Education Commission

An Education Commission assists the Parish Pastoral Council in parish planning in the area of education. If you are interested in serving on the Education Commission, please contact Director of Faith Formation Teresa Hurd. 

Courtesy of the Diocese of Lansing:

INTRODUCTION
Parish education commissions and boards of education for inter-parochial schools are an
integral part of the Church in the Diocese of Lansing. Among the important reasons for their
existence are:

1. To promote the concept of lay ministry.
Participation in the ministry of Catholic education, whether in Catholic schools, parish
religious education programs for all age levels (including adult education), or ministry to
youth, is one way individuals can participate in the life of the Church in a significant way.
This is the primary reason for having education commissions and school boards which provide
concrete means for people to contribute to Catholic education and thereby build the kingdom
of God.

2. To develop ownership and stability for the future.
Participation in the life of an organization brings with it an increase of pride and ownership.
People appreciate recognition of their expertise and are eager to offer their services as
members of commissions and boards. Such bodies can, with well-developed plans and
policies, provide stability when parish and program administrators are changed.

3. To offer financial advice.
Given the financial difficulties that often face many parishes, the talents and interests of
many people are needed to address the issue. It is no longer possible, nor is it desirable, for
the administrator to shoulder the total responsibility for the life of the program. Neither
should the pastor/pastoral coordinator feel that the financial challenges of the parish are
his/hers alone. Administrators need assistance, and boards/commissions can be a positive
force for dealing with the financial needs of today and planning for the future.

4. To develop and defend policy.
Policies give general direction to administrators. They communicate what should be done,
not how it should be done. Commission and board members have the responsibility to work
with administrators in the development of policies and to defend local policies, as well as to
ensure that diocesan policies are implemented at the local level.

5. To serve as a source for good public relations.
Involvement, information, and commitment will provide commission and board members with
the opportunity to be positive voices on behalf of the Catholic school, parish religious
education programs, and parish youth ministry programs which they represent.

6. To provide parents/guardians with a voice in their children’s education.
Parents, as the primary educators of their children, need a formal, systematic forum to
participate in decisions affecting them.

7. To provide programs for adult parishioners.
Adults in the parish need a body responsible for programs to meet their catechetical and
educational needs.

8. To encourage strategic planning.
Every parish/school needs a group charged with planning responsibilities. The parish
education commission and inter-parochial school board should assume this responsibility with
respect to religious education, the school, and youth ministry.