Year-long review hopes to strengthen Catholic schools in the Diocese
HARRISBURG, Pa. – After nearly a year of work, including significant research, interviews, listening sessions and school visits, the Catholic Education Commission for the Diocese of Harrisburg recently released its report and recommendations to Bishop Timothy C. Senior.
Lancaster Catholic High School seniors celebrate their graduation.
“The work of the Catholic Education Commission (Commission) began with a simple but profound question: how do we ensure that this mission remains vibrant and sustainable for future generations?” said Francis X. Ryan, former Pennsylvania state representative and Chair of the Commission. “The Commission was encouraged by what we witnessed throughout the Diocese. We encountered dedicated pastors, committed principals, talented teachers, generous benefactors, engaged parents and students whose lives are being transformed through Catholic education. We also encountered challenges. Declining demographics in some regions, rising costs, deferred maintenance, increasing competition for students and teachers, and evolving educational expectations require thoughtful and decisive action.”
“The Commission members dedicated a year of their time to this important work, and I am grateful for their collaboration,” said Bishop Senior. “As we start a new school year, the recommendations provided by the Commission give a clear path forward for our Catholic schools to enhance an already strong program. I have confidence this work will help ensure our schools thrive for generations to come.”
Students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Middletown.
The Commission recommended five priorities to enhance the already strong Catholic education system in the Diocese:
Strategic Priority 1 – Strengthen Catholic Identity and Evangelization
The Commission affirms that Catholic identity is the foundation upon which every other aspect of Catholic education rests. The long-term sustainability of Catholic schools depends first upon their effectiveness in forming students as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Strategic Priority 2 – Support Families and Advance Academic Excellence
Families remain the primary educators of their children. Catholic schools exist to support that responsibility while providing an academically excellent educational experience.
Strategic Priority 3 – Clarify Governance and Strengthen Accountability
Students stand for prayer as class begins at St. Joseph School in Mechanicsburg.
Effective governance is essential for mission success, financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Strategic Priority 4 – Ensure Financial Sustainability and Responsible Stewardship
Financial sustainability requires disciplined stewardship, accurate information and long-term planning.
Strategic Priority 5 – Promote Growth, Renewal and Long-Term Vitality
Sustainability is not simply the preservation of existing structures. Sustainability requires growth, adaptation and continuous improvement.
“We are mindful that every generation receives the gift of Catholic education from those who came before. The schools we steward today were built through sacrifice, generosity, vision and faith. We bear a responsibility not only to preserve that inheritance but also to improve it for those who will follow us,” added Ryan.
A student at Our Lady of the Angels School in Columbia receives Holy Communion during the celebration of Mass for the school community.
“I am inspired by both our Bishop’s love for our schools and by the dedication and recommendations of the commission. The commission lent an important and necessary perspective to our work in Catholic education, and I am eager to see our schools benefit from the commission’s efforts,” said Daniel Breen, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese.
Bishop Senior will review the Commission’s recommendations and work with Diocesan staff on the implementation phase.
The Commission was formed in 2025 and tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of Catholic education throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg. This review included examination of the Catholic identity and mission found in the schools, academic excellence, governance structures, financial sustainability, demographic trends, school facilities, enrollment and long-term viability of the Diocesan school system.
To learn more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Harrisburg, visit GoCatholicSchools.org.
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The Diocese of Harrisburg was established on March 3, 1868. It has 88 parishes, 6 missions, 2 communities, 32 Catholic schools, and is home to approximately 201,000 registered Catholics throughout its 15 counties. To learn more about the Diocese and its ministries, visit www.hbgdiocese.org.