Bishops say Catholic schools play 'vital role' in church's mission

Published: 2005-06-20

CHICAGO (CNS) -- "Catholic schools play a vital role in the evangelizing mission of the church," the U.S. bishops said June 17. On the second day of their June 16-18 meeting in Chicago as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the nation's Catholic leaders issued a 17-page statement, "Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium." Adopted by a vote of 224-10, the statement says, "Our young people are the church of today and tomorrow. It is imperative that we provide them with schools ready to address their spiritual, moral and academic needs." "We are convinced that Catholic schools continue to be the most effective means available to the church for the education of children and young people. ... We must work with all parents so they have the choice of an education which no other school can supply -- excellent academics imparted in the context of Catholic teaching and practice," the statement says. It urges clergy and laity to "market and support Catholic elementary and secondary schools as one of our church's primary missions."

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