The document provides background information and guidelines for establishing interdisciplinary peace education programs in Catholic secondary schools. Peace education programs designed by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) are intended to help students perceive an ideal world where all people will live in harmony and cooperation. In these programs, students examine existing tensions and political complexities of modern society. The manual is presented in three major parts. Part I describes the NCEA peace studies program, which is based upon commitment to sound educational programming, appreciation of individual dignity, and an understanding of Catholic social teachings. Part II discusses surveys undertaken nationally and among West Coast Catholic schools in 1975 to assess peace education programs and identify curriculum needs. Findings from surveys of 442 national and 62 West Coast Catholic school administrators indicate a notable increase in programming for peace studies in Catholic high schools since a 1973 survey. Problems were expressed by administrators. Most often they had difficulty relating curriculum content to objectives such as respect for human dignity, global awareness, and alternatives to violence. Part III provides suggestions for planning a peace studies program. Information is given on setting goals, relating goals to school philosophy, identifying resources, evaluating peace studies programs, understanding community opposition, and developing curriculum. An appendix concludes the document. (Author/DB)