About the Morning Star Initiative
The Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Morning Star Initiative is a bold plan of Catholic evangelization (living and sharing the Gospel) for the revitalization of Catholic elementary education. In partnership with the Marianists and with the support of the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, the Morning Star Initiative aims to position Catholic education for a bright future, with a community of strong, expanding, and sustainable schools spread across Long Island.
Pillar I: Robustly Catholic Culture
Our Catholic schools cultivate a robustly Catholic culture centered on the spiritual, intellectual, sacramental, and liturgical life of the Apostolic Catholic Church.
Prayer & Scripture
Serious prayer and study of the Sacred Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and age-appropriate Catholic apologetics in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Lives of Saints
Prayerful and thoughtful engagement with the lives of the saints as models of the universal call to holiness, mission, and service.
Catholic Mass
Meaningful development of a life of prayer, virtue, and sacramental participation, expressed especially in fidelity to the Sunday Mass.
Teachers
Impactful encounters with teachers as exemplary models and mentors of the Catholic Faith.
Pillar II: Safe and Supportive Community
Our Catholic schools provide a Safe and Supportive Community that recognizes the dignity of every person and promotes human flourishing in a familial atmosphere.
Welcoming
A welcoming community where young people are safe and supported, cherished and challenged.
Dignity
A nurturing community — rooted in the Splendor of Truth of the Sacred Scriptures and Catholic teaching on the Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Prayer — where every student is valued as a unique human person beloved of God.
Catholic Social Justice
A community of the Catholic Faith committed to the Gospel of Life and Catholic social justice teaching, forming disciples of Christ who will give a courageous witness in the public square.
Universal
A truly Catholic (universal) community, supportive of families of all ethnic backgrounds raising children of strong Christian character.
Pillar III: Academic Excellence
Our Catholic Schools will offer academic excellence, which fosters individual growth and development according to time tested, Catholic faith-based models of teaching and learning.
Intellectual
Integrating our rich Catholic intellectual tradition with the exciting opportunities of the 21st century.
Holistic
Assisting students in seeing the harmony between faith and reason in all subjects and opening them to the contemplation of the good, the true, and the beautiful.
Inspirational
Investing in strong evangelizing teachers who encourage and inspire all students to reach their full potential.
Foundational
Building a strong foundation for future success in high school, college, and careers.
Pillar IV: Our Catholic Schools Are Here to Stay
Welcoming
Revitalizing Catholic education to meet the changing needs of
our community.
Sustainable
Renewing our commitment to strong and sustainable Catholic education on Long Island.
Recruiting Top Teachers
Providing the resources to attract, develop, and reward talented educators committed to the mission of Catholic education.
Stewardship
Ensuring responsible stewardship of personnel, facilities, and finances.
