Final Report from the 2014 Catholic Education Symposium November Michael Marien

To reflect on the enhancement of our schools’ Catholic identity. To grow forward from “good” to “great”.

Catholic Educational Leaders Catholic school staffs Parishes, especially parish priests and PPC’s

Board, administrator or school staff retreats PD days with a focus on mission and vision Staff meetings with embedded p.d. PAC’s, Student Council, PPC’s Strategic planning and budgeting at local, district and provincial levels Parish-School liaison and committees Personal prayer and reflection

Part One: The Symposium Part Two: The Five Marks of a School’s Catholic Identity Part Three: A Proposed Catholic School Assessment Tool

Over 200 delegates representing Alberta, Saskatchewan Presentations: Dr. Reginald Bibby Archbishop Michael Miller The work of the delegates Facilitated by Sandy Prather

Canada is polarized, not secular Many “drop-in” but are not entirely “dropping out” “As the Roman Catholic Church goes, so goes organized religion” Time for: A mindset change… Exploring affinities “Restructuring” identity patterns Better ministry

Five Marks Of The Authentic Catholic School Six Assessment Standards

Reflect on the Five Marks Provide exemplars from their experience of Catholic schools in their province/territory Express the challenges Suggest strategies to meet those challenges

G race builds on Nature S chools for the human person and of human persons J esus Christ is the center of our enterprise, not an add- on. Faith permeates curriculum

A Catholic atmosphere “in every nook and cranny” The Physical Environment reflects tradition, worship and sacrament A faith-filled climate

Inspired and guided by the Gospel Love for Wisdom and Truth (critical thinking, life-long learning) Truth can be grasped- we can know our duties to God, self and neighbor Students should learn to transform culture in the light of the Gospel. Faith, culture and life are brought into harmony.

Being in Relationship with Jesus Christ In word and action In a lived experience of community Nourished by the sacramental life of the Church Open, welcoming and servant disciples.

T he school as community first, institution second F our ways T eamwork (teachers, parents, clergy) C ooperation between educators and bishops S tudent and teacher interactions P hysical environment Prayer and liturgical life

More time was required to process and internalize the five marks All five marks can be found a single type of exemplar There was a “frequency hierarchy” in exemplars for the five marks: Faith Infused Curriculum:385 Spirituality of Communion:377 Gospel Witness:312 Christian Anthropology:268 Catholic World View:232

Exemplars Challenges Strategies

Based on the Five Marks and the Challenges identified by the delegates See page 25

Pages Five Marks Standards Mission and Vision Incarnate Faith life Curriculum Staff Community Benchmarks

“Catholic education is one of the most important challenges for the Church, currently committed to new evangelization in an historical and cultural context that is undergoing constant transformation.” Pope Francis February 13, 2014