Catholic Education in 2025 lives in the light of the Second Vatican Council, the most recent Ecumenical Council in the Church’s History. An Ecumenical Council is the highest expression of the teaching Authority of the Church and the Council had a specific document on Catholic Education called Gravissimum Educationis.
It spoke about the nature of the type of education a Catholic school ought to provide “A Christian education does not merely strive for the maturing of a human person as just now described, but has as its principal purpose this goal: that the baptized, while they are gradually introduced the knowledge of the mystery of salvation, become ever more aware of the gift of Faith they have received, and that they learn in addition how to worship God the Father in spirit and truth (cf. John 4:23) (GE, 2)
As we celebrate the feast of St. John Paul II, who was himself present at the Council as a young Bishop, let us keep in mind the challenge and call the Council gives to us. And especially asking ourselves the question, is my school, are my classes, giving the kind of Education the Council challenges me to give?
In particular, the Council highlights the utter importance of the role of teachers in the School: “But let teachers recognize that the Catholic school depends upon them almost entirely for the accomplishment of its goals and programs”. (GE, 8, my emphasis added). May the Lord bless our endeavors as we seek to imitate Pope John Paul II and his witness to Hope in Catholic Education.
