THE CATHOLIC bishops have stressed the inclusive nature of their schools in a pastoral letter issued yesterday.
However, they also stress that religious education, designed to confirm and deepen an understanding of the faith, forms an essential part of the curriculum in Catholic schools and functions at its core. This means, for example, that Catholic schools commit resources and time to religious education as a matter of priority, according to the letter.
Vision 08 - A Vision for Catholic Education in Ireland, published by the Irish Bishops' Conference, explores the role of the church in a changing Ireland.
It warns that without a clear vision Catholic schools "are in danger of being taken over by other agendas such as the points race or social elitism".
More than 3,000 of the 3,200 primary schools in the Republic are controlled by the Catholic Church.
The letter seeks to explore the special character of Catholic schools and how "they contribute to society and to the educational system of which they form such a significant part".
The new vision is published ahead of a key Department of Education conference on school patronage next month.
New State-run primary schools - run by the County of Dublin Vocational Education Committee - are being piloted in three Dublin areas over the next year.
The letter stresses how "Catholic schools have always aimed to be open and welcoming communities as they sought to deliver education to all who came through their doors".
As Irish society becomes more diverse, the bishops says they are conscious of this increased diversity and "will play our part in assisting our schools in continuing to be places of welcome, respect and tolerance".
The bishops say yesterday's media launch is designed to raise awareness about the valuable contribution and unique character of Catholic schools in Irish society.
Speaking at the launch of the pastoral letter, Sr Elizabeth Maxwell, president of the Conference of Religious in Ireland, says: "We, the religious of Ireland, are committed to Catholic schools. We are proud of our contribution to the education mission of the church in Ireland over 200 years. We have not withdrawn from Catholic education. On the contrary, we are anxious to contribute to the continuation of Catholic education in the tradition of our founders and foundresses into the future."
Last night the INTO said the bishops' publication was timely and significant. Commenting on the commitment to inclusivity, John Carr said it was the view of teachers that no child should be excluded from their local primary school on the basis of religion, race or socio-economic background.
"The local primary school must continue to welcome all children."
• The public can respond to the letter via email to info@catholiccommunications.ie or by post to: Pastoral Letter on Education, Irish Bishops' Conference, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
