During the first decade of the 21st century the Catholic Church in the developed world has faced a decline in its moral authority, increasing accusations of irrelevance to a secular age, and a steep and steady decline in commitment among successive generations from the 1960s on. Despite this Catholic schools have multiplied and grown in popularity and educational achievement.
The book sets out a programme for the contribution of Catholic schools to the future of the Church, covering such topics as the religious education curriculum in its cognitive and affective aspects, the sacramental life of the school, selection of staff, the issue of staff and Catholic witness and many other topics.
Engebretson argues that Catholic schools are a powerful key to the future of the Church and shows how, within their diversity, Catholic schools can be ecclesial communities, which have at their heart the building up of the Church.
Chapter 1: A Church cannot last without its people
Chapter 2: The Catholic High School and Religious Socialization
Chapter 3: Mapping the Catholic Identity and Mission of Catholic High Schools
Chapter 4: Reviving the chain of memory
Chapter 5: Principles and Practice of a Methodology for Religious Education Catholic High Schools
Chapter 6: Christian Service Programs in Catholic High Schools
Chapter 7: Teaching Religious Education in Complex Content Areas (Richard Rymarz)
Chapter 8: Teachers in Catholic High Schools
Chapter 9: The Faith Leadership Role of the Principal: What the Research Suggests. (Helga Neidhart)
Chapter 10: Catholic Schools are Distinctive and Inclusive
Chapter 11: Voices from Catholic Parishes