Clergy Preparation for Catholic School Leadership in a Midwestern Diocese

In the Diocese of Omega, following a long history of local decision making, the parish priest is ultimately responsible for the leadership of a Catholic elementary school. The role of the priest is similar to that of a superintendent in a public-school setting. Priests of the Diocese of Omega are prepared for their responsibilities by the local seminary. The curricular program at the local seminary conforms to the Program of Priestly Formation promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (2006). Upon completion of seminary studies and ordination, priests are eligible for assignments that may include Catholic school leadership. This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of 20 interviewed priests regarding how seminary prepared them for leadership in a Catholic school. This study found that priests reported meager direct and indirect preparation in either coursework or formation experiences for leadership of Catholic elementary schools during their time in and following the seminary. These findings informed the development of recommendations focused on ensuring that clergy better understand their leadership role and have access to adequate and necessary preparation for leadership of Catholic elementary schools.|Keywords: Catholic school leadership, Catholic education, preparation of priests, program of priestly formation

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Slattery, Jason E.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Watwood, Britt

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/121871

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/121871