregg has suggested that the true art of politics is not simply to listen to those who speak, but to hear those who do not. This is not something that happens regularly in our society. The strong, the organized and the vocal make their mark on the system while the weak, unorganized and silent become invisible.

It is equally clear that this puts us some distance from the Gospel principles we claim to hold dear. The social teachings of the Church over the past century is unequivocal on these matters as demonstrated by the following principles:

• Any system in which social relationships are determined entirely by economic factors is contrary to the nature of the human person and his acts;
• A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable;
• A system that subordinates the basic rights of individuals and of groups to the collective organization of production is contrary to human dignity;
• Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money and contributes to the spread of atheism;
• The development of economic activity and growth in production are meant to provide for the needs of human beings;
• Economic life is not meant solely to multiply goods and increase profit or power; and
• It is ordered first of all to the service of persons and of the entire human community.

Social Teachings Rooted in Scripture

These social justice teachings are firmly rooted in scripture. In James we read that "What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and keep oneself from being corrupted by the world."

And in Matthew we read the awesome account of the final judgment and the criteria that will be applied to all people of all nations, "Come, you that are blessed by the Father! Come and possess the kingdom that has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me." This is sobering food for thought for all of us on the Church's social justice teaching.

Called to be Prophets

These criteria demand that we accept our social responsibilities and practice a public morality, which presumes social obligations to others and to subsequent generations, limits to the individual pursuit of self-interest, and commitments to greater equity and social justice. We are called, clearly and unequivocally, to share responsibility for the collective good of all, and those in greatest need must receive the greatest attention.

As Catholics we can strive for nothing less. This leaves us no choice but to be Catholic and political, to be participants in the ongoing life of our community and society, and to be particularly attentive to the interests of the poor and the defenseless. In Proverbs, we read, "Where there is no prophecy the nation perishes." We are called to be prophets in our own land. This is our unavoidable responsibility as Christians and this is why we cannot be anything but Catholic and political.
 

So You Want to be a Catholic School Trustee

Stewards for our Schools

The Catholic school trustee has a specific and unique vocation. This vocation is a call from the Church and the community to bring together faith and political life to share in the central mission of the Church-passing our Catholic faith on to our children.

Catholic schools exist to offer Catholic parents a distinct system of education for their children. Through the democratic process, the trustees of a Catholic school board are empowered by the community to fulfill both the educational requirements set by the government and the vision of the faith community.

This presents Catholic trustees with a unique dual challenge. They must ensure that students are provided an education which includes literacy skills, the ability to interpret and communicate information, the skills to analyze quickly and creatively, and the knowledge for effective problem solving. In addition, a Catholic school board must ensure that Catholic values and principles are reflected at all times in its policies and practices. It is the work they do in the boardroom, which will directly affect the permeation that takes place in the Catholic schools in their jurisdiction.

The ability to fulfill both roles without compromise is paramount for Catholic school trustees. Their position as leaders in the faith community requires an understanding, a willingness to grow and a commitment to bear daily witness to the faith.

To meet this challenge, Catholic trustees in Alberta and the Northwest Territories are entrusted with certain denominational school rights, powers and privileges enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. They exercise these rights with the religious guidance of parish and diocesan authorities.

The Challenge

Our students are gifts entrusted to us by God. Catholic schools are our gift to the communities we serve. It is the responsibility of the Catholic school trustee and the faith community to ensure that through our schools students receive an education permeated by faith.

The trustee is an important link in the partnership of home, school and parish. This triad cooperatively works to ensure the formation of the children, which were entrusted to us. As representatives of the Catholic community to the government, trustees have the opportunity and the responsibility to model their faith in the political arena. Implicit in that role is the responsibility to speak out when legislation or political action threatens to compromise the unique nature of Catholic education. Catholic school trustees must continually call for a discerning, visionary interpretation of legislation, which recognizes the essence of Catholic education and its significance to society.

It is important to remember that separate schools were considered so intrinsic to the nature of society that they were constitutionally protected. With the constant transformation of society over the past century, it is vital that we continue to provide students with an education based on Gospel values. These values include the sacred character of each person, the relationship with God, with all God's people and with creation. These values will guide students in creating a more caring, responsible, just, and faith-filled society.

It is not possible to confine the instruction or the demonstration of these values to an occasional religious studies class. This would only undermine the importance of what is being taught. It is equally impossible to remove certain students from the influence of these values. To do so would exclude them from the complete experience of a faith-filled education. Instead, we must continue to ensure that:

• as the trustees of Catholic education, we develop within ourselves a deeper understanding of and commitment to the nature of Catholic education;
• the essence of Catholic education, formed through the partnership of home, school and parish, is recognized and supported in the political arena;
• our teachers and school staff are supported, encouraged and provided with opportunities to further study Catholic philosophy and theology;
• our leaders are allowed opportunities to examine their unique role in shaping the faith life of their school; and
• our students are seen as individuals, offered the unique opportunity to study in a learning environment permeated by the Gospel values of truth, justice and love.

Roles and Responsibilities of Catholic School Trustees

The Catholic school trustee has a multitude of roles and responsibilities, none of which can be taken lightly. Through the School Act, the Government of Alberta delegates much of its authority for the governance of education to locally elected boards. Thus, school boards, public and separate, are agents of the provincial government and accountable to Alberta's Minister of Learning.

Catholic school boards are also accountable to the bishop in their diocese. Canon Law 806(1) states that "The diocesan Bishop has the right to watch over and inspect the Catholic schools situated in his territory, even those established or directed by members of religious institutes. He has also the right to issue directives concerning the general regulations of Catholic schools . . . "

Through policies and programs, the Catholic school trustee is instrumental in setting the environment for the formation of our children. The diverse roles of a Catholic school trustee includes, but are not limited to the following:

Politician
Trustees have a public responsibility to ensure their school jurisdiction meets the educational and financial guidelines issued by the government. They are also responsible to their electorate for ensuring that the Catholic community's beliefs and principles are reflected in the school district's policies and programs.

Goal Setter
Trustees provide corporate leadership for the school jurisdiction-they set goals, statements of purpose and the results of which the board wishes to achieve.

Policy Maker
Trustees develop policies, which guide administration and staff in achieving district goals. In this role, the trustee anticipates special needs and frequently reviews its policies to ensure it is meeting the district's objectives.

Planner
Trustees must also establish priorities to meet the goals set by the board, taking into account the desires of the community and the financial and human resources available. They must also be willing to devote a significant amount of time to their work as a trustee.

Communicator
A trustee interacts with a variety of people: the electorate, who need to know that their concerns are being heard and acted upon; the government; the media; school administrators and staff; and other board members. In all cases, the need for clear and effective communication is essential.

Information Receiver and Disseminator
In order to make sound decisions, trustees must seek out pertinent information, keep up to date on educational matters, analyze the vast amount of data they receive and clearly communicate information.

Advocate for Education
The trustee is responsible for maintaining a positive image and a high profile for Catholic education locally, provincially and nationally, by informing the community of the district's accomplishments, acknowledging specific concerns and contributing to responsible solutions.

Role Model
The most significant role of a trustee is to walk the talk in and outside the boardroom. A Christian lifestyle and a personal commitment to the Catholic faith are basic and essential to the trustee's public credibility.

Becoming a Catholic School Trustee

School board elections are held every three years in conjunction with municipal elections. Candidates are governed by the Local Authorities Election Act Section 21, which states:

(1) A person may be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if on nomination day he or she:

1. is eligible to vote in that election;
2. has been a resident of the local jurisdiction and the ward, if any, for the six consecutive months immediately preceding nomination day; and
3. is not otherwise ineligible or disqualified.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a candidate for trustee of a board of a school district that is wholly or partly within the boundaries of a city is not required to be a resident of the ward in either a general election or a by-election, but must be a resident of the school district.

Sections 22-24 of this Act, outlines the circumstances by which candidates are ineligible to run as a candidate. This includes:

22(1) A person is not eligible to be nominated as a candidate in any election under this Act if on nomination day: (b) the person is an employee of the local jurisdiction for which the election is to be held unless the person is on a leave of absence granted under this section;

Candidate ineligibility is also outlined in the School Trustee Statutes Amendment Act, 2002:

"A person is not eligible to be nominated as a candidate for election as a trustee of a school board if on nomination day the person is employed by

1. a school district or division,
2. a charter school, or
3. a private school,

in Alberta unless the person is on a leave of absence granted under this section."

If candidates under this section are elected, they must resign from the district to which they are employed.

In addition to the legal requirements, candidates running for Catholic school trustees also have the:

• desire to be a leader in the faith community;
• commitment to the formation of students physically, academically and most important, spiritually; and
• willingness to explore and grow in their own faith.

Responsibilities of Catholic School Supporters

The success of Catholic schools depends on the effort of everyone in the faith community. While some are called to run as candidates for school trustees, others may be called to be supporters of Catholic education in other ways. Whether it be in the classroom, home or parish, every member of the faith community has a responsibility to ensure the vibrancy of our Catholic schools today and far into the future. An election is a prime opportunity for the community to have its say in how Catholic education continues to endure.

Section 47(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act states that a person is eligible to vote if he or she is at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a resident of Alberta for the six consecutive months immediately preceding election day and is a resident in the area on election day.

All eligible members of the Catholic community have the responsibility to vote knowledgeably and to become involved in decisions regarding Catholic education. There are a number of opportunities for community members to become involved. These include:

• Attend local school board meetings.
• During an election, become informed about the candidates and their ideas.
• Express opinions on specific topics, such as the role of parents in the education of their children, the direction of special needs education and faith development programs for teachers and school staff.
• Ensure that the policies of the board are a true reflection of the beliefs and values of the Catholic community.
• Participate in a local school council, either as a parent or a community representative.

Faith for the Future

For the gift of Catholic education to endure beyond the present generation, it is the responsibility of all members of the faith community to heed the call to serve and support the formation of our children. Whether that call be of Catholic school trustee, educator or community supporter, the responsibility to show Christ to our students lies on all our shoulders. It is a great responsibility with many challenges, but boundless rewards.

The Catholic school trusteeship is a unique vocation, which serves the Church and the community, both Catholic and non-Catholic. The Catholic school trustee plays an integral part in ensuring that Christ is the heart and soul of every Catholic school. The uniqueness of Catholic education lies in the fact that its purpose and end is holiness. This is the legacy of which Catholic school trustees proudly take charge.