International Journal of Social Service and Research
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Social Service and Research

From Policy To Culture: The Role of Principals in Institutionalizing Ecological Catechesis in Catholic Senior High Schools

Manfred Habur, Agustinus (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examines the role of Catholic school principals in sustaining ecological catechesis programs in Catholic senior high schools in the Diocese of Ruteng, Eastern Indonesia. While ecological catechesis has increasingly been promoted within Catholic education, its long-term sustainability often depends on institutional leadership rather than individual teacher initiatives. Using a qualitative intrinsic case study design, the research draws on semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to explore how principals support ecological catechesis through school policies, leadership practices, and cultural institutionalization. The findings reveal that principals contribute to program sustainability by articulating an ecological vision grounded in Catholic social teaching, translating it into formal regulations and budget priorities, and fostering ecological practices as part of school culture. However, structural constraints such as limited resources, competing academic demands, and socio-economic pressures continue to challenge institutional consistency. This study highlights the underexplored pastoral-ecological leadership of Catholic principals and offers contextual insights for strengthening ecological education in faith-based schools.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijssr

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Social Service and Research is a double-blind, peer-reviewed academic journal with open access to social and scientific fields. The journal is published monthly by Ridwan Institute. International Journal of Social Service and Research provides a means for sustained ...