PHILOSOPHY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

The faculty of St. Augustine School believes that a philosophy of Catholic education begins with faith that God in creating, gifted us with life, became one of us in His Son Jesus and in the Person of His Spirit awaits our response to His unconditional overture of Love. Jesus remains with the community He formed, witnessing and sharing the Good News in every age and with all people, ever yearning for a return of love either by a sincere response to conscience or by membership in His Church. It is from this perspective that the educational ministry of the Catholic community flows.

We believe that education, which is Catholic, begins with life in the heart of the family. Parents, the primary educators, seed and nourish values deeply human and deeply spiritual. Affirmed, treasured, and supported by the loving witness of Christian faith communities, the child continues a lifelong response to God's love in growing and excelling through responsible involvement in the academic, cultural, and civic concerns of daily life.

We believe that the Catholic school is sensitive to the mandate of Jesus: "Love one another as I have loved you" as the goal toward which all Catholic education tends. The school community, in sharing this vision within an atmosphere designed to celebrate and practice love of God and neighbor, is the most effective means available to the Church for the education of youth. This vision motivates students to grow spiritually, academically, culturally, and socially. Among the values prized in the Catholic school are self-worth, self-discipline in the search for a moral way of life, and appreciation of our American heritage. With deep concern for their brothers and sisters, young people in Catholic schools form their personal response in truth, justice, and love to God their Maker.