The purpose of Catholic education is the formation of boys and girls who will be good citizens of this world—loving God and neighbor and enriching society with the leaven of the Gospel—and who will also be citizens of the world to come, thus fulfilling their destiny to become saints. This is all done in an environment of academic excellence, where students learn how to become intentional, missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, grow in virtue and holiness, share the Good News of Christ's love with others, and join in the Catholic Christian community of the school. This Family-School Agreement is intended to further these purposes. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing are open to all students; however, we are not a private or alternative school system.
When enrolling their child(ren) in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Lansing, be it parochial, diocesan, or independent, parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (hereafter, “parents”) are asked to sign the Family-School Agreement. In signing the Family-School Agreement, it is understood that:
All children are welcome in the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing. As part of enrollment, parents must sign the Family-School Agreement.
Our schools exist to pass on the Catholic faith in its fullness to students and to form disciples of Jesus Christ. Parents and schools are partners in this mission; parents are expected to cooperate fully in it and shall supervise their children in accordance with this agreement.
As partners in this mission, students and their parents are all part of the school community. As such, students and their parents agree to live their lives in a way that supports, rather than opposes, the mission of the school.
The school joyfully exercises its responsibility to teach Catholic faith and morals in all fullness. Parents whose religious practices and beliefs run counter to Church teaching might experience conflicts as we maintain mission integrity. Sincere questioning of the practices and doctrines of the Catholic faith—whether by students or their parents—in order to more deeply understand them are welcome; but openly hostile or persistent defiance of Catholic truths or morality are a violation of the Family-School Agreement and may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the school.
As parents/guardians, we ask St. Patrick Catholic School to help us in educating and forming our child(ren). We understand and agree that our child(ren) will be taught the teachings of the Catholic Church in their fullness. Our intention is to respect and cooperate with school policies and with those providing a Catholic-based education to our child(ren)—the priests, principal, teachers, parishioners, and all school personnel. We pledge our full cooperation with the school to prepare our child(ren) to be disciple(s) of Jesus Christ. We will make every effort to supervise our child(ren)in accordance with this agreement.