Resources for Catholic Educators

These resources provide a blend of practical support and academic enrichment for Catholic educators in higher education, encouraging professional and spiritual growth within the Catholic intellectual tradition.

1. Catholic Education Frameworks and Models

• The Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CIT): This tradition integrates faith and reason, offering educators a framework for encouraging critical thinking while fostering spiritual growth. Boston College’s Institute for the Liberal Arts and the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Church Life both have rich resources on CIT.
• Ex Corde Ecclesiae: This apostolic constitution by Pope John Paul II outlines the identity and mission of Catholic universities, promoting an integration of academic pursuits with spiritual growth.
• Cardinal Newman Society: Offers resources on Catholic curriculum standards and guidance on maintaining Catholic identity in higher education.

2. Catholic Teaching and Ethics Resources

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): The USCCB provides statements, documents, and pastoral letters on Catholic social teaching, which can be used to inform both curriculum and ethical discussions in various disciplines.
• The Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education: Publishes guidelines and resources on Catholic education that can be helpful for understanding the Church’s stance on academic matters, ethics, and formation.

3. Professional Organizations and Associations

• Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU): Offers webinars, research, conferences, and resources tailored to faculty in Catholic institutions.
• International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU): A global network that provides research and collaboration opportunities with other Catholic institutions.
• National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA): NCEA primarily supports K-12 educators but has valuable resources and research applicable to higher education contexts.
• Catholic Higher Education Supporting Catholic Schools (CHESCS): CHESCS is the national association of professionals within Catholic universities and colleges who intentionally focus a significant part of their work on PK-12 Catholic education. CHESCS exists to strengthen Catholic schooling through research, teaching, professional development, consulting and writing.

4. Catholic Pedagogy and Curricular Resources

• Catholic Social Teaching Resources: Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs and Catholic Relief Services offer modules and guides on integrating Catholic social teaching into the classroom.
• Ignatian Solidarity Network-Education for Justice: A part of the Jesuit, Ignatian Solidarity Network, Education for Justice has brought relevant Catholic Social Teaching-based resources to thousands of users worldwide. The website features topical prayers, discussion guides, reflections, and lesson plans, as well as an annual justice calendar and a monthly e-newsletter.
• Virtual Catholic Studies Programs: Schools like the University of Dayton provide online courses for faculty development, covering topics such as faith integration, Catholic thought, and pastoral care.
• Journal of Catholic Higher Education: A peer-reviewed journal focusing on research and practice in Catholic colleges and universities, covering a wide array of topics relevant to faculty.

5. Spiritual Development and Formation

• Campus Ministry Resources: Most Catholic universities have dedicated campus ministry offices with staff and programs aimed at supporting spiritual development for both students and faculty. Leveraging these internal resources for personal formation can enhance teaching approaches.
• Retreat Centers and Spiritual Exercises Programs: Organizations like the Jesuit Retreat Center or Franciscan Spirituality Centers offer programs and retreats specifically designed for educators.
• Notre Dame University McGrath Institute for Church Life: The McGrath Institute for Church Life bridges the Catholic intellectual life and the life of the Church, in order to form and empower faithful Catholic leaders for service to the Church and thereby the world. The website includes a variety of resources for scholars, educators, administrators, religious and lay people.
• Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Network: Edmund Rice Net provides a comprehensive history of the life of Edmund Rice, a history of the Congregation of Edmund Rice, Christian Brothers, and a variety of resources and links to schools and ministries that are connected to the Global Edmund Rice Network. 

6. Interdisciplinary and Faith-Driven Research Support

• The Lumen Christi Institute: Based in Chicago, this institute offers workshops, summer seminars, and conferences for Catholic scholars, especially those in the humanities.
• Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC: Provides resources and promotes scholarship in the Catholic tradition, supporting interdisciplinary and interfaith dialogue among educators.
• Theologians and Scholars Database (Vatican Observatory Foundation): Allows educators to connect with scholars engaged in science and theology, promoting dialogue and exploration of faith and reason.