MADISON — Over the course of the past year the Office of Catholic Schools has undertaken a major planning effort to help set the direction of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Madison.
The goal of the process is to develop a plan that will strengthen Catholic schools throughout all areas of the diocese, ensuring that they are available, affordable, and accessible in the near future and for generations to come.
Meetings have been held in over 16 locations throughout the diocese. Over 100 people have generously given their time and talent to serve as members of the core teams and steering committee and over 1,000 people answered our survey on Catholic schools while hundreds more attended task force meetings this past summer. In all, over 2,000 people throughout the diocese have participated in the planning process.
Culmination of work
The culminating event of this process is the Congress on Saturday, Oct. 17. This will be an opportunity for those who have not yet participated in the planning process to have their voices heard and discuss their thoughts about the challenges and future of Catholic schools.
For those who have participated in previous meetings, the Congress is an opportunity to refine ideas and continue the conversation about the best path forward for our schools.
Diocesan-wide Congress for Catholic Schools
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Bishop O’Connor Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison
Register: www.madisondiocese.org
Click on the red button at the left of the page.
Participants will hear an address from the superintendent about the state of our Catholic schools and will then break into small groups to discuss possible solutions for the challenges that we face. Participants will be able to choose their area of interest when they register online. The four areas are: 1) Academic Curriculum 2) Catholic Leadership 3) Enrollment Management and 4) Fiscal Stewardship.
VOTE!
After the small group discussions everyone present will be able to make their voice heard through casting their votes. We will be voting to prioritize the 24 challenges that were identified by the Core Teams. Which of these are most pressing? Which should be addressed first? We need your help and your vote to prioritize these tasks and help us set the direction. Votes will be cast and results will be tallied at the Congress so that the outcome will be known to all.
As we seek ways to strengthen our schools, we must continue to hear from all of you who entrust us with your children, who support our schools through your financial gifts to your parish and the Diocese, and who teach, lead and volunteer in our schools, forming the hearts and educating the minds of our children. Attend the Congress to share your ideas and cast your vote!
Michael Lancaster is the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Madison