This booklet describes the earliest phases of planning a development program for a Catholic school. To ensure the success of such a program, there is need for the following: an initial common, basic understanding of and commitment to where the school is going on the part of all involved in the leadership of the school; involvement by leaders and staff in the development program; development by the administration and board of formal, written long-range plans involving the entire operation of the school; a case statement developed for the public that is drawn out of the 5-year plan; and funding of that development. The second half of the booklet contains two appendixes. Appendix A further clarifies the six sequential steps outlined above and provides the Catholic school administrator with a logical sequence of events to be followed in establishing development programs. Twelve references are also listed. Appendix B provides long-range planning guidelines for Catholic schools, including a suggested chronology for developing a 5-year plan. Copies of 12 forms are included to aid in elementary school finances planning. (DCS)