The Catholic School: Its Roots, Identity, and Future

Catholic-school identity in the United States is here examined in its variegated components by a professor at the Catholic University of America. In an overview of the history of the system, Buetow (Of Singular Benefit: The Story of U.S. Catholic Education) considers such elements as goals, curriculum, atmosphere, staff and students, as well as the underlying foundation of Christian philosophy and theology. Timely, positive ideas for the enhancement of Catholic education, possibilities for change in changing times (e.g. the current fluid definition of ""Catholic'') are some of the future-facing issues discussed in this comprehensive study that offers insight and guidelines to religious leaders and lay people alike. (January 26)