Even though Catholic school governors are crucial in promoting the Church’s mission, they are often ill-prepared for the task, argues educationalist Judith Russi The Second Vatican Council presented a radical challenge to pastors and laity alike to “spare no sacrifice in helping Catholic schools to become increasingly effective”. The Council Fathers realised that it had never been more urgent for the Church to educate and form young people to be able to make a preferential option, “in caring for the needs of those who are poor in the goods of this world or who are deprived of the assistance and affection of a family or who are strangers to the gift of faith” (Gravissimum Educationis “Declaration on Christian Education”, 1965, section 9).Care for