I greet you with the prayer of St. Paul for the Ephesians because it is my deepest hope and prayer for the Church of Detroit that we become "One in faith and knowledge…growing to full maturity in Christ." (Ephesians 4:13, 15)

When I began my ministry as the Archbishop of Detroit in June 1990, I was presented with proposals concerning our schools that were outlined in the Task Force for Catholic Schools. This document reflected countless hours, tireless efforts and the insights of educational leaders who completed the study under able direction of Bishop Dale Melczek. I applaud this fine work which has opened the way for future discussion and collaboration about the rich heritage of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

In my desire to hear your views and evaluation of the Task Force for Catholic Schools, I asked the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Archdiocesan Council of Vicars to conduct consultations in each vicariate which were held from September through November of 1990. The results of the vicariate consultations were presented to me at the December 1990 meeting of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. At that time, I heard the open and honest responses from the vicariate representatives regarding the recommendations for Catholic School. While many of the task force proposals had great merit, there was a lack of consensus and the delegates recommended that I not implement this report. I accepted their wise counsel and their strong suggestion that I broaden the scope and purpose of the original task force. In addition, I agreed with the delegates who asked me to formulate a vision statement that would address not only the needs of Catholic schools but would address also all facets of Catholic Education.

In order to assist me in the formulation of a vision statement, I requested that the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Archdiocesan Council of Vicars take another step and convene an assembly of twelve delegates from each vicariate. On April 27, 1991, this assembly of approximately 300 delegates shared with me their heartfelt concerns and convictions. I was moved and inspired by their commitment, sincerity and passion for the growth and expansion of Catholic Education in our Archdiocese.

After prayerful consideration and reflection upon how the Spirit has moved among us through the consultation process. I offer to you my vision for Catholic Education that will guide our planning and decision making into the twenty-first century.

The vision I share with you encompasses all the ministries of Catholic Education which are vital and essential to the teaching mission of the Church. Without exception the following ministries comprise the essential components of Catholic Education. The components are: Adult Faith Formation, Catechetics, Catholic Schools, Family Life, justice and Peace and Youth Ministry.

Part I: The Vision For Catholic Education In the Church Of Detroit

Catholic Education is a continuation of the teaching mission of Jesus Christ which he entrusted to Church. The Lord sent the disciples into the world to proclaim the Good News of Salvation to all people. Today, the Church continues to respond to the mandate of Jesus to preach and teach and form disciples in the way of the Gospel.

Christians of every age have faced the challenges of applying the teachings of our Faith to social and cultural issues. In our time, we are faces with problems such as illiteracy, hunger, homelessness, drugs, addictions and the crisis facing families. In addition, we are confronted by questions from science; technology, medicine, economics and psychology that at times threaten the dignity of human life and challenge our Catholic beliefs and values.

Catholic Education makes available the teachings of Jesus Christ and the rich Catholic tradition to provide the solid foundation from which a faithful, free and credible response can be given by the disciples of Jesus to the challenges presented by contemporary society.

The twofold and interrelated purposes of Catholic Education are:

• Ongoing and lifelong faith formation which leads to a living, conscious and active faith.
• Continuing education which discerns the challenges of the present and calls God's people to make the world a better place.

The insights I present here contain important points that frame the vision for Catholic Education as we journey toward the twenty-first century.

Jesus Christ As Source and Focus
First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the source and focus of all Catholic Education. As Jesus himself tells us," I and the way, the truth, and the life…" (John 14:6). Catholic Education leads children, youth and adults to see that Jesus Christ is indeed the way to salvation, the truth, and the source of life itself. Catholic educators need to constantly remember that Jesus is the motivating force of that which they do; whether that be academic instruction, sacramental catechesis, young or mature adult ministry.

In order to help the people pf the Archdiocese of Detroit grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus, we must strive to find ever more effective ways to hand on to God's people our Catholic faith, traditions, doctrine and moral values. Catholics in the twenty-first century should be fully aware of their Catholic identity and be proud to actively profess and live their faith. TO be able to do so, Catholics of all ages need to have ongoing opportunities to study and understand the rich content and doctrines of their faith. In addition, we must strive to find equally effective ways to evangelize those who have not yet come to know Jesus Christ.

Ongoing Conversion
Jesus invites us to believe in the Good News and to enter into a personal relationship with him. Catholic Education is an ongoing process of conversion that leads people to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

The affective, intellectual, social and moral dimensions of conversion are nurtured through Catholic Education. Our move toward the twenty-first century calls for [particular attention to the moral and social dimensions of conversion. Conscience formation, which is based in the moral and social teachings of the Church, and justice and peace education for children, youth and adults, demand a high priority if we are to help transform the world.

In society the appreciation honor and respect for the multi-cultural, multi0ethic richness of our Church and world need to be carefully fostered. Our people need to more fully embrace and cherish the glory and goodness of God revealed in each culture.

A Lifelong Process
God called Abraham and Sarah, even in their later years, to leave behind the familiar and journey forth to a new land. We too, are continually called to trust in the God of mystery by turning our hearts ever more generously in service to the Lord and to our sisters and brothers. Through the lifelong process of conversion we are called into a deeper relationship with our loving and gracious God.

For too long many people have understood Catholic Education as involving only children. Catholic Education begins in childhood, but learning is a lifelong experience. Thus, "the continuing education of adults is situated not at the periphery of the Church's education mission but at its center." By placing the education of adults at the center of the Church's educational mission, adults and consequently children, come to fully realize that we are indeed made in the image and likeness of God.

In addition, recognizing the stressful and sometimes difficult situations families face as the new millennium approaches, Catholic educators have a responsibility to actively support and nourish the family. Adolescents are to be strengthened in faith through an ongoing process of catchetical formation and instruction. Likewise the needs of youth should be addressed in a culturally sensitive way and they should be given more prominence in the life of the Church. Through Catholic Education, all people, no matter what their state or situation in life, are to be assisted in recognizing the continuing call to holiness through discipleship in the various seasons of life.

Continuing formation in the faith is a response to the need to nurture the grace of the Baptismal call. It enables one to respond to the call to service to God's people by providing the necessary resources for faith development. I am pleased to say that programs in formation and certification a the Institute of Ministry at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and other Catholic Colleges and universities and institutions are offering this service to literally hundreds of person each year. I hope and pray that this commitment and interest in formation and certification for ministry will continue to flourish.

Interdependence Of Educational Ministries
As the One Body of Christ has many members, Catholic Education is comprised of many ministries: Adult Faith Formation, Catechesis, Catholic Schools, Family Life, Justice and Peace, and Youth Ministry. These various ministries are inter-related and interdependent. Each ministry is vitally important for Catholic Education and all Educational ministries involved in these areas must work collaboratively.

Each ministry enhances and enriches the other; therefore all are needed in order for Catholic Education to be complete and comprehensive. WE have the responsibility to provide all people of the Church of Detroit with equal access to each of the educational ministries. Indeed, we are compelled to insure that there is equitable distribution of resources throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.

The concerns expressed by many parents about education indicate that we are on the threshold of a resurgence of interest in Catholic schools for our Catholic youth. The great social problems of our time will require the sustained commitment from persons who are formed by the Gospel, are imbued with strong moral values and have a solid academic background. Catholic schools offer a unique opportunity to integrate faith formation and academic excellence for the good of the Church and the well being of society. I applaud this need and reawakened interest and assure you of my full support for Catholic schools.

The Archdiocese of Detroit is enriched by the contribution of four Catholic colleges and universities and two seminaries. Catholic higher education fosters a unique dialogue between the academic disciplines and the teaching of our Catholic Faith. Also serving the mission of the Church to higher education is campus ministry which provides pastoral centers of both Catholic and public colleges and universities. Campus ministry assists Catholic adults by offering worship experiences, faith formation programs and opportunities for service and counseling.

Through the mutual support, collaboration and interdependence of the various educational ministries, all people of the archdiocese will be nourished and enriched by the Word of God and together we will further the ministry of Jesus through the mission of the Church.

A Communion of Parishes
The heart and center of every parish if the Eucharist which gathers the People of God to deepen their communion with the Risen Lord and one another and to minister in the name of Jesus Christ. No parish exists in isolation but is in communion and solidarity with an all parish communities that form the Church of Detroit and together with all Diocesan Churches, the Universal Church.

In the Archdiocese of Detroit, parishes are grouped into vicariates. These groupings enhance communication with me through the Archdiocesan Council of Vicars and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. Vicariates facilitate the interaction among parishes by involving them in planning and sharing of ministry, programs and resources.

Catholic Education requires meeting the diverse and specialized faith formation needs of adults, youth and children. Due to limited resources, individual parishes often cannot provide for all aspects of Catholic Education. By planning and cooperating together, parishes in a vicariate can be more effective in sponsoring adult formation programs, and youth ministry activities and in finding the resources to ensure the continuance and availability of Catholic schools.

I am asking that every Parish Education Commission, Parish Pastoral Council and vicariate examine and discuss the foundational principles and the plan of action which follow. Over the coming months, the cooperation and involvement of leadership from all parishes in each vicariate will ensure consultation and collaboration by identifying fresh approaches fro the future of Catholic Education. In particular, I request that parishes without schools use vicariate meetings to explore ways to provide moral and financial support to parishes with schools, central schools and private Catholic schools.

Summary
In summary, I submit the five essential elements of my vision foe Catholic Education:

• Jesus Christ is the source and focus.
• Catholic Education is an ongoing process of conversion.
• Catholic Education is a lifelong process.
• The many educational ministries are interdependent.
• The communion among parishes is the forum for planning the future.
• For Catholic Education.

Part II: Foundational Principles of Planning For the Future Of Catholic Education In the Archdiocese of Detroit

Principles infusing all areas:

• Every parish will have an active, functioning Education Commission with its appropriate committees.
• Parishes will assess their effectiveness in providing for all the essential components of Catholic Education. Parishes and catholic schools will communicate and collaborate with other parishes and schools especially within their vicariate.
• Parishes and Catholic schools will respect and value the racial and cultural diversity that is unique to the Archdiocese of Detroit.
• Parishes and Catholic schools will promote vocations to the priesthood, deaconate, religious life; an appreciation of the dignity of the vocation to the married or single life will also be stressed. Recognition and encouragement of lay ministry will be fostered.
• Parishes and Catholic schools will ensure that persons with disabilities will have equal access to all forms of Catholic Education.
• Parishes and Catholic schools will ensure that language used in educational settings does not imply or convey the exclusion of any group of persons.

• Catholic Education will nurture a deep respect for human life, solidarity with all members of the human family and the interdependence of all people as a response to the sacramental dimension of the created world.
• Just relationships, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the stewardship of resources and respect for the ecology of the environment will be fostered in all the settings of Catholic Education. Just compensation and benefits will be given to those employed in the ministries of the world.

Adult Faith Formation
Adult faith formation will be central in the planning and development of all forms of Catholic Education.

Catchetics
Catechesis is a life ling process of faith formation based in the Scriptures that leads to prayer and worship, unfolds the meaning of Catholic doctrine, builds community and motivates to service. Conscience formation in the moral and social teachings of the Church includes catechesis about the gift and responsibility of human sexuality.

Catholic Schools

• Catholic schools will continue to involve students more fully in the mission if the Church. This will be accomplished through the building of community rooted in the life of the Holy Spirit, a commitment of service to others and a response to the call for justice and peace in our world.
• Catholic schools will be geographically and financially accessible to all Catholic Families.

Family Life
Opportunities for marriage, parent and family enrichment will be offered to assist spouses and parents in understanding and appreciating their unique ministry. Particular attention should be given to families experiencing difficulty. Whenever possible this can be done through support groups and like – to – like ministries.

Youth Ministries
Each parish or group of parishes will offer wholistic youth ministries through the high school years. This will include the following seven components: systematic cathechesis, worship, community life, justice and service, guidance and healing, empowerment and advocacy.

Part III: Plan of Action

Archdiocesan Planning
An Archdiocesan Board of Catholic Education, composed of clergy, religious and laity, will be appointed by me by spring 1992 to oversee all aspects of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Their duties will include recommending policies and strategic planning for all components of Catholic Education. In particular, the Board will:

• Identify new avenues for fundraising and financial planning. Among the various possibilities to be considered are local and Archdiocesan endowments, special collections, adjustment of the diocesan assessment on income and or fund-raising for parishes with one or two schools etc.
• Explore ways to provide financial assistance to parishes or groups of parishes which might not be able to afford a fully certified Director of Religious Education.
• Study the feasibility of offering scholarships for ministry certification for persons and parishes lacking adequate financial resources.
• Study the possibility of creating Archdiocesan-sponsored student loan program for students preparing for a career in pastoral ministry of Catholic schools, Catholic colleges, universities or seminaries.2. I am directing the members of the Department of Education to serve as staff and resource to the Archdiocesan Board of Catholic Education and I am directing the Catholic Schools Office to fully enact the following proposals:

Parish and Vicariate Planning Discussion and Action

1. Parish Budget
Parishes will ensure an equitable and just distribution of resources for all ministries of Catholic Education; parish leaders will collaborate in budgeting and planning.

2. Justice and Peace
Catholic social justice teachings as articulated in the Scriptures, Papal Encyclicals, and the pastoral letters of the Catholic Bishops will be studied and discussed in catechetical and educational programs in parishes and Catholic schools. In particular these principles will be infused into faith formation and educational programs.

3. Adult Faith Formation

• All gatherings of adults, whether those gatherings be meetings or catechetical sessions, will include prayer and reflection, study, business and evaluation.
• Adult faith formation will provide leadership development to empower the laity to take a vital role in all the ministries of the church.

4. Catechetics

• Every parish or group of parishes will avail themselves of a fully certified Director of Religious Education who will offer leadership for a lifelong faith formation process which includes: catechesis, community building, liturgy and apostolic witness.
• Every parish will seek out, invite and welcome families, adults, adolescents and children who desire the Sacraments of initiation, Reconciliation and marriage.
• Each parish community will actively and compassionately reach out to families, adults, adolescents and children who lack catechtical formation and offer them systematic catechesis which will lead them to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of our Faith.

5. Catholic Schools

• Parishes without Catholic schools will identify ways to offer pastoral assistance, recruitment of students and financial support for all Catholic schools in a vicariate.
• If there is no elementary and Catholic High School in the vicariate, or no Catholic schools which are geographically accessible, vicariates are to identify a feasible plan for providing the opportunity for a Catholic school education for Catholic children and adolescents in the vicariate.
• In those vicariates where there are a large number of Catholic schools with dropping enrollments and declining financial resources, a plan for the possible consolidation of those schools should be formulated. This may result in fewer but stronger schools in the vicariate. For example, the planning and action process may lead to a recommendation to have one junior high school that offers an enriched faith formation and academic program.
• Every parish is to identify financial resources that will provide adequate assistance to families of their parish who could not otherwise afford to send their children to a Catholic school.

6. Family Life
Catechetical and educational programs will be assessed to determine their impact upon families and sensitivity to the diverse needs, ethnic and cultural backgrounds and living situations of families.

7. Youth Ministry

• Each parish or group of parishes will employ a certified Youth Minister to offer a wholistic youth ministry program for adolescents.
• Youth ministries will participate in a process of formation and certification.
• Efforts will be made to publicize, reach out and invite adolescents to attend youth ministry programs in the parish or those sponsored by a group of parishes in the vicariate.

In closing, I wish to restate that without exception, the following ministries comprise the essential components of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Detroit. They are: Adult Faith Formation, Catechetics, Catholic Schools, Family Life, Justice and Peace and Youth Ministry.

I am declaring that October 1991 through June 1993 will be a two year focus for the Church of Detroit to reflect on the mission and future of Catholic Education. Over the coming months, I request that amole time be set aside at meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council, Commissions, and other parish gatherings to study and discuss the content of the vision statement, the foundational principles and the principles for planning and action for the future of Catholic Education in every parish and vicariate of the Archdiocese. During this two -year period, I will ask for your advice and wise council through the consultative process outlined in the appendix to this document.

As the People of God, we will continue to journey together to meet the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. We are confident in facing the future because we trust not in our efforts alone but in the grace and power of Our Lord Jesus Christ who is the source and focus of Catholic Education. With God's help over the next two years, may the Church of Detroit truly become "One in faith and knowledge…growing to full maturity in Christ." (Ephesians 4:13 15)

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Adam J. Maida
Archbishop of Detroit
October 1991