De toekomst van het katholiek onderwijs in Nederland: Aanzetten tot verandering vanuit een diepe bewogenheid

In this essay, we discuss some important issues in Catholic secondary schools in the Netherlands and we make suggestions for an renewed and inspirational perspective. First, we outline the major changes in the pedagogical triangle of school, church and family. Then, we discuss the gap between church policy in the Netherlands and the Catholic schools that culminates in a call for a renewed dialogue. Subsequently, we change our perspective by letting young people themselves speak about their lives. The main issue here is that the voice of young people themselves should be given more space. Finally, we argue for a commitment to the personal development of pupils in Catholic religious education and in the entire school. Let us enrich our perspective by really listening to each other and engaging in dialogue. Then, we believe, growth and a new perspective for the future are possible.