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Faith and Ministry

Diocesan Philosophy of Catholic Education

Catholic education in the Diocese of Allentown is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded.  Through education, the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the gospel and to translate this proclamation into action.

Parents are the primary educators of their children.  They invite teachers in the Catholic school to share this responsibility, which includes the Christian formation of their children, as well as quality education. 

Parents rightfully look to teachers as people whose faith is living, conscious, and active. The integration of religious truths and values with the rest of life is brought about in the Catholic school not only by its unique curriculum, but more importantly, by the presence of teachers who express an integrated approach to learning and living in their private and professional lives. 

Memorandum of Understanding

Every Catholic school student has a right to be treated as a child of God, with the love and respect that implies, regardless of family circumstances.  In like manner, the believing community has the right to an education guided by Catholic teaching and identity, unimpeded by pressures contrary to Church teaching.

As parent/guardian of a student in a Catholic school, I understand, affirm, and support the following:

  • The primary purpose of a Catholic school education is two-fold: to strengthen the Catholic community in its faith, and to form students in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
  • Catholic schools are distinctive religious education institutions guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.  They are not simply private schools offering a positive moral code.  Rather, they exist to advance the faith mission of the sponsoring Catholic parish(es), Diocese, or Catholic religious community.
  • While Catholic education places a high value on academic excellence and extracurricular achievement, its fundamental priority is fidelity to Catholic teaching and identity. 
  • Attending a Catholic school is a privilege, not a right. The school and its administration have the responsibility to ensure that Catholic teaching and moral integrity permeate every facet of the school’s life and activity and that the school is able to function as a community of faith.

As a parent/guardian desiring to enroll my child in a Catholic school, I accept this memorandum of understanding.  I pledge support for the Catholic identity and mission of this school and by enrolling my child I commit myself to uphold all principles and policies that govern the Catholic School.