Chapter VII - Authorization & Accreditation
1. Authorization
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1.1 Pontifical Institute.––The Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System is a work of the Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri of Pontifical Right which receives its authority to found Catholic schools from the Apostolic See––Constitu-tiones et Statuta Generalia Confederationis Oratorii Sancti Philippi Nerii. The Pharr Oratory, therefore, falls directly under the authority of the Holy Father and is directly responsible to him.
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1.2 Diocese of Brownsville.––Included among the Roman Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Brownsville, the Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System, in the spirit of St. Philip Neri, its spiritual father, works cooperatively as members of the local church (“Mutuæ Relationes” and Codex Iuris Canonici). To maintain its scholastic excellence and accreditation, the Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System works closely with and is guided by the Diocesan School Office.
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2. Orthodoxy
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Faithful to the parents who entrust their children to an institution of Holy Catholic Church, the Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System teaches according to the mandates, directives, and instruction of the Supreme Pontiff––Sacred Congregations and other offices which represent him––conciliar documents, Catechism, Code of Canon Law, etc. approved by him. In all areas and levels of Catholic academia, the Oratory Schools conform completely to the teachings represented in the document Ex Corde Ecclesiæ.
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3. Accreditation
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The Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) certifies the Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School System. TEPSAC is a confederation of accrediting associations whose primary purpose is to maintain standards of accreditation among its members. These standards are comparable to Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards. The accreditation of non-public schools in Texas is a function of TEPSAC and it is recognized by the Commissioner of Education. Student credits earned in non-public schools accredited by TEPSAC are transferable to Texas public schools. The accreditation of non-public schools under this arrangement became effective on February 12, 1986. The Oratory Academy of St. Philip Neri is fully accredited with The Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED).