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In a Catholic school all students have the privilege and the obligation to participate in religious instruction. Religion teachers have the privilege and responsibility to provide all students with an encounter with Christ and instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice. This whole process calls for witness to the way of Christ as found in the Scripture and Catholic Church teaching. As teachers promote knowledge of Scripture and sacred tradition, they seek to create an environment conducive to Christ on campus and in the classroom, and to impart what will form the students’ foundational understanding of doctrine, moral decision-making, discernment of vocation, forms of worship and service, and involvement in the Christian community of faith.
All students whether Catholic or non-Catholic are required to be enrolled in a religion course for a grade/credit each semester. As appropriate, schools may offer an introductory preparation class for students who have no experience with formal religious structures or vocabulary. Non-Catholic students participate in liturgies and other sacramental programs in a manner that respects their religious traditions and recognizes that they are not Roman Catholic. Should students from a non-Catholic background or who have no formal religious background express an interest in joining the Catholic faith, their parents/guardians must participate directly in the discussion and, as a general matter, any decision would be postponed until adulthood and after high school graduation.
The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (Lumen Gentium, 11).
"The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324).
Liturgy celebrated properly in the school setting prepares students to participate in the liturgical life of their parish. The School Mass Guidelines and Planning Sheet for school liturgies aids campus ministers and students involved in liturgy preparation.
The administration, faculty, and students are to share in a school celebration of the Eucharist at least monthly. Liturgical preparation should involve cooperative planning by the celebrant and representatives of the school community. Faculty and students are to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation periodically and in particular during Advent and Lent. Although preparation for the sacrament of confirmation is specifically a parish program, the school is to make every effort to encourage and support students and their parents/guardians to participate in their parish confirmation program (see "Confirmation Program" under Faith Formation and Youth Ministry for High School-Age Students).
In "The Catholic Vision of Education," Archbishop José H. Gomez describes the dynamic mission of Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese: "Catholic education is the Church's future. It is also the key to our society's future. . . . Our Catholic vision always calls us to see deeper — and to give more of ourselves in love. Our Catholic vision always calls us to see with the loving eyes of Jesus; with the eyes of God." The Catholic school is unique because it is an academic community within a religious community. As a school it is a community of learners and teachers, administrators and parents/guardians, staff and resource people. At the same time, it is a faith community of young Christians and adults. where Christ the Teacher is present among them.. A Catholic school always has a twofold purpose: learning and believing. It is exemplary when the school blends these well.
In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Catholic schools serve students from preschool through high school. Each local school is unique in its charism, foundation, and culture. All schools promote "knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, and missionary spirit." General Directory for Catechesis, 87. All schools are committed to providing an academic education that integrates Catholic values across the curriculum. In light of the great gift and contribution of Catholic education, Archbishop Gomez has expressed his strong commitment to "make sure that our schools are open to every family and every child in our city. No matter who they are. No matter where they come from, or how they got here. No matter how much money they have." (The Catholic Vision of Education, Archbishop Gomez: August 23, 2013).
6-23-21
Excerpts from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Administrative Handbook. Updated 6-23-21. Please see Section 4-3-4 - Knowledge of Faith and Section 4-3-5 - Liturgical Celebration and Education
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