DECLARATION ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

 
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DECLARATION ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (Gravissimam Educationis)
Promulgated, Paul VI, Oct. 28, 1965

 

GE on Christian education after noting that the right to education is universal, it goes on to review the various means at its service.  

CONTENT 

1.      The Church’s right to education flows from her mission to proclaim salvation and restore all things in Christ.

Universal Right to an Education

1.      The Church recognizes the inalienable right of every human being to an education.

Aims of Education

1.   In general, true education aims at: the formation of the human person (his ultimate goal), and respect for the good of societies.

2.   In particular, the principal aims of education are: to help individuals to grow in the faith; to adore God in spirit and truth; to conduct his life in righteousness and sanctity of truth, to strive for the growth of the Church, witness to their hope, help in Christian formation of the world.

Duties and Obligations

1.    For Pastors – to see to it that the faithful have this Christian education.

2.    For Parents – (1) to educate their offspring because they are the first and foremost educators of their children, (2) to create an atmosphere of love and respect for God and man. The family is the first school.

3.    For the Community – to help the parents and the family to fulfill their duties.

Aids to Christian Education

1.   Catechetical instruction – for the enlightening and strengthening of the faith, for intelligent and active participation in the liturgy, and for motivating apostolic activity.

2.   Also media communication, groups for mental and physical development, youth associations, schools

Importance of Schools

1.   The School is an important instrument of education, designed to develop intellect, the ability to judge rightly, hand on cultural legacy, foster sense of values, and prepare for professional life.

Teachers

2.   The teaching vocation is beautiful, and demands special qualities of mind and heart, careful preparation continuing readiness to renew and adapt.

Rights of Parents

1.   Parents must enjoy true liberty in their choice of schools, according to their conscience.

·     The public power must see to it that public subsidies are paid out to such schools.

·     The faithful must aid the parents in finding suitable methods of education, programs of study, and in forming of teachers.

·     Parents associations, too, should help the work of the school, especially its moral education.

·     The Church must also be present in schools that are not Catholic by witness of lives of teachers and directors, the apostolic action of fellow teachers, esp. ministry of priests and laymen who provide doctrinal and spiritual aid.

2.    It is up to the parents to arrange and demand that their children have these aids.

Catholic Schools

1.    The Church has the right to conduct schools of every type and level.

2.    Parents have the duty to entrust their children to Catholic schools, when and where this is possible, to support such schools, and to work with them for the welfare of their children.

3.    Proper function of the Catholic school is to create a special atmosphere animated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity.

4.    Let teachers recognize that the Catholic school depends on them to fulfill its goals.

5.    There is need for cooperation between Catholic schools, between Catholic and other schools.

Catholic Collages and Universities

Faculties of Sacred Sciences

Conclusion:

1.    The Council asks young people to become aware of the importance of education, and consider being teachers.

2.    The Council thanks priests, religious men and women, and the laity for their work of education and asks them to advance the renewal of the Church and enhance its influence especially in the intellectual world. (END)

 
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Last Updated: Saturday, December 01, 2001 12:44:48 PM