Trusteeship and Mission Integrity: Having Faith in Our Schools

In 2006 the Education Office of the Northern Province published this important book. In the modern Irish State there is pressure on Catholic schools to adapt their culture to the culture of society. Huge changes have taken place in Irish society since the 1960's. The political, economic and social landscape is very different today. There is a growing pluralism in Irish society and indifference towards religion and religious values is increasing. The State, which exercised little direct influence on secondary education up to the 1960's, now exercises considerable influence and control.

How are Catholic schools coping with these pressures? What does it mean to say, in this context, that a school is a Catholic school? How does a Catholic school ensure that it remains true to its own values, while adapting itself to local and national needs and to a changing understanding of Church? How does a school engage in a process of reflection on its integrity to mission and how can Trustees cultivate such reflection?

Noel Keating's book examines these important questions. It is essential reading for all who occupy leadership positions in our schools and for those who are involved in exercising trusteeship of Catholic schools. It has particular relevance for those who are engaged in the search for new forms of Trusteeship. The book introduces the concept of Mission Integrity and explores how schools might engage in self-evaluation of their mission. It examines how schools can give an account of their success in this vital area and asks to whom schools are ultimately accountable.

Noel is an Education Officer with the Presentation Sisters, Northern Province. Prior to that he was Principal of Presentation College, Carlow for 13 years. Noel relates with the 17 post-primary and 24 primary schools in the Northern Province offering support on policy development, school development planning and mission integrity. He facilitates inservice training for Principals, Deputies and Boards of Management and occasionally with school staffs.

Noel represents the Northern Province on the CEIST Project Team. The CEIST Project is developing new trusteeship structures for the voluntary secondary schools of five congregations - the Daughters of Charity, the Presentation Sisters, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters of the Christian Retreat and the Mercy Sisters.

The book is available from:
Presentation Provincialate,
Garden Vale,                                                                                 
Athlone, Co. Westmeath

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Phone:09064 72186

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Price: € 16 Please add €4 for post and packaging