The Challenge of Envisioning and Sustaining Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools of The
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We Are One Body: The Challenge of Envisioning and Sustaining Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools of the Twenty-First Century by Mary Ann Wallen Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Dr. Frederick Edie, Supervisor ___________________________ Dr. Andrew Stern, Second Reader ___________________________ Bishop William Willimon, D.Min. Director Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in the Divinity School of Duke University 2018 ABSTRACT We Are One Body: The Challenge of Envisioning and Sustaining Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools of the Twenty-First Century by Mary Ann Wallen Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Dr. Frederick Edie, Supervisor ___________________________ Dr. Andrew Stern, Second Reader ___________________________ Bishop William Willimon, D.Min. Director An abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in the Divinity School of Duke University 2018 Copyright by Mary Ann Wallen 2018 We Are One Body: The Challenge of Envisioning and Sustaining Catholic Identity in Catholic Schools of the Twenty-First Century Abstract More than four centuries ago, Christian explorers and missionaries brought the Catholic faith to the New World of the Americas and opened the door for what would become one of the strongest, most successful and most respected educational structures in the history of our nation – the American Catholic School System. In spite of decades of opposition from other religious denominations and civil authorities, the Catholic school system continued to flourish and deliver to its students a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic doctrine, moral values and sound discipline. These schools were able to withstand their struggles and thrive because they followed the mandate of Jesus Christ to “go and teach all nations.” Theirs was a sacred mission to which they dedicated themselves with a full heart, mind, body and soul. Changes in culture and the secularization of Western society have reduced the number of Catholic schools in operation today, but they have not diminished their commitment to providing a faith-based education for their students regardless of their diverse religious traditions, races, ethnicities and academic aptitudes. Catholic education continues to thrive in America today because of the dedication of educators and parents who recognize its value and who work tirelessly to ensure its success. ii This thesis will examine, then, the distinct nature of a Catholic school beginning with the unique identity which forms the heart of every school as a faith community that is dedicated to the spiritual, social and personal growth and development of the students and adults who gather there. Without a true sense of its particular identity and mission, no Catholic school can survive or succeed. What is meant by this “identity,” and what are the factors that contribute to or detract from its integration into the life of the school? These are questions that we will explore and seek to answer. Recognizing the importance of building a strong faculty who appreciates and accepts the responsibilities of their vocation and who are committed to being role models of faith and Christian values to their students, I have developed and included a six-month course of professional development which could be implemented in individual schools who desire such a program. This course comprises chapter four of this work. In the completion of this thesis, I have done extensive research into the philosophy and practice of Catholic education, but I have also drawn on my own experiences as a woman of faith who is deeply committed to my vocation as a Catholic school educator. Personal insights which I have gained by teaching on both the elementary and secondary levels as well as through my own professional development have contributed to this work and may be found throughout. In the end, this thesis has been a labor of love through which I have learned a great deal about my own profession and faith; but it is my sincere hope that it has been much more. If the observations which I have made and the recommendations which I have set forth can inspire even one school iii to carefully examine its own identity and recommit its collective energies to strengthening the very character which makes it Catholic, then this work will be successful far beyond its original purpose as an academic work. iv To my parents, William J. Wallen Sr. and Kathleen F. Wallen who instilled in me an unconditional love for my faith and My dear friend Sue who continuously encourages and supports me v Contents Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………… ii Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………… v Acknowledgements …………………………………………………………………… viii INTRODUCTION …………………………………...……………………….………………....1 CHAPTER ONE: A Focus on the Hallmarks of Catholic Identity Introduction ………………….…………………………………………………..….... 11 Faith ………………….………………………………………………….….... 15 Community ………………….……………………………………………...... 17 Academic Excellence ………………….……………………………………. 21 Service ………………….…………………………………………….............. 24 Administrators ………………….…………………………………………….............. 26 Teachers ………………….……………………………………………........................ 29 Parents ………………….………………………………………………….…..…….... 33 Students ………………….……………………………………………......................... 36 Alumni ………………….………………………………………………...………….... 39 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………...………….. 41 CHAPTER TWO: Factors that Negatively Affect Catholic Identity in Schools Introduction ………………….…………………………………………………..….... 45 Interior Changes Within the Catholic Church …………………………. 46 Social and Cultural Influences …………………………………………. 51 Administrators ………………………….………………………………………. 56 Personal Witness to the Faith …………………………………………... 60 Hiring of Personnel ………………………….…………………………. 62 Stewardship ………………………….…………………………………. 66 Faculty and Staff ………………………….……………………………………. 70 Students………………………….……………………………………………… 82 Parents ………………………….………………………………………………. 88 Conclusion ………………………….………………………………………….. 94 CHAPTER THREE: Factors Which Promote and Strengthen Catholic Identity in Schools vi Introduction ………………………….………………………….……………… 99 Administrators ………………………….……………………………... 107 Teachers ………………………….…………………………………… 113 Students………………………….…………………………………….. 118 Parents ………………………….……………………………………... 121 Conclusion ………………………….………………………………… 125 CHAPTER FOUR: Integrating the Paradigm of Catholic Identity Introduction ………………………….……………………………………....... 128 Sample Agenda for Monthly Conversations ………………………………….. 131 Schedule of Monthly New Faculty Conversations …………………………… 132 Conclusion …………………………………..………………………………... 178 CONCLUSION ………………………...……..……..………………………………... 180 APPENDIX A ………...…………………..……………………….……….................. 185 Rationale …………………………………..…………………………………. 185 Sample Lesson Plan ………………………….…………………………...…... 186 BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………..………………………………............ 189 vii Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength, knowledge, ability and opportunity to undertake this research study and to persevere and complete it satisfactorily. Without his blessings, this achievement would not have been possible. I especially want to thank my supervisor, Dr. Frederick Edie, for his guidance during my research and study at the Duke Divinity School. Also, I was delighted to interact with, Dr. Andrew Stern, by attending his class and having him as my second reader. His unbelievable knowledge of the history of the Catholic Church was impressive and encouraging as a Catholic educator in a secondary school. My deepest gratitude goes to my family for their unflagging love and support throughout my life; this thesis is simply impossible without them. I am especially indebted to my parents who instilled at a young age, an unconditional love for my faith. I would like to dedicate this work to my parents, Mr. William J. Wallen Sr. and Mrs. Kathleen F. Wallen, whose dreams for me have resulted in this achievement; and, without their loving upbringing and nurturing, I would not have been where I am today and the person I am today. Had it not been for my parents' unflinching insistence and support, my dreams of excelling in education would have remained mere dreams. I thank my father with all my heart, and I know that he is in Heaven, listening, watching over me and sending me his blessings constantly. He is truly my guardian angel. I thank my mother, who is a fighter and a true example of strength as she struggles with cancer. I viii know that she is proud of all that I have accomplished, and I hope that she continues to fight, pray, love and smile. I would also like to thank my dear friend, Dr. Susan M. Vadas, who has continued to be by my side as I walk this doctoral journey and the completion of my thesis. I want to thank her for putting up with me in difficult moments when I felt stumped and for always encouraging me to follow my dream of getting this degree. This would not have been possible without her unwavering and unselfish support given to me at all times. ix 1 Introduction Catholic identity forms the foundation, the very heart and soul, of the life and mission of each Catholic school and faithfulness to that identity is the ultimate criterion of the success or failure of its very existence. It is the lifeblood of any Catholic institution of learning and must be central in every aspect of school life. Without it, a Catholic school becomes just one more