Volume 9, Number 1
September 2005
Table of Contents
Editors' Comments (pp. 5-6)
Ronald J. Nuzzi, Thomas C. Hunt
Articles
Religion, Religiosity and Private Schools
William Sander
DePaul University
(pp. 7-21)
The effects of religion and religiosity as measured by attendance at weekly religious services on the demand for private schooling is assessed. It is shown that Catholics, fundamentalist/evangelical Protestants, and respondents who attend religious services more often have a higher demand for private schooling. Data from the National Opinion Research Center’s “General Social Survey” are used.
“A Great and Lasting Beginning”:
Bishop John McMullen’s Educational Vision and the Founding of St. Ambrose University
George W. McDaniel
St. Ambrose University
(pp. 22-46)
Catholic education surfaces as a focus and concern in every age of the U.S. Catholic experience. This article examines the struggles in one, small Midwestern diocese surrounding the establishment and advancement of Catholic education. Personal rivalries, relationships with Rome, local politics, finances, responding to broader social challenges, and the leadership of clergy were prominent themes then, as they are now. Numerous historical insights detailed here help explain the abiding liberal character of Catholicism in the Midwestern United States.
Focus Section
Vincentian Education and the Charism of St. Vincent de Paul
Anthony J. Dosen, CM
DePaul University
(pp. 47-57)
St. Vincent de Paul is a popular saint in the contemporary practice of Catholicism. This article explains why, providing a historical overview of the many influences in Vincent’s life and demonstrating how central Vincentian themes can be incarnated in educational institutions. Vincent’s passion—love of the poor—remains a compelling challenge today.
Urban Revitalization: A Case Study of One Catholic Elementary School’s Journey
Roxanne Farwick Owens
DePaul University
(pp. 58-74)
This article offers background information on U.S. trends in Catholic school enrollment from 1965 through the present, and presents a case study of one school that is attempting to address issues of enrollment, identity, effectiveness, and the elusive but critical essence of making a difference in the lies of students. The importance of leadership, mission, and a sense of community are reconfirmed as essential elements to the future success of Catholic schools in the United States.
Responses From the Field (pp. 75-79)
Joyce V. Johnstone
University of Notre Dame
Kevin M. Hanbury
Seton Hall University
Review of Research
Exploring Values in Catholic Schools
Joseph S. Fusco
Bergen Catholic High School, Oradell, New Jersey
(pp. 80-96)
The past 30 years have been a busy time for Catholic school researchers. Once focused almost exclusively on historical research, Catholic school research in recent years has diversified and multiplied to include new descriptive and comparative studies. This article summarizes the findings of the most significant studies from 1966-2002 concerning values, the Catholic school effect, and apparent sector effects. Suggestions for future research are
also proffered.
Book Reviews
The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality (pp. 97-100)
By Ronald Rolheiser
Reviewed by Max Engel
Understanding Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities:
A Comprehensive Resource (pp. 100-103)
Edited by Sandra Estanek
Reviewed by Michael Fierro
What Great Principals Do Differently: Fifteen Things that Matter Most (pp. 103-108)
By Todd Whitaker
Reviewed by M. Josepha Van Camp
No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning (pp. 108-111)
By Abigail Thernstrom & Stephan Thernstrom
Reviewed by Tamela J. Loggins
Sex, Priestly Ministry, and the Church (pp. 111-113)
By Len Sperry
Reviewed by P. Del Staigers
A People Adrift: The Crisis of the Roman Catholic Church in America (pp. 114-116)
By Peter Steinfels
Reviewed by Nathaniel Zimmer
The Two Wings of Catholic Thought: Essays on Fides et Ratio (pp. 117-121)
Edited by David Ruel Foster & Joseph W. Koterski, SJ
Reviewed by Joseph M. Incandela
Scripture on the Silver Screen (pp. 121-123)
By Adele Reinhartz
Reviewed by Ann O. Alokolaro
Catholic Schools: Mission, Markets, and Morality (pp. 124-126)
By Gerald Grace
Reviewed by Patrick Duignan