New book offers spiritual guidance for Catholic educators

Published: 2007-09-24

ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) -- Catholic educators looking for spiritual guidance can turn to a new book titled "Building the Builders: Faith Formation in Virtue," by Sister Patricia Helene Earl, a member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In the book, published by the National Catholic Educational Association, Sister Patricia notes that the changing demographics of Catholic school faculties have created a need for formalized instruction in faith formation. Until the mid-1960s, Catholic schools in the United States were primarily staffed by priests, brothers and sisters; they made up 95 percent of the faculty. But by the mid-1990s, the percentage had reversed itself, and 95 percent of Catholic school faculties were members of the laity. A news release on the book noted that to preserve the identity of the Catholic school diocesan school systems have recognized the need to support their educators with instructions in virtue and the tenets of the Catholic faith.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .