Volume 4, Number 1
September, 2000
Table of Contents
Editors' Comments (p. 4)
Ronald J. Nuzzi, Thomas C. Hunt
Articles
Listening to Students: Voices From the Inner City
Rita M. Bean, R. Tony Eichelberger, Meryl Lazar, Gregory A. Morris,
University of Pittsburgh
& Cindy A. Reed
Auburn University
(pp. 5-15)
What do students in Catholic schools view as important aspects of their unique form of education? They want a safe environment for learning, caring and concerned teachers, high expectations for learning, responsibility and respect in the school community, and a clear sense of how school relates to success in life. This article describes a study which clearly documents student perceptions and values.
The President/Principal Model in Catholic Secondary Schools
William Dygert, CSC
Providence Catholic Schools
(pp. 16-41)
The purpose of this research about the president/principal model was to examine this emerging model of dual leadership in Catholic secondary schools in the United States to determine its forms, functions, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. The study was qualitative and gathered data by use of a survey. Based on the information gathered, dealing with the ever-increasing complexity of administering a Catholic secondary school by dividing the multiple administrative roles and responsibilities between two individuals, and in some cases more than two individuals, is a strategy that works. This division not only provides for academic leadership and the daily operation of the school, but also provides for leadership in institutional advancement, management of financial resources, strategic planning, fidelity to mission, and vision building.
Focus Section
Confession in the Movies: The Transmission of Sacramental Tradition Through Film
Eileen M. Condon
University of Toledo
(pp. 42-56)
Not unlike confessional role-playing among seminarians or pre-sacramental practice sessions between parents and children, cinematic confession scenes re-present Penance as a traditional performance, making a teachable cultural moment out of a rite which, when performed in solemnity, cannot be observed or examined directly by a third party. For this reason, movies can be a useful tool for introducing Catholic penitential belief and practice to students in the secular education classrooms, as the author discovered in working with Catholic and non-Catholic students at the University of Toledo. Confession scenes from six films can be related to themes in medieval exempla, church teachings, and folklore related to the Sacrament
of Penance.
Liturgy as Curriculum: The Dynamics of Liturgical Education
Robert J. Starratt
Boston College
(pp. 57-71)
Most Catholic schools avail themselves of many opportunities during the academic year to gather for an all-school Mass. Select teachers and students typically plan the liturgy and execute the needed ministries during Mass. This article situates liturgy planning and celebration in the context of the formal curriculum and calls for explicit liturgical education in Catholic schools. One Catholic high school’s experience with a “showcase liturgy” concept is described in detail.
How Can We Sing the Song of the Lord?
Nathan D. Mitchell
University of Notre Dame
(pp. 72-89)
What conditions make worship possible? What theology best supports our public worship? This article explores what we might call the conditions for the possibility of good worship. Reviewing the work of Jean-Luc Marion and Catherine Pickstock, the author challenges those charged with leadership to attend to the power of liturgy, especially as it affects our identity. Communal worship, properly understood and celebrated, can shape beliefs, values, behaviors, and vision of Catholic school leaders.
Let the Little Children Come to Me: Preaching the Gospel to Children
Del Staigers
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Dayton, Ohio
(pp. 90-103)
Children’s Masses and Children’s Liturgy of the Word have become commonplace in many parishes. This article develops a theology of preaching to children based on a full understanding of revelation and grace. The author questions the content and style of preaching to children that has emerged since Vatican II and offers practical advice for preachers, teachers, catechists, and liturgical planners.
Come Be Reconciled: Penance Services for Children
Michael D. Balash
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish
(pp. 104-114)
Reconciliation is one of the dominant themes of this Jubilee Year 2000. This article explores the theology of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, situates it in an ecclesial context, and offers practical advice for celebrating the sacrament with children. All three forms of the Rite of Reconciliation receive attention, analysis, and critique.
Review of Research
The Next Generation: A Study of Catholic High School Religion Teachers
Timothy J. Cook
Creighton University
(pp. 115-121)
The Next Generations: A Study of Catholic High School Religion Teachers is a McGivney Grant-funded study that will examine the critical and growing shortage of credentialed high school religion teachers. Using survey research, this study will assess the national situation and attempt to forecast what the future holds. Ultimately, the study will make recommendations regarding the future recruitment, preparation, and retention of religion teacher candidates.
Book Reviews
Character Development in the Catholic School (pp. 123-125)
By Patricia H. Cronin
Reviewed by Patricia McCormack, IHM
Touching the Hearts of Students: Characteristics of a Lasallian School (pp. 125-127)
By George Van Grieken, FSC
Reviewed by Jeffrey Gros, FSC
Catholic School Leadership: An Invitation to Lead (pp. 127-128)
Edited by Thomas C. Hunt, Thomas E. Oldenski, SM &
Theodore J. Wallace
Reviewed by Angela T. Lydon, SBS