The future of Catholic schools in a secular culture of religious choice

Abstract

Recent cultural shifts, most notably a rise in a modified form of secularization, which privileges choice, have led to a general decline in religious commitment. This is best described as a process that may eventually lead to complete religious disengagement. This decline has implications for many religious groups, such as the Catholic Church, that maintain a large number of affiliated institutions, many of which have an educational focus. In the absence of strongly committed individuals, Catholic schools face significant challenges in accommodating this new cultural reality. In response to these challenges Catholic schools need to develop ways to better maintain a strong and distinctive identity.