Catholic Schools Diocese of Oakland

"The Mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students, so that they may be true to their condition as Christ's disciples and as such work effectively for the evangelization of culture and for the common good of society."  --St. John Paul II

 

On a mission: The Catholic schools of the Diocese

The Catholic Voice asked Superintendent Kathleen Radecke for some questions about the extraordinary challenges Catholic education has faced in 2020. As always, Radecke – a graduate of St. Clement School and Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward – answered with the grace, faith and enthusiasm that has marked her tenure as superintendent of the schools of the Oakland diocese. She shared, too, the mission statement for the schools for 2020-21: “Unite in Mission: Fortitude through Faith, Fellowship and Formation”

How has the value of Catholic education been evident over these past seven months?
The greatest strength of Catholic education here in our diocese has always been the people, the dedicated teachers, staff and principals who choose to minister in our Catholic schools. During these last seven months each has contributed in extraordinary ways. Our care for the whole child and selfless commitment to exhaust our efforts represents the deepest value of our collective capacity to serve one another — to love one another as we are loved. Our principals and teachers are some of the unsung heroes in this pandemic, and I am extremely proud and grateful for their resilience, leadership and partnership exhibited with our school families and diocesan leadership. The people of the Diocese of Oakland are special — and as a result, our school communities are a cherished place to be a part of.

What is the planning process for returning to the classroom — is it a diocesan-wide plan or does each school make its own plan?
The process toward in-person instruction has been a highly consultative one. Last May we advised our schools to create a School Site Planning Committee (SSPC) which consisted of various members of their school community who provided support and assistance to the principals in discussing the guidelines provided by the state and county agencies, as well our diocese.

Each school’s leadership has been very diligent and intentional in planning with their teachers, staff and parents, with consultation and guidance from our diocese. Each school’s enrollment, facilities and staffing considerations are unique and need to be considered in the decision-making process. Our schools will continue their on-going communication process with their school communities as we work together navigating the needs of this unprecedented school year. Each school will provide a detailed return to in-person instruction plan for their school community and post it on their school website.

Our school leadership remains focused on a balanced decision making process with detailed planning and preparation to return to in-person instruction, in compliance with their County health orders. The guiding principle for all of our schools remains the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.

What’s your vision for the future of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Oakland?
Our Catholic schools have strengthened their teaching and learning through the perseverance and knowledge acquired through distance learning. Our approach to educating our students will be further enriched because of what we have experienced both as the teacher and learner. Our appreciation for and attention to the social emotional well-being of our students, faculty, staff and parent community has been more clearly understood and valued than ever before.

The humility of this experience for all of us can and should awaken the critical importance of care for one another, love for one another and witness toward building a more united community of faith. A community of selfless dedication and commitment to the appreciation of the gifts we have been given will help us to move toward solidarity as we strive for social justice, peace and healing in our communities and world.

My vision/hope includes focus on our continued growth toward equity and opportunity for all of our families who desire a Catholic school education for their children. The strengthening of our communities through faith, fellowship and formation will guide us to the fulfillment of the ultimate mission of Catholic education for the Diocese of Oakland.


Christ's peace and joy surround you,

Kathleen Radecke
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Oakland