The Catholic elementary and secondary schools within the Diocese of Oakland are the expression of the educational ministry of the parishes, religious congregations and the Diocese itself. Under the authority of the Bishop, the schools share a common Christian vision, resources and responsibilities as they strive to serve the youth that are reflective of the diverse cultural, ethnic and economic population of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The Diocese and individual schools are committed to include the poor in Catholic school education.

The tenets and the tradition of the Catholic faith are an integral component of the philosophy and goals of each school. All facets of Catholic education contribute to the faith development of the students and reflect the commitment to teach and model Catholic principles founded in the liberating love of Jesus Christ and the Good News as pro- claimed by the Roman Catholic Church in contemporary society.

The schools prepare youth to respect the sacred dignity of the person as an individual and as a responsible member of a community and also enable students to translate the Good News into action within a challenging and disciplined environment provided by caring and capable teachers.

Finally, schools acknowledge that parents, who have the primary responsibility for the moral and religious development of their children, are partners with the parishes and the entire Christian Community in the continuing education process. Together they partici- pate in the development of the schools policies, curricula, and budgetary process based on Christian values within the constraints of the local school resources.

Consequently, Catholic schools are committed to provide: