This reader introduces the key theological themes of Catholic Religious Education today, providing an appropriate core text for those who are being educated to become Catholic teachers and preparing to work in Catholic schools. An ideal aid for principals and classroom teachers, it will also be useful for catechists and parents.

A Companion to Catholic Education is a resource for Catholic educators designed for use in conjunction with other dedicated textbooks and good curricular material. It is not a stand-alone reference guide for educators but will orientate those new to the study of theology and religious education towards the key theological themes they will encounter in their teaching and act as a catalyst for further and deeper study of the range of themes covered. Teachers and student teachers can use this text to chart their way through the many curricular packages with which they are faced today.

The book is divided into two sections. The first explores key areas of Catholic thought that are relvant for Catholic educators - God and philosophy, Scripture, Christology, Ecclesiology, Liturgy, Sacraments, Catholic Moral Teaching and Catholic Social Teaching. The second focuses on pedagogical matters pertaining to Religious Education and the broader Catholic life and idenity of the Catholic school. catholic educators are encouraged to develop their knowledge of of theological issues so as to understand better their vocation as both educator and (in the secular sense) and faith-former (unique to the Cahtolic education and other forms of faith education).

A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. A Catholic school, over and above this, should help students to become saints. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Pupils, 17 September 2010