The Curia has launched a new identity document for Church Schools which is aimed at shaping the future direction of Catholic education while responding to the realities of modern society.

Titled Catholic Education in Malta: The Mission of Church Schools in Maltese Society Today and Tomorrow, the document was unveiled on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Secretariat for Catholic Education’s new offices at the Good Shepherd Complex in Balzan.

The framework sets out the mission and identity of Church Schools as Christ-centred communities grounded in human dignity, while also recognising the growing complexities and diversity of Maltese society. It outlines the non-negotiable principles intended to guide Catholic education in the years ahead.

The document is expected to play a central role in strategic planning across the Church Schools sector and will also guide the working group overseeing The Future of Church Schools initiative. Heads of school are being encouraged to use it as a reference point for future school development.

In a message marking the occasion, Archbishop Charles Scicluna stressed the importance of Church Schools in forming individuals who are committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of society. He said schools should continue to promote dignity, justice, compassion and tenderness, while encouraging educational leaders to model their leadership on Christ the Shepherd through service and fidelity.

Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma highlighted the need for ongoing formation for all those working within Catholic schools, saying educators should not simply teach but also give witness through the values they embody.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi, who presided over the launch, said the collaborative process behind the drafting of the document should serve as a model for its implementation. He said stakeholders should be actively involved rather than simply directed, fostering a culture rooted in dialogue and respect for the dignity of every person.

Rev. Dr Mark Ellul described the document as an invitation for Church Schools to translate Gospel values into everyday practice — from classrooms and staffrooms to relationships with families — through a lived commitment to justice, inclusion, care and peace.

He added that the framework seeks to offer a comprehensive definition of identity for Church Schools in Malta and Gozo without becoming overly prescriptive.

The document is divided into four main sections: the evolving aim of Church Schools; their educational, ecclesial and evangelical mission; the role of Church Schools within a changing Maltese society; and the defining principles that guide Catholic education.