Diocese of Brooklyn Introduces New Social Justice Curriculum in Catholic Schools and Academies

Tags: Currents Brooklyn, NY, Catholic Education, Diocese of Brooklyn, Faith, Family, Inspiration, Media, Queens, NY

By Jessica Easthope

Learning about social justice isn’t new in the diverse classrooms at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. But for the first time it’s an official part of the curriculum.

“This will help our children to see the importance of embracing someone of a different culture, of a different race and give them a broader perspective of life, of God and what God expects of us,” said principal Margaret Tyndall.

Earlier this month, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio announced every school in the Diocese of Brooklyn would make the new social justice curriculum part of religion class. Each month students will explore a new theme, September is solidarity.

Teachers say it’s an opportunity to address current events and issues of race and equality through faith.

“We’re taking a step away from the textbooks and teaching the children more about the word of God and how to take a page from Jesus and be as He did,” said Rosaleen DeGregorio, an eighth-grade teacher.

The goal is for students and teachers to embrace social justice as part of a Catholic education.

“We create a loving open environment where they don’t need to be afraid of these issues,” said Father Joseph Gibino, Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Every month, teachers across the Diocese will be provided with new, age appropriate course materials and book suggestions. October’s theme is family, community and participation.