For More Information:

Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276 or

KWandra@carmelcommunications.com

Reclaiming the True Mission of Catholic Education

Ave MariaUniversity launches a new online course addressing the purpose of Catholic education — forming students in truth, virtue and faith

AVE MARIA, Fla., Oct. 14, 2025 – The primary goal of Catholic education is preparing children for salvation. But what is the foundation of a faithful Catholic education, and how can Catholic families ensure their chosen educational approach forms children in both academic excellence and authenticCatholic identity?

Dr.Dan Guernsey, associate professor of education and director of the M.Ed. in theCatholic Educational Leadership program at Ave Maria University, delves intothese topics and more in “The Foundations and Future of CatholicEducation[1] ,” the latest “The Pursuit of Wisdom” free online course presented byAve Maria University.

In his course, Dr. Guernsey outlines the five essential elements that define authentic Catholic education, according to Church teaching: the divine mission of Catholic education, the importance of community, prayer and sacraments, integral formation and presenting a Catholic worldview and culture.

He also provides an overview of what education is and its ultimate purpose; the impact of educational trends and challenges, such as declining academics to identity confusion; Catholic education’s evolution in the U.S. and how Catholic schools can present their worldview as a compelling alternative to relativism and individualism; and the future of Catholic education.

“Ata time when education is increasingly detached from truth and morality,Catholic families want schools that form both the mind and the soul,” Dr.Guernsey said. “This course helps educators rediscover what makes Catholic education distinct — and vital.”

Dr. Guernsey earned his Ed.D. inEducational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, with previous degrees in English from University of California, Berkeley, and the University of SanFrancisco. He brings extensive leadership experience, having served 16 years asa Catholic school principal and 24 years with Ave Maria educational programs.As a senior fellow at the Cardinal Newman Society, Dr. Guernsey has been instrumental in promoting faithful Catholic education. He helped develop theCatholic Curriculum Standards, currently used by 1,235 schools and 36 dioceses, as well as Catholic identity evaluation protocols for Catholic schools.  

Watch “The Foundations and Future of Catholic Education” trailer.

“TheFoundations and Future of Catholic Education” and all “The Pursuit of Wisdom” courses, can be accessed via thepursuitofwisdom.org and the free “Pursuit of Wisdom”app, available to download on major podcasting platforms, such as the AppStore, and coming soon on Google Play.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Dan Guernsey, please contact Kevin Wandra of Carmel Communications: kwandra@carmelcommunications.com or 404-788-1276.  

About Ave Maria University

AveMaria University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in AveMaria, Florida. Ave Maria University was established in 2003 as a Catholic university, according to the guidelines of the Code of Canon Law by the MostRev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. The recognition of Ave Maria University as a Catholic University is granted upon the university’s commitment to continue to be guided by the teachings of theCatholic Church and faithfulness to the apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae. Ave Maria University is committed to helping its students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life and grow in their appreciation of truth. The goal of AMU is simple: to build the foundation of a truly Catholic university that forms future generations of truly Catholic men and women faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. For more information about Ave Maria University, please visit www.avemaria.edu.