Catholic Schools

In analysis of the themes and needs that surfaced in the listening sessions on Catholic Schools seems to suggest three possible choices: maintain the status quo, close the schools entirely or move in a fresh, new direction. Each of these choices is based on certain assumptions about the situation in which we find ourselves, and each of these choices has signifi cant implications for the Diocese of Greensburg, that is, for its people, its priests and its bishop.

Having pondered the underlying assumptions and the implications of the three choices, the recommendation is that the diocese retain Catholic schools but move in a fresh, new direction to do so.

Recommendations
Moving in a New Direction
A System of Regional Schools

To begin with, the plan for the schools must be seen within the broader context of a diocesan plan for faith formation and be aligned with the strategic plan for parishes.

1.     Use the resources of an independent consultant to continue to gather information on schools through interviews and discussions with those directly involved with the schools to develop the vision and plan.

2.     The Bishop should present a comprehensive plan for the new regionalization of schools.

3.     The Bishop should articulate his vision for Catholic schools.

4.     Design and implement a systematic and comprehensive program of “internal public relations” to engage the priests and people of the diocese in the vision.

5.     Present a rationale for the distribution of authority, governance structure and financial management for the schools to show clearly the role of the Superintendent of the Office for Catholic Schools and relationships to the pastors, principals and school advisory councils in the regional governance of the schools.