ABSTRACT
The Catholic Church has always viewed the school as a support for parents, who remain responsible as the primary educator of their children. The role of the Catholic school leader is noteworthy as the architect of the school community where children are formed in their Catholic identity. Catholic theology is explicated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. American Catholic higher education leadership programs focused on the tripartite of competencies deemed essential for school leadership: instructional leadership, managerial leadership and spiritual leadership. A Catholic school leader’s decision reflects their vocation within the Church’s educational ministry and confirms coherence with the distinctive mission of a Catholic school. Descriptions of the Catholic educator’s contemplative leadership practice presumes there are personal qualities necessary to make decisions regarding children, teachers and the school community that embody the school’s Catholic identity and mission. Institutional Catholic identity cannot exist without teachers and staff who embrace their roles as evangelizers.
