Changing demographics in Diocese of New Ulm calls for new look at the future of our Catholic schools

by Wayne Pelzel

Director of Catholic Schools

Reflecting on my days as a grade school student, I remember the month of May fondly. May meant the school year was nearly over and three months of carefree living awaited me. As June moved closer, it became more difficult to concentrate in the classroom and even more challenging to find the motivation to get school work done. There were, it seemed, all these other more important (and enjoyable) outside activities. My suspicion is that most school age children are experiencing some of those same feelings right about now.

As we move into summer and leave behind the present school year, it's important that we reflect on some things that are happening in our Catholic schools today.

The Diocese of New Ulm is blessed with 20 wonderful, quality Catholic schools that are doing so well at their mission of passing on the faith and providing quality education. We can be proud of the growth and accomplishments of our students and appreciate the dedicated administrators, teachers, school staffs and volunteers who serve our schools and students. We're most thankful for the pastors who put forth the extra effort to support those schools. And certainly, we applaud the parents who sacrifice to send their children to the Catholic school. This group collectively understands the tremendous value and the treasure we have in our Catholic schools.

This same group of parents, school personnel, volunteers and pastors understand that passing on the faith to children is a daunting task not to be taken lightly. Certainly the faith formation of children requires the rigorous and consistent attention of parents with the help of good role models like those found in our schools. It cannot be assumed that children will just "pick it up." Our bishops in the U.S. have long recognized the vital role our schools play and they have stated that Catholic schools are the best means available to the church for passing on the faith.

Yet, with all this good about our schools, we do face a significant challenge. Bishop Nienstedt recently asked us to consider regionalization of our Catholic schools. His call for this consider-ation came with good cause. The bishop recognizes that most of the Catholic schools of our diocese are experiencing significant declines in enrollment. Fewer students equal fewer income dollars for our schools. Fewer income dollars mean rising per pupil costs as efficiency in delivering education declines. This phenomenon is also affecting our public schools.

Our Bishop's call for a new look at how we provide Catholic school education in our diocese is a strong reminder of the importance of our Catholic schools to the church. It's an equally resounding affirmation that changing demographics should not close our schools, but rather cause us to reorganize them to serve where there are young people. These schools are far too important to the church. Tons of research today by the likes of James Coleman, Andrew Greeley and others lift up the Catholic school for the fine work they do across our country. The work of our Catholic schools is so exemplary that they are held up as a model in our nation for what education should be.

The Bishop's wake up call is legitimate. Because of the changing demographics of our diocese, we must seek out and work for a new spirit of cooperation between parishes and schools. Already as parishes we are moving ahead with the concept of Area Faith Communities. That same spirit of cooperation will be needed to create "Area Catholic Schools." These schools will reach beyond traditional parish borders and serve Catholic children of the area. We must search out reasonable means of transporting students to these Area Catholic Schools. Schools may need to share staff with other schools to provide top quality instruction or leadership to both schools. Other creative new measures must be arranged through the cooperative efforts of all involved.

Pastors and principals have begun discussions of how these changes can occur. These changes may require extra effort, persistence and renewed dedication. The changes may also require new formulas for funding our schools. Working together, parents, boards, parishes, school communities, and Area Faith Communities can minimize the difficulties.

Our Catholic schools' record of success makes them well worth the extra effort. Worshiping communities wanting the best for their young people will rise to the task and seek out the means to carry on the tradition of strong Catholic school education in our diocese. Our schools may look a little different in the future and they will likely serve students of a larger area, but their mission will remain the same - passing on the faith and providing quality education. Christ will be the reason for the school and He will be the ever present teacher and the model for staff and students.