The Catholic Education Foundation is hosting its tenth annual seminar on the role of the priest in today’s Catholic school from July 16-18, 2024. The intended audience is bishops, priests, and seminarians and is based on the conviction of Fr. Peter Stravinskas, executive director of CEF and frequent contributor to CWR, that the viability of Catholic schools is directly proportionate to the presence and activity of priests.
Fr. Stravinskas recently spoke with CWR about the seminar, the role of clergy in Catholic schools, and the challenges facing priests in their work with parochial schools
CWR: Who is the intended audience for this conference, and why this particular topic?
Stravinskas: Over the years, our Catholic Education Foundation has received consistent input from teachers, administrators, parents and bishops that most priests either do not know or fail to comprehend the critical importance of Catholic schools in the life of the Church, particularly as a vehicle of the new evangelization, as well as the primary source of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. It is also the case that the most active laity in any parish are the graduates of our Catholic schools, as any pastor can attest.
I recall the presentations of Archbishop George Lucas and Bishop Daniel Flores at the fall meeting of the United States Catholic Conference (USCCB) a decade ago. After noting that “the Bishop and the Pastor have an important role” in Catholic school maintenance and development, Bishop Flores remarked that to many, this may sound like a “throw-away” line. Unfortunately, that is not the case as all too many clerics over the past four decades have grown weary with the struggle to keep our schools viable, appealing and accessible. If it is true that “personnel is policy,” then the next statement of Bishop Flores is key: “As Bishops, we must make every effort to assign pastors to parishes with schools who are champions of Catholic schools.”
My own experience offers yet another dimension, namely, that the majority of the “junior clergy” are most supportive of Catholic schools, however, they do not know exactly what they can or should be doing to advance the cause, either because they did not attend Catholic schools themselves or went in an era when clerical involvement was low or even non-existent.
In fact, a very interesting study surfaced in 2019 on the attitudes of seminarians toward our schools; it was both encouraging and disturbing. Encouraging, in that—unlike an older generation of priests—they are quite supportive of Catholic schools. Disturbing, in that they say they have been given no tools in the seminary to prepare them for any role in the schools.
Hence, the point of this seminar, which will be in its tenth go-round. The intended audience is priests (pastors or parochial vicars) with schools; priests assigned to full-time work in a school; seminarians desirous of becoming comfortable with assuming a role in Catholic education.
CWR: Can you tell readers a bit about the content of the conference?
Stravinskas: We are changing venue this year—to the beautiful seminary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mt. St. Mary’s of the West. It’s a 20-minute ride from the Cincinnati Airport, a lovely facility. This conference for bishops, priests and seminarians will take place from Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18.
“The Role of the Priest in Today’s Catholic School” is the title of the conference and includes workshops dealing with topics like: Conciliar and Papal Teaching on Catholic Education; The History of Catholic Education in the United States; The Priest’s Presence in the School Community (Students, Faculty, Administration, Parents); The Priest as the Public Relations Man of the School; Financial Concerns; Models of Governance and Best Practices; Developing a Liturgical Music Program; Classical Education and Catholic Identity as Important Niches. We shall also have a special track for priests engaged full-time in the high school apostolate.
CWR: How important is the role of the clergy in the vitality and success of parochial schools? How and why has that changed over the past few decades?
Stravinskas: In one of Cardinal Newman’s lectures which became his famous Idea of a University, he makes the point that without the presence of the “institutional” Church in the life of a Catholic university, the project is bound to lose its moorings. That is equally true of Catholic education at the elementary and secondary levels. In the 1970s, it was not uncommon for “liberated” nuns to tell priests they were not welcome in the schools and that their only role was to pay the bills. Many priests of that generation became quite embittered and harbor those resentments to this day.
With the absence of priests, orthodoxy and Catholic identity waned in many places, leading to a further crisis in the schools. The mass exodus of women religious from the schools is yet another reason why the presence of priests is even more important than ever.
The involvement of a priest, however, is not simply or even primarily that of a watchdog; his involvement is needed to provide pastoral support for faculty and administration (and parents), to teach religion or other subjects according to his abilities, to be part of the lives of the students on the playground, in the cafeteria, at social and athletic events and, of course, for sacramental/liturgical services.
Not a few bishops—precipitously and very foolishly, in my opinion—withdrew priests from high school work, yet the presence of priests there provided one of the most effective “recruitment” devices we ever had for priestly vocations. Dioceses that have kept priests there—or which are putting them back—know that.
CWR: What are some of the more common challenges facing a priest in dealing with Catholic schools?
Stravinskas: The first is that of regularly reminding his people that the Catholic school is an essential element of Catholic life—whether or not there is a parish school, whether or not individuals have children of school age—and, therefore, deserving wholehearted support of the entire Catholic community, as the Code of Canon Law reminds us.
Secondly, he must say some very potentially unpopular things, for instance, that attendance at the government schools (the so-called “public” schools) places the souls of children in jeopardy—a point highlighted in a study six years ago, which documented that Catholic children in the state schools most often lose their faith in God and the Church as early as fourth grade, due to the type of science classes they experience. And when we begin to consider topics related to marriage, family, and sexuality, the need for Catholic schools becomes more obvious than ever before. The aggressive promotion of “gender theory,” “reproductive rights,” and “critical race theory” in government schools across our nation should give any intelligent parent reason to make the local Catholic school the educational home for one’s children.
Thirdly, the priest must ensure that no child is ever denied a Catholic education for want of financial resources.
Fourthly, and this is often a very neuralgic piece of the whole project, he must help parents establish clear priorities: Is a winter vacation more important than a Catholic education for one’s children?
And so, we can see why CEF board member, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston would say: “This is a most needed initiative, and I hope you obtain a healthy response from the dioceses.” I am happy to say that we have been obtaining a strong response from dioceses; more than forty dioceses (and several religious orders) have sent men to our previous seminars, from such diverse environs as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne-South Bend.
Bishop James Massa, rector of St. Joseph Seminary in New York, wrote: “The role of the priest in shaping the identity and mission of our Catholic schools is indispensable. This summer’s CEF conference is sure to give excellent guidance to our priests in carrying out this role with renewed dedication and wisdom.”
CWR: Since this will be the tenth “go-round,” as you put it, will topics and presenters be the same?
Stravinskas: Of course, some of the basics will be in place and, thus, some of the presenters (including Yours Truly) will be the same.
It is a very positive sign to me that many of our presenters are themselves priests, with vast experience in the Catholic school apostolate. The priest-to-priest shared vision and experience adds a particular dimension to the presentations. We are delighted to have back for the third time Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane, chairman of the bishops’ committee on Catholic education and a seasoned veteran of secondary school administration. Beyond the clergy-presenters, we are truly blessed to have an exceptionally varied and talented group of speakers as always.
We have been able to keep the cost of the seminar stable over the years—a very reasonable $700.
CWR: What can readers do and how can they learn more about the conference and register?
Stravinskas: It would be wonderful if readers would promote this program with priests and even underwrite its costs, so that we can offer scholarships to priests and seminarians in need of assistance. Further information can be found on our website: Catholiceducation.Foundation or by calling: 732-903-5213.
I would also invite those interested to scroll down on our home page to view videos of past conferences.
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Dear Fr.Starvinskas
I owe my sincere thanks for your motivational and thought provoking informations of catholic schools in the computer world.Moreover,you have clearly explained about the role of priest in the modern trends of world.
Hefty thanks father
What an invaluable ministry you offer our Roman Catholic Church, Father Stravinskas, through these seminars! I was privileged to enjoy a few days at one of the Foundation’s seminars in Florida. The speakers offered quality material on which to reflect and consider incorporating into our respective educational ministries. In addition, I had an opportunity to renew friendships and make new ones with colleagues committed to Catholic education. Thank you.
“Attendance at the government schools (the so-called “public schools”) places the souls of children in jeopardy.” Why don’t we hear this from the pulpit? Most parents utilize public schools and then erroneously think that a one hour catechism class at the parish will offset this danger.
That said, in my area, the Catholic schools are woefully lacking in the upholding of a truly Catholic atmosphere. The “most active laity” are not the Catholic school graduates, it is the home school graduates and their families.
The time has come for bishops to promote the domestic Church over the failing Catholic schools and give families the full backing and tools needed in order to allow parents to live out their sacramental duty in being the primary educators of their children. In this post-covid world, institutional learning is going by the wayside and it is time to restructure the approach to Catholic education. Parents need and deserve better options.
Any Canadian/Ontario attendees?
We have had Canadians in past seminars, as well as from UK, Ireland, India and Philippines.
Yuck. Adult men who are single have absolutely no business interacting with other people’s children. That’s creepy and any parent who allows for such an occurrence ought to be investigated by CPS for negligence and child endangerment.
Monica Greene, after reading all your brainless comments posted today, it is apparent you are little more than a troll.
We read: “Thirdly, the priest must ensure that no child is ever denied a Catholic education for want of financial resources.” And the cost of the seminar is $700 while the cost of each student tuition is ten times that…
So, where at the USCCB is there a concerted effort, oriented toward each of the 50 states, specifically, to handle property taxes in a way that opens a share of the local/state school assessment to the individual students–regardless of the schools they select–rather than to the government school district bureaucracies?
There are a (very) few cases of success, somewhere…who’s keeping track and developing a coherent strategy? Where, too, is the need (and, yes, the difficulty) for such an initiative on the agenda of the Catholic Education Foundation?
Catholic schools are now so expensive that they serve primarily the upper classes. The poor are left on the “margins”. The Catholic schools should be closed and the resources used for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.
I don’t mean to be prescient on this subject, but I have a thorn in my side.
Are we really attacking the sources that diminish the quality and the availability of Catholic education? I think not. Our focus must be on the potential wider contributions by all Catholics.
Two sources are the priest pedophilia crimes and the lawsuits that drain the coffers and diminish Mass participation, and the absence of women clerics. Current dogma: ecclesiastical hierarchy. Men only? The Popes have said “Women priests is not an option and IS OFf THE TABLE, no more discussion”! Notice the exclamation point. How could we ignore half of the wonderful dedicated female Catholic population with SOMETHING the Pope believes, but doesn’t explain clearly in is declaration? And, at a critical time in our history. Excerpt: “the Catholic schools are woefully lacking in the upholding of a truly Catholic atmosphere. The “most active laity” are not the Catholic school graduates, it is the home school graduates and their families”.
I remember the old thin reason is that Christ had only MEN at the last supper. Wild for sure. I can’t believe that an all-loving God would ignore half of those who he created in his IMAGE and LIKENESS.
Finally, there are the pool of saintly cloistered Nuns and Monks. Catholic Answers: The cloistered monk or nun does not leave the monastery, with few exceptions”. It appears that that highly qualified segment of Catholicism fit the urgent need of today’s schools.
Continue to pray for the success of our unique and holy schools.
The priesthood is for men, period. Ordaining women would constitute a sin as serious as affirming homosexuality. Your progressive hand wringing betrays you.
Comparing homosexuals to women clerics seems sacrilegious. No explantion, only LABELS!
Mr. Morgan, what denomination with women clergy is not on a path of extinction today? And why would we want to follow that same example?
Just another week argument. Our church is in real trouble.Tell me what religions are heading toward extinction because they have women clerics? Your reinforcement of the status quo exposes the mindset of defeat. Tell me what else you would author a major improvement to help our vital school system move to a brighter future?
God save our Catholic schools.
“Tell me what religions are heading toward extinction because they have women clerics?”
That’s easy: every Protestant denomination that has embraced female clerics, pastors, etc., are in complete collapse: liberal Methodism, Lutheranism, Anglicans/Episcopalians. That news broke decades ago…
Yes,exactly. Thank you Mr. Olson.
Carl, “complete collapse”? Maybe. I have researched the “issue” and can find NO evidence that reveals direct connection to blame Protestant or Jewish women clerics. Much of their concern is the exodus of younger people.
Are we also in “collapse”? I hope not. Wide spread sexual abuse by MALE priests may be the root cause. In-your-face Catholic evidence…
CWR: Denver, Colo., Mar 14, 2023 / 09:47 am (CNA).
The Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa in northern California said on Monday that it will file for bankruptcy, citing the number of MALE child sexual abuse lawsuits filed against it in the last three years.
CWR: Washington D.C., May 26, 2023 / 07:50 am (CNA).
The Illinois attorney general’s “Report on Catholic Clergy Child Sex Abuse in Illinois,” released Tuesday, found nearly 2,000 substantiated claims of child sex abuse from 541 Catholic clerics and alleged numerous examples of intentional cover-ups and inadequate responses from bishops.
“Decades of Catholic leadership decisions and policies have allowed known child sex abusers to hide, often in plain sight,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement.
The report showed examples of bishops and archbishops transferring accused child abusers to other parishes or other dioceses while failing to make the public aware of allegations against them.
CNA: 4,200 new allegations of historic abuse were reported and about 35% of dioceses and parishes lack a formal process to audit parishes for child protection practices. The dioceses currently in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings are Albany, Buffalo, Camden, New Orleans, Norwich, Oakland, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Rockville Centre, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santa Fe, and Syracuse.
You offer platitudes w/o facts, details. Please show me why I am wrong. You and I know that women, given their unique multitude of physical and mental challenges are societies HEAVY LIFTERS”. Strong evidence here that many men are criminal wimps.
Finally. Our failing judicial system limits prosecution by a crazy “statute of limitations”. We know that the raped child (pregnant) will be offered NO LIMITATIONS, just a lifetime of misery and pain.
God bless.
To be clear (as my remark was not entirely clear), the collapse of liberal Protestant denominations is not solely because of the ordination of women. That is one part of a larger pattern, which might be summarized as an embrace of sexual revolution and The Sexual Revolution. Open embrace of contraceptives, cohabitation, abortion, radical feminism, etc., etc., are key aspects of that pattern. Put another way, denominations that ordain women are those that have capitulated on core doctrinal and moral teachings; these things go hand-in-hand.
Not sure how or what you searched for, but here, for example, is something from a 2005 article:
From a 2022 article:
And, re: Episcopalianism:
We agree that abuse is a serious scourge and needs to be denounced and dealt with strongly. But, as much work needs to be done, the track record of the Catholic Church re: cases of abuse has been far better than any other public institution. And the Catholic Church continues to grow, overall, in the United States, although it certainly varies from region to region, as this January 2023 article notes:
“You offer platitudes w/o facts, details.” Sigh. Okay. Well, sadly, your track record here re: grappling with facts and arguments is … spotty.
I believe Mr Olson answered your question about which denominations with women clergy are headed towards extinction so I won’t add to that
I used to work in a Catholic school and I served on a parochial school board. I don’t have all the answers but I do know that both schools closed down for economic and demographic reasons. There are increasing costs of operation and fewer children. The little parochial school my younger children attended eventually got down to 75 PreK through 8th Grade students and it just couldn’t keep afloat even after combining classrooms.
So I think schools need to be innovative and consider hybrid cottage school/virtual school models. I attended a one room schoolhouse back in the day and it was a wonderful experience but we aren’t locked into 19th Century educational models. Technology gives us room to innovate and to save funds on operating and instructional expenses.
Another case of progressive ignorance. Liberal protestant denominations with female clergy have been hemorrhaging for decades. People of good faith have left for better churches, and rightly so. Face it Morgan, people don’t want what progressives like you are offering.
Thank God that NO male priests are “hemorrhaging for decades”.
Some CWR articles seem to turn out the weirdest comments.
Just sayin’.
Johnny Carson would retort “just how wierd are they”? Examples, please.
Most articles on CWR adhere to factual proof.
Thanks, and God bless.
Cleo wasn’t saying that the articles on CWR are weird but that many of the commenters are! And I agree.
Many years ago when I was a girl in a Catholic grammar school, it was the highlight of the year when one of our parish priests came into our classroom to hand out our report cards. And, if he told you that you had done well, it was fabulous!! I am sorry this tradition has been lost to computerization. Some might say priests have no time for such minor tasks. But parish schools were much larger then, as was the wider Catholic community, and yet they found the time. Ditto, I am highly doubtful that the kids still collect money for the missions in each grade. That was collected every week, Kids dimes and quarters, and was hoped to be money we earned at home by doing chores.We were always every aware of the child our class had “adopted” and that we were helping to support. That we were doing it as a group gave us a sense of community effort. I dont see that our culture has much of real value to offer our kids these days. If our kid’s catholic schools are not doing things such as this, which were so successful and made such an impact years ago, we need to speak up and suggest they start doing it again.
Your memories mirror mine. I am happy to say that very many Catholic schools are re-capturing that lost dimension.
Peace my friends
This brings back memories and comparisons with today. I went to Archbishop Purcell HS in Cincinnati, Ohio class of 1963. We were a Marianist HS with many parish priest on staff. We did have some lay teachers. Today I am a Substitute teacher (aka babysitter) at Archbishop McNicholas HS in Cincinnati. We do have a priest that says Mass for us on a regular basis but no religious teachers other then myself, I am a Third Order Franciscan.
The students are hungry for a religious component to their education in my opinion. Recently two students approached one of their teachers and wanted to form a Bible Study club. The first meeting brought in 27 students and three teachers. I was impressed.
Peace
Jim Myres, OFS
Carl. I could not reply to your in-depth piece on the decline of protestant churches so I will try here. I try hard not to use disparagements, (“grappling with facts and arguments is … spotty”, perhaps only with obvious immoral and criminal politicians. My final reply…
In your litany of Protestant dioceses ruin you fail to identify any women clerics as a single cause. Catholic Culture: If I were a “separated Protestant brethren” observing this display, I would be anguished. Using dates does not clearly identify your sources. I do! I even include links to the sources.
Catholic News Agency: A convoluted reason by the Pope on the Marian and, “more important” Petrine principals. Excerpt: The Petrine principle is that of ministry,” the Holy Father said.
“The dignity of women, he said, reflected the SPOUSAL nature of the Church, which he called the “Marian principle”. “the Marian principle, which is the principle of femininity (femineidad) in the Church, of the woman in the Church, where the Church sees a mirror of herself because she is a woman and a spouse”. More importantly is the Petrine principal”. WOW!
I urge you to read the Pope’s words by clicking on the following link.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252928/pope-francis-explains-to-america-magazine-why-women-cannot-be-ordained-priests
I look forward to our next dialog.
God bless.