The Bishops of New South Wales in Australia have released a pastoral letter inviting Catholic educational leaders, staff, parents and the broader Catholic community to reflect on the nature and role of Catholic schools and where they are headed. 

The dilemma outlined in the Bishops’ letter is whether to resist the high demand for Catholic schooling and downsize to accommodate only those who are committed to the faith; or embrace the changing enrolment patterns as ‘signs of the times’ and a new mission for Catholic schools.  All agree that the second option is the better way forward.

The Bishops challenge everyone involved with Catholic schools to dedicate themselves to ensuring that schools are truly Catholic in their identity and life, are centres of new evangelisation, enable students to achieve high levels of ‘Catholic religious literacy and practice, and are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals.