By Tim Norbeck, Principal
Butte Central High School

As the 21st century continues, schools are faced with new challenges to education that are in part the result of changes directly related to new social, economic and cultural exposures. The role of education has expanded, leading to a more complex and specialized approach in terms of teacher training as it addresses the various stages of the development of children. With changes in requirements, new educational systems have been adopted that have added another level of difficulty for schools.

The continued change of educational expectations – compounded by exponential technical advances and the globalization of the economy – make renewed vigor of the values associated with Catholic schools of utmost importance.

The key ingredient is the profound renewal of the mission of Catholic schools so that the education provided demonstrates both effectiveness and conviction. The key to school innovation must still be guided by the fundamental duty to evangelize young men and women so they have the ability to receive the gifts associated with faith.

The greatest satisfaction regarding Catholic schools is the contribution schools have made to the evangelizing mission of the Church, not only in western Montana, but throughout the world. The history of the Church in the Diocese of Helena is full of contributions made by schools as a foundation of pastoral work in areas where it was not originally possible.

Along these lines, Catholic schools have continued to provide social and cultural development of all people within the school community, including invaluable services for those less fortunate through both spiritual and material means. It is of utmost importance to recognize the providers, men and women, both religious and lay ministers, who see the profession of teaching as a mission within the Church. It is through the Catholic faith that schools continue to guide young people with values to provide a sound foundation to use throughout their lives.

An area of concern is the difficulties associated with the financial component of Catholic schools. The present economic outlook continues to place further financial difficulties on families, forcing some to choose alternative methods of schooling, which has a direct affect on Catholic schools. These burdens also affect the foundations of school operations, highlighting the need for continued diligence regarding retention and recruitment of qualified teachers. The underlying factor of greatest concern deals with the social justice issue of excluding a component of society that the Church has been addressing from its beginning – those in greatest need. The foundation of Catholic education, guided by the moral values of the Church, must continue to work at giving any individual an opportunity to learn through faith.

Now more than ever, the partnership between Church and Catholic education must work in unison to strengthen the bonds that have provided evangelization of the faith. Catholic schools need to truly be an integral part of the pastoral work being provided for Christian formation. This renewed partnership has the ability to provide collaboration to put Catholic education at the forefront as the Church moves through the 21st Century.


Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 25, No. 4, April 17, 2009.