1. Founded in 1990 by Fr. Robert Sirico and Mr. Kris Mauren to address the perceived incompatibility between Religion and Business

Transcription

1 About 1. Founded in 1990 by Fr. Robert Sirico and Mr. Kris Mauren to address the perceived incompatibility between Religion and Business 2. Named after the English historian, Lord John Acton ( ), for his work on the relationship between liberty and morality. 3. Research Organization: International, Ecumenical, Educational. 4. Not a Policy or Political group, or affiliated with a Church or denomination. 1

2 Mission 1. To promote a free and virtuous society characterized by Individual liberty and sustained by religious principles. 2. Special attention to the relationship between Theology and economic freedom. Other topics include: the recognition of human dignity rule of law property rights Solutions to poverty limited government Environmental Stewardship Effective Compassion 3. Put differently, the is concerned with the best prudential application of Catholic Social Teaching. Connecting Good Intentions with Sound Economics. Modes Research: Lectures, Books, Monographs, and the Journal of Markets and Morality Education: Conferences for future religious and moral leaders Media: Documentaries, Church and curriculum materials 2

3 Modes Research: Books, Monographs, and the Journal of Markets and Morality Modes Education: Conferences for future religious and moral leaders, both in the United States and abroad. 3

4 Modes Media: Documentaries, curriculum materials for schools and Church groups Investment in future and current religious leaders Research and Educational organization Seminary study in 2001 Unique investment in the Catholic Church Maintain office in Rome Content deals with the Church, Catholic Social Teaching Staffed by Serious Catholic scholars with backgrounds in Theology, Philosophy, Business, History, Education, and Economics. Acton s interest in Catholic Secondary Education Importance of sound, well-rounded Catholic formation in high schools 4

5 Crisis in Catholic secondary education: Diluting Catholic identity and increasing secularization Increasingly mediocre academics Struggle for survival Difficulties hiring and retaining good staff; removing detrimental staff Overall lack of forming solid Catholic students Annual published list honoring America s 50 best Catholic high schools Designed to recognize and encourage excellence Evaluates schools in 3 areas: - Academic Excellence - Catholic Identity - Civic Education 5

6 Advisory board Prof. Gerard Bradley Professor of Law University of Notre Dame Law School Rev. Terence Henry, T.O.R. Franciscan University of Steubenville Prof. Russell Hittinger Warren Professor of Catholic Studies University of Tulsa Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Langsfeld Rector Pontifical College Josephinum Rev. Bernard F. O Connor, O.S.F.S. DeSales University Dr. Timothy T. O Donnell Christendom College Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. Creighton University Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Gonzaga University Very Rev. David M. O Connell, C.M. Catholic University of America Purpose Recognize high schools that excel in fulfilling the purpose of Catholic education. Encourage all Catholic schools to maintain high academic standards, uphold their Catholic identity, and prepare students to actively engage the world. Assist parents in connecting with the best Catholic high schools. Provide resources for teachers and administrators - feedback on improvement - curriculum materials - continuing education conferences 6

7 How it works All Catholic High Schools in the USA are invited to apply Nearly 300 applied in 2006 An additional 100 schools plan to participate in 2007 Applications each Spring, in print or online No cost: It is a free resource Catholic identity questions taken from Church teaching on Catholic education Academics and civics questions designed by researchers and survey expert A scoring algorithm helps measure survey responses Honor Roll announced each Fall No ranking among the Top 50 No negative mention What we re looking for: Balance Academics - Standardized test scores: PSAT, SAT, ACT Schools benefit from serving more challenging demographics - AP/College credit opportunities - Curriculum requirements Catholic Identity - Textbooks, use of Magisterial texts - Catholic Faculty, Teacher Training - Sacramental presence - Campus Ministry, clerical presence - The Church s Faith, culture and life present in all aspects of the school Civic Education - Requirements for Economics, business, and Government - Civic responsibility: community service, works of mercy - Student groups - Connection between civics and the Faith 7

8 Impact and Benefits: Improvement motivator Honor Roll is published and publicized nationally Parents and donors look to the Honor Roll to find the finest schools in the United States. Schools named to the Top 50 list see a substantial impact:» Energized staff, students, donors, and parents» Increased enrollment» Media attention and publicity» Much-deserved recognition and affirmation» Valuable marketing tool Impact & Benefits Increased Enrollment This year we received about 100 more enrollees from public schools. James P. Antos, Brother Rice High School 8

9 Media Coverage Over 200 print, radio, and TV stories We could not buy this kind of powerful publicity. Mr. Frank Israel, Loyola College Prep Impact & Benefits Marketing Opportunity Every announcement, advertisement, post-card and poster produced by Quigley is another opportunity to tell the community that we have been named among the top 50 in the nation! Mike Burchill, Quigley Catholic 9

10 Marketing Opportunity: Mt. De Sales Academy Marketing Opportunity: St. Cecilia Academy 10

11 Applications will be available April 5. Deadline: May 15 New: Evaluations: - All schools that apply will receive a personal, detailed evaluation that Examines strengths and weaknesses Compares you to schools nationwide Gives feedback for improvement Nominate A school Online Request Information Database Update Coming Soon: Online resources for Parents and Schools 11