What’s Happening in Catholic Ed: December 2024

Written By Sarah Kerins

Papal Prayer Intention for December

For Pilgrims of Hope

We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

(See also http://www.popesprayerusa.net/)

News Articles

Recap of U.S. Bishops’ Fall Plenary in Baltimore

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-14.

Carlo Acutis and 14 Blesseds approved for canonization

Pope Francis presides at an Ordinary Consistory of Cardinals, which approved the canonization of 15 people, including Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be made a saint.

Pope: Schools should be centers of formation, not 'achievement factories'

Pope Francis called for education to inspire social transformation and foster hope.

Colorado Catholic high school expands faith life beyond campus through ‘Encounter’ movement

The school’s new series, Encounter, is offering students and their families an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship music, confession, and witness testimonies, according to a report from Denver Catholic.

Montgomery Catholic Students Hold Weekly Adoration In The Chapel

Montgomery Catholic’s student-run campus ministry is bringing Adoration and Confession to tutorials on Thursdays in the chapel. Students wanted more adoration opportunities at school after fall worship night. After weeks of planning, all students are now able to attend weekly adoration.

Tamim Academies Offer a Blueprint for Catholic Schools

The centralization of administrative functions and program planning in headquarters means that new schools do not have to design these things themselves. Tamim headquarters even provided a detailed financial plan to prospective school sponsors, so they know what it will take to grow and sustain these schools. (“Centralized Standards, Local Control”)

Why non-Catholics go to Catholic schools

For different reasons, non-Catholics have long expressed an interest in elementary and secondary Catholic schools. Nationally, more than one in five students (22 percent) in Catholic schools are not Catholic. Indeed, some Catholic schools have quietly set a quota on the percentage of non-Catholic students they will accept, hoping to maintain its Catholic identity.

New Poll Finds Education Issues Were One of Parents’ Top Priorities When Voting in This Election Cycle

Beyond the presidential election, countless state specific ballot initiatives were voted upon in November. From an education perspective, Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska all had significant school choice measures on their respective ballots.

The Ninth Circuit upholds parental rights in religious education

Loffman v. California Department of Education unanimously handed down a strong rebuke to the California Department of Education.

Understanding The Results From Three School Choice Referenda

Let’s talk about the election results that really matter: The outcome of the three school choice referenda in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska.

As Catholic schools close, Danbury parochial schools see steady enrollment

Catholic education overall is a steady presence in the city, while other communities, including several in Connecticut, have seen such institutions decline in numbers. The steady enrollment comes at a time when city public schools, particularly Danbury High School, face overcrowding.

Pennsylvania diocese launches parent education program

The “Parents As Teachers” program offers support, resources, and formation for parents raising young children. This includes home visits from educators, workshops on parenting, and other educational resources, according to the diocese. The program, which began serving its initial group of nine families in September, celebrated a large kickoff event on Nov. 9.

Teachers Explore Science and Faith with the Center for Catholic Studies

Over 20 K-12 Catholic school educators joined Seton Hall faculty and staff for a day of collaboration and learning. This year’s event, titled Science and Faith: Exploring the Relationship, was conducted in partnership with the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

Catholic school chatbot filters lessons through religious lens

BCE information and technology executive Leigh Williams said the Microsoft-designed Catholic CoPilot chatbot was set to be rolled out across Catholic schools nationally.

Support Hurricane Relief through Catholic Charities USA

Organize/Report

  • Release enrollment information for following school year to current families

  • Distribute Christmas cards / gifts

  • Release first trimester report cards

  • Check on status of school supplies and reorder if needed

Plan/Prepare

  • Prepare Catholic Schools Week

  • Schedule Mid-Year review / goal check meetings with faculty

  • MLK Jr. Day of Service

Host/Attend

  • Immaculate Conception Mass

  • Advent Prayer Service

  • Breakfast with Santa

  • Winter Band / Choral Concert

  • Faculty / Staff Christmas Party

Celebrate:

  • Advent and Christmas Activities

Repeated Monthly Tasks

  • Check teacher lesson plans (weekly) and regular classroom walk-throughs

  • IST / SIT / Child study meetings 

  • Conduct fire and other safety drills / Record results on Drill Form

  • Meet with pastor(s) and Faculty

  • Monthly Newsletter to parents 

  • PTA Monthly Meeting

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Academic Excellence for December

Catholic Schools and the science of reading

This week on Talking Catholic, cohosts Marianela Nunez and Mike Bress welcome Dr. Bobby Lockwood and Dr. Sarah Kerins, Assistant Superintendents in the Diocese of Camden, to explore how Catholic schools are embracing this transformative approach. Dr. Lockwood shares insights from his research on the science of reading and its integration into professional development for educators. Meanwhile, Dr. Kerins highlights her work with individual schools and the role of Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) in enhancing literacy.

Unique and Unrepeatable: Serving All God's Children - New book by Michael Boyle, Ph.D. and Janette Boazman, Ph.D.

AI Tool Demo: Differentiating Class Materials With Diffit

📣 From the Blog: I have a student who is struggling, what do I do?

Sarah Kerins
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