The Theological Literacy, Beliefs, and Practices of Lay Administrators in Marianist sponsored

Secondary Schools in the United States

John Thompson, S.M.

Statement of the Problem

• The issue in Catholic school leadership today is not necessarily the declining presence of religious and priests in secondary schools, but rather, the lack of theological and vocational formation currently received by lay leadership (Jacobs, 2005).

• In the past, by virtue of their public profession of vows or ordination, there was an implicit and explicit expectation that sisters, brothers and priests would not only be competent in theological matters, but also be comfortable in publicly expressing and leading others in the practices of the faith (Jacobs, 2005).

Statement of the Problem

• If Catholic schools are to maintain their identity and mission, lay leaders need to be exposed to and formed by Catholic theology found in the two great sources of Catholic teaching: Scripture and Tradition (Palestini, 2004).

• Cook ( 2001) contends that leaders of Catholic schools must possess the following in order for the schools to maintain their Catholic identity: (a) knowledge of the rich theological tradition of the Catholic church, (b) the history of Catholic schools in the United States, and ( c) knowledge of American and Roman documents on Catholic education which provide guidelines and expectations for spiritual and theological leadership for leaders in Catholic schools.

Statement of the Purpose

• The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent that lay administrators in Marianist sponsored secondary schools are theologically literate in discrete theological content areas as outlined in the American bishops’ document, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1999). The areas of content knowledge include: (a) knowledge of faith, (b) the liturgy, (c) moral formation, (d) prayer, (e) communal life, and (f) missionary spirit

Statement of the Purpose

• Additionally, this study will investigate the degree to which lay administrators are aligned with Church teaching in their beliefs and practices according to the aforementioned content areas.

• Finally, this study will investigate those discrete topics of Catholic theology that lay administrators in Marianist sponsored secondary schools wish to incorporate into their future professional and theological formation.

Literature Review

• Adult faith formation• Components of a Catholic school (message,

service, community, worship)• Spiritual Competencies for Principals (faith

formation and development, building Christian community, moral and ethical development, history and philosophy of Catholic education in US

• Lay Ecclesial Ministry

Methodology

• Quantitative Research• Online Cross-sectional survey research

method

The Population

• 16 Marianist sponsored secondary schools in the United States

• Sponsorship of schools:• 5 Marianist owned, 1 co-owned, 1 owned by a Board• 9 Diocesan schools• Census of 87 lay administrators whose position include:

president, principal, dean of academics, dean of discipline, student activities, director of campus ministry

• Vowed religious or ordained will not be included for this study.

The Instrument

• Information for Growth (IFG) (NCEA, 2006)• 4 Parts to the Instrument. Focuses on the six dimensions of

adult faith formation (knowledge of faith, the liturgy, moral formation, prayer, communal life, and missionary spirit

• Part I: 63 multiple choice questions which measures the respondents cognitive knowledge of the Catholic faith

• Part II: 62 Likert scale questions which reports the respondents attitudes, practices and beliefs with regard to the six dimensions of adult faith formation. Responses are scored on a 4 point Likert scale ranging from (a) strongly disagree, (b) disagree, (c ) agree, and (d) strongly agree

The Instrument

• Part III: 8 multiple choice demographic questions which include:

A) GenderB) AgeC) Racial/Ethnic BackgroundD) Primary Language SpokenE) Highest Educational LevelF) Religious AffiliationG) Formal Religious Education LevelH) Administrative Role at the School

The Instrument

• Part IV: Listing of 20 topics in Catholic theology for which respondents are to choose the top 4 areas of interest for further reflection, education, and formation

Limitation of the Instrument

45-60 minutes to completeDoes not provide for participants write in responsesQuestions only correspond to the six areas of adult

faith formation

Data Collection

• Presentation of the Study to the Heads of School by the researcher at the Annual Meeting

• Follow up letter from the researcher to Heads of School after the Annual meeting reminding them of the importance of the study . A $5.00 gift card will be enclosed for each member of the administrative team

• After successful defense of proposal, instrument will be sent out to participants (2nd week of January)

Data Collection

• Follow up reminder sent to non-respondents 7-10 days after initial email invitation.

• 2nd follow up reminder sent to non –respondents after an additional 7-10 days reminding them of the ensuing deadline to complete the survey

• Once deadline has passed, the link will be deactivated and the data is ready to be complied and analyzed.

Significance of the Study

• Director of Education for the Marianist Province of the United States

A) Benchmark for theological literacyB) Current Beliefs and Practices of Lay

AdministratorsC) Provide information regarding needs and

interests of lay administrators for ongoing theological and professional development.

Significance

• Local level: Leaders of Catholic schools/Marianist sponsored schools

• Diocesan Personnel• Catholic colleges and universities that

maintain Catholic leadership programs• Other religious communities who sponsor

secondary schools

How can you help?

• Participate in the study• Encourage other members of the

administrative team to participate• Use the composite results for ongoing

spiritual/faith development with faculty and staff

• Thank you in advance