I sat down with Cristo Rey network president and CEO Robert Birdsell for a frank, wide-ranging discussion about the network, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School here in Baltimore, urban education, the future of Catholic schools and thriving during the economic crisis.
It's an enlightening interview about where the network is going and how it's going to get there. For those looking for hope in urban education, look to Cristo Rey.
Enjoy the audio below.
December 08, 2011 04:01
By Matt Palmer
In case you missed our Catholic Schools Week story, check it out here.
Now, go beyond the story with this video!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe56BXrVoOo&hl=en&fs=1]
January 27, 2011 11:57
By Matt Palmer

Cardinal Shehan students celebrate giving to others.
I had the chance this morning to visit Cardinal Shehan School here in Baltimore. Canned food drives are a staple of schools and parishes around the Archdiocese this time of the year. You see the goodness of people around late November and Cardinal Shehan is no different. The community there collected more than 4,000 canned goods, which covered the stage. You'll see a story here on CatholicReview.org soon.
I just wanted to share some videos from the prayer service ceremony this morning so you can see the talent and good nature of the people in the Cardinal Shehan community.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qulh27wmM2g&hl=en&fs=1]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySikLL_5fV8&fs=1&hl=en_US]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7wG1kigmc0&fs=1&hl=en_US]
November 24, 2010 01:59
By Matt Palmer