CATHOLIC ETHOS AND VALUES – A FRAMEWORK FOR SELF-REFLECTION
CATHOLIC ETHOS AND VALUES – A FRAMEWORK FOR SELF-REFLECTION
St Mary’s University College Belfast
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
School principals from Nursery, Primary and Post-Primary Schools and their Chairs of Governors from the Diocese of Down and Connor, along with invited representatives from the wider educational community, gathered at St Mary’s University College, Belfast on Wednesday 22nd October for the launch of the revised document Catholic Ethos and Values: A Framework for Self- Reflection.
This document written by the Catholic Schools’ Support Team of Educational Advisors offers a structured and dynamic process for reflecting upon the distinctiveness of the educational provision delivered within the context of the Catholic school, which is rooted in the Gospel and animated by the message of Jesus Christ that all may “have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Bishop Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Down and Connor, in his foreword states:
“This Framework for Self-Reflection is designed to help schools reflect on how the Catholic ethos and values of a Catholic school are not confined to the religious education programmes or liturgical celebrations, but are pervasive, shaping the culture, relationships, curriculum and leadership in schools. Academic research and educational policy including ETI’s Empowering Improvement Framework, increasingly recognise the importance of ethos in improving outcomes and enhancing the educational experience of pupils.”
At the launch event the Catholic Schools’ Support Service Team guided the delegates through the process of the Catholic Ethos and Values Framework – by outlining the rationale, the principles of Self-Reflection and how to use the framework within the context of the Catholic school ethos.
The Ethos and Values Framework document is offered to the schools in the Diocese of Down and Connor as a positive opportunity to re-energise the essential evangelising mission of the Catholic school and to affirm its vocation to SERVICE. It is an invitation for schools to participate in a process of discernment, discussion, development and delivery of high quality holistic educational outcomes for their children and young people.
Bishop Alan McGuckian commends the document to all school leaders and governors within the diocese of Down and Connor:
“May this Framework be a source of inspiration and renewal as we continue to proclaim the Good News in our schools and in the lives of the young people we are privileged to serve.”
Rev Father Colin Grant, Director of the Catholic Schools’ Support Service thanked his colleagues for their dedication and vision in producing the revised Framework Document and reminded schools that the CSSS Team is available to support schools as they engage in the Self-Reflection process.
