September 9th newsletter

Happy September!  The Catholic School Matters newsletter is back!  This issue, I’m sharing the best articles and links I came across this summer.  This year, I plan to publish fewer editions of the newsletter and make them more focused on one theme.  Next week, for example, I plan to catch up on news and events from the world of Catholic schools.  I’m also revamping the podcast to give it more of a radio feel with fresh interviews recorded close to the release date and multiple guests.  The Top 5 this week:

1. “As Catholic Options Dwindle, Middle Class Retreats from Private Schools”is a must read for every Catholic leader, board member, and especially every finance council member. We are losing the middle class in our Catholic schools!
2. Archbishop Hunthausen passed away this summer. A Montana native and former bishop in Helena, he was the last living American Bishop to sit for all 4 sessions of Vatican II. Bishop Thomas provided a homilyfor the Stational Mass in Helena and  Mike Ryan provided a colorful and poignant homily in Seattle. It’s a remarkable collection of reflections for a remarkable prelate.
3. “How do you improve schools? Start by coaching principals, says new study” in chalkbeat.org. We need to move beyond a compliance model and to a formation model.
4. “Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning: Making Smarter Arguments, Better Decisions, and Stronger Conclusions” from the Farnam Street Blog (one of the weekly blogs I faithfully read). This is a great example of the quality of articles which help you think about thinking. Another great example was this summer’s “The Feynman Technique: The Best Way to Learn Anything.” I thought about this process for a month or more.
5. Kent Hickey has presented a great analysis and call for action in Every Catholic, Lay and Clergy, is Called to Confront the Evil of Abuse.