Page 2: From the President's Desk

Greetings, Readers!

In our first issue of the Catholic Educator we shared with you that in addition to our Foundation’s financial objectives in recovering Catholic education, we became aware of the opportunity to facilitate a ‘broad ongoing conversation in which all of us interested in the recovery of Catholic education can share ideas, raise awareness of new programs and initiatives, and expand the Apostolate.’ By way of financial interests, we have recently dispersed scholarships bringing our total to in excess of $140,000. We are in receipt of many warm and meaningful thank-you letters which you can read on our website under the tab titled Testimonials.

In this issue the conversation continues. We have a short selection from Divini Illius Magistri, an encyclical of Pope Pius XI on the Christian Education of Youth, 1929. We have a thought-provoking perspective on Catholic schools by Father Peter M.J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.D., and an article by Ron Bowes, Ph.D., from the Diocese of Pittsburgh showing what could be possible with tax credits for Catholic schools. Eileen Cubanski, Ph.D., Executive Director of NAPC*IS, tells the inspiring story of that program. Anthony Pienta and Kevin Schmeising, Ph.D., tell us about the success of two traditional large and flourishing Catholic high schools. Both gentlemen are affiliated with the Catholic High School Honor Roll. Dr’s. Patrick Carmack, J.D., Peter Redpath, Ph.D., and Steve Bertucci tell us of the innovative work of the Angelicum Academy, a classical internet homeschool-based program, in which students can gain up to 48 college credit hours. This is truly an all-star cast.

In our efforts to recover Catholic education, we must remember that many other groups recognize that education is what shapes society. For example, Muslims and Communists are notorious for using their educational systems to brainwash youth. Catholic education shapes the individual in his/her relationship with Jesus and his/her relationship with the Church. This is a battle we must win.

We thank our contributors who are truly missionaries. We also thank all other missionaries who make contributions to the effort to recover Catholic education.

May the peace of our Lord be on all of us.

A. Joseph Indelicato
President,
Catholic Education Foundation