ABSTRACT

In 1996, the Chief Administrators for Catholic Education began publication of a monograph series on the leadership preparation of Catholic school principals. The premise of contemplative leadership was that principals should integrate their Catholic faith into their decision-making through a special brand of reflection called contemplative practice. This chapter first connects explicitly contemplative practice and Catholic identity within Catholic schooling as ecclesial institutions. Catholic identity remained an implicit foundation for, and byproduct of, contemplative practice. The chapter also describes the concept of character that is essential to contemplative practice. It also talks about the faith internship community. The objective of the Catholic school goes beyond college and career success, straight to the gates of heaven. As a ministry of the larger Church, Catholic schooling must address the cultural question for Catholic schools to remain an effective Church ministry to the changing population.