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Catholic Education Research Paper

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Catholic schools enjoy the reputation of providing an excellent education in all core subjects while also educating students in their faith and in the Gospel values. Furthermore, Catholic schools seek to serve all students, regardless of financial circumstances or cultural background. However, this recognition and stature did not come easily. The success of the Catholic school system is the product of the ongoing efforts of the leaders in the field. Beginning with the missionaries in the New World and continuing through today, Catholic educators have overcome great odds.
Missions in the New World
Prior to the Reformation, the continent of Europe was predominantly Catholic. European Missionaries from France and Spain traveled to the New World …show more content…

By the mid-18th century, the French Ursuline order of nuns established a school for girls in New Orleans. The Ursuline Sisters are considered the model for Catholic education, to this day. Their mission was to serve all girls and women, irrespective of race or social standing. In doing so, the Ursuline Sisters were witnesses to “Christ’s directive to teach all nations.” (Kealey & Kealey, 2003, p.14). Ursuline Academy opened its doors to African-American and Native American students, and served as a refuge to victims of Catholic religious persecution. The Ursulines continued their work in contradiction of laws prohibiting the teaching of Native …show more content…

However, Katherine was raised by a step-mother who taught charity and forbearance. Katherine came to understand her responsibility to those who were less fortunate than her. Both Katherine’s father and step-mother worked tirelessly to help the poor in Philadelphia pay their rent, in addition to supporting orphanages and other institutions. As an adult, Katherine, along with her sister, took up work as a lay apostolate to help serve the needs of Native Americans. Additionally, Katherine founded a trade school for orphaned boys, supported the first African-American parish in Philadelphia and contributed to Native American missions. Her work with these groups led Katherine to religious life; she joined the Sisters of Mercy and made her vows in 1891. She served her community until her death in

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