EDUCATION
"Finally, we urgently recommend the continuation and expansion of Catholic schools in the inner cities and other disadvantaged areas. No other form of Christian ministry has been more widely acclaimed or desperately sought by leaders of various racial communities. For a century and a half the Church in the United States has been distinguished by its efforts to educate the poor and disadvantaged, many of whom not of the Catholic faith. That tradition continues today in - among other places - Catholic schools, where so many blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians receive a form of education and formation which constitutes a key to greater freedom and dignity. It would be tragic if today, in the face of acute need and even near despair, the Church, for centuries the teacher and the guardian of civilization, should withdraw from this work in our own society. No sacrifice can be so great, no price can be so high, no short - range goals can be so important as to warrant the lessening of our commitment to Catholic education in minority neighborhoods. More affluent parishes should be made aware of this need and of their opportunity to share resources with the poor and needy in a way that recognizes the dignity of both giver and receiver." Brothers and Sisters To Us
The Church of the Twenty-First Century belongs to our children. If that Church is to be inclusive and racially just then we must infuse our schools and religious education curriculum and provide teacher training in race tolerance today. We must take a definite stand and guarantee access to education for minorities. If our Church leadership of tomorrow is to be inclusive then our schools must be inclusive today. Considering the growth of our diocese, it is only logical that new schools will be built where there is the greatest population growth. However, some of our neighborhoods, e.g. the east and near east side of Joliet, are still home to many young families. Can we get a vision and develop a plan to meet the needs of all our children? Without such a plan, will Catholic schools in our diocese become institutions of the elite few? The futures of our parishes and our communities are directly related to the resources we provide our youth today. How can we plan today to guarantee educational alternatives for those who most need them? Any education plan must be informed by Catholic social teaching. This teaching calls us to a preferential option for the poor. How can we insure that Catholic education is not only a service offered to those who can pay for it, but a ministry to all those who need it?
Some ideas for consideration:
• Tuition assistance for minority students – elementary and secondary schools.
• Religious Education and Academic Teacher training on racial justice and diversity issues.
• A multicultural/racial justice curriculum review in schools and religious education programs.
• Diversity in hiring practices of education personnel.
• Development of a plan for maintaining and providing Catholic school education, especially in minority areas.
