While insisting that Catholic education is both tolerant and inclusive, the Catholic bishops have also stressed that religious education forms an essential part of the curriculum in Catholic schools and functions at its core. This means, for example, that Catholic schools commit resources and time to religious education as a matter of priority, the letter states.

Vision 08 - A Vision for Catholic Education in Ireland, published by the Irish Bishops' Conference ahead of an important Department of Education conference on school patronage next month, explores the role of the church in a changing Ireland. It warns that, without a clear vision, Catholic schools "are in danger of being taken over by other agendas such as the points race or social elitism".

More than 3,000 of the 3,200 primary schools in the Republic are controlled by the Catholic Church.

Main points contained in the pastoral letter from Catholic Bishops:

• While they share characteristics with other schools . . . Catholic schools seek to reflect a distinctive vision of life and a corresponding philosophy of education;
• Catholic education values tolerance and inclusiveness. It is open to other traditions, and those of other faiths and none, while remaining true to its own distinctive ethos. Catholic schools are open to children of all denominations. The presence of children from other denominations is seen as an enrichment of the educational experience offered by the school . . . ;
• In a climate of growing secularism, Catholic schools are distinguished by faith in the transcendent mystery of God as the source of all that exists and as the meaning of human existence;
• This faith is not simply the subject matter of particular lessons but forms the foundation of all that we do and the horizon of all that takes place in the school;
• Specifically, religious education, designed to confirm and deepen an understanding of the faith, forms an essential part of the curriculum in Catholic schools and functions at its core. This means, for example, that Catholic schools commit resources and time to religious education as a matter of priority;
• In the Catholic school there is a strong commitment to pupils for whom the traditional methods of education are a challenge, e.g. the educationally-disadvantaged or those with special needs;
• Catholic schools continue to meet the challenge of seeking educational excellence while resisting the pressures of merely pragmatic, utilitarian approaches which tend to subordinate the good of the person to lesser ends;
• We believe that a too-narrow preoccupation with examinations . . . is inimical to true education.

Speaking at the launch of the pastoral letter, Sr Elizabeth Maxwell, president of the Conference of Religious in Ireland, said:

"We, the religious of Ireland, are committed to Catholic schools. We are proud of our contribution to the education mission of the church in Ireland over 200 years.

"We have not withdrawn from Catholic education. On the contrary, we are anxious to contribute to the continuation of Catholic education in the tradition of our founders and foundresses into the future." (Source: Irish Times)