Responses from the Field

This article offers responses from Lois K. Draina, an associate professor, Ronald J. Nuzzi, a program director, and Rachel Sara Moreno, associate professional specialist to a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) document "Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium" (2005). After several careful readings of the document, Draina was clear about one thing: Its goals are strikingly similar to "In Support of Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools," published by the USCCB in 1990. Draina stresses that the challenges outlined in the document are real, but outlining the needs goes only so far. She asks where is the specificity regarding action and accountability. She sees that the document's tone suggests, however, that the bishops are looking for helpers to address the needs of the Catholic school system. Nuzzi, as a program director, knows firsthand of the joy and appreciation Catholic educators feel in response to this document. He adds that for this consciousness raising, publicity, and invitation to collaborate in the future success of schools, all Catholic educators are grateful. Meanwhile, Moreno wonders if some pastors read this document which states, "It is the responsibility of the entire Catholic community...to provide an exceptional education experience for young people." She cites that many of Catholic school colleagues are forced to leave the ministry because of financial constraints.