Arguments for sending your child to a Catholic school

[chillyinohio]

Thank you for your advise. My biggest problem right now though is my husband. He is being closed minded about this whole issue. So, I am asking you, my friends, to please pray that God’s will be done and that we are open to hearing his answers!

Thank you all so much!

 

[LaLucia]

Well…Chilly… it looks like you have your heart set on the Catholic school. Take OutinChgoburbs advise and start saving your money. Do some cutbacks on your life-style now. Cut out the expensive vacations and look for cheapy ones, cook more at home, do your own hair and nails, shop at outlet stores, etc. Don’t spoil the kids with expensive toys at Christmas and their birthdays. They also need to learn to save their money that is given to them by relatives. Grand-parents sometimes have some money to help out too for your kids’ education.

I have already told my grand-son who is 10yrs. old that he needs to get a part-time job to help pay for college when he grows up. He can also apply for financial aid and scholarships. He was born a very spiritual person and has God in his heart already. He says his prayers everyday. God will take care of him in public schools and he will do well since he lives in a good school district.

I think that once your husband sees the effort you are doing to send your kids to a Catholic high school then he will agree with you when the time comes.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Thank you for your advise. My biggest problem right now though is my husband. He is being closed minded about this whole issue. So, I am asking you, my friends, to please pray that God’s will be done and that we are open to hearing his answers!

Thank you all so much!

You’re the only one who can convince him. If you have the money set aside, and you can make the case through doing your research, you should be good to go.

Just in case- When my mother wanted to send me to Cahtolic kindergarten and my father said no, she started a novena to St. Joseph. She did one for years, and for years we went to Catholic school.

 

[LaLucia]

I believe that wishes can come true because God helps those who help themselves. You also have to do your part in saving some money each day. Instead of buying a cup of coffee at Starbucks or what ever… put the money in a jar and try to find ways to make money even if you are a stay at home mom you can find ways to make money.

I have met people who just wish for things but they never do nothing about it to make it happen. They get old and sickly and they never move on in their lives.

You don’t have to convince your husband because he will see that you are determined and eventually he will be convinced on his own that he wants it to for his kids too. Don’t see him as the only person who can make it happen. Start thinking outside of the box which means look at all options to reach your goal.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I believe that wishes can come true because God helps those who help themselves. You also have to do your part in saving some money each day. Instead of buying a cup of coffee at Starbucks or what ever… put the money in a jar and try to find ways to make money even if you are a stay at home mom you can find ways to make money.

I have met people who just wish for things but they never do nothing about it to make it happen. They get old and sickly and they never move on in their lives.

You don’t have to convince your husband because he will see that you are determined and eventually he will be convinced on his own that he wants it to for his kids too. Don’t see him as the only person who can make it happen. Start thinking outside of the box which means look at all options to reach your goal.

And to get you started on your way, not having a cup of coffee at Starbuck’s or the espresso cart saves at least $365 a year, or $30.41 a month. Subtract that from $250, and you only have $219.59 to go!

Buying at least one pair of pants from the thrift store for one of the kids saves about $20 a year, or $1.66 a month. Only $217.93 to go!

Your turn, chilly…

 

[yellowbird]

And to get you started on your way, not having a cup of coffee at Starbuck’s or the espresso cart saves at least $365 a year, or $30.41 a month. Subtract that from $250, and you only have $219.59 to go!

Buying at least one pair of pants from the thrift store for one of the kids saves about $20 a year, or $1.66 a month. Only $217.93 to go!

Your turn, chilly…

Great ideas! To the OP - have a garage sale. Your garbage is another’s treasure. We make a few hundred dollars every year.

Cancel the newspaper - read it online.

Cancel your cable/direct TV. (if husband agrees) nothing but junk on anyhow - borrow good movies from the library.

Do you work outside the home? If so always take your lunch - that saves the big bucks. If not, could you get a part-time job to help foot the bill?

 

[OrdainedPraise]

Saving money is very important. Also, try to teach your children important Catholic virtues in dealing with others so that your intuition about certain schools negatively influencing your children can be eliminated because your children will be grounded in the faith, They will be standing on “rock” instead of “sand”. I homeschooled my 2 sons until they reached ninth grade. I knew they were grounded in the faith once they left the nest. They attend a prestigious all-male Catholic high school that has a theme of serving others permeating through out the school. There have been a few instances where they noticed some things that were taught that were controversial to the faith. They pointed them out to me and we talked about the truth and they showed their agreement with me. These issues were not constantly taught. They were kind of glossed over. What is constantly stressed is there committment to serve others. We received a grant to help pay for this education. It is very expensive! The school has a strong allumni association with an excellent reputation. Some of the work the boys do amazes me. They are using the foundation of their faith I gave them from homeschooling as a basis for their reasoning in many of their assignments. Find some good material or a good religious ed. program that possibly you can teach their class. Stories of Saints are great. “The moment men begin to care more for education than for religion they begin to care more for ambition than for education. It is no longer a world in which the souls of all are equal before heaven, but a world in which the mind of each is bent on achieving unequal advantage of the other.” (G.K. Chesterton)

 

[OrdainedPraise]

P.S. - IMPORTANT POINT: Maybe your husband will get ‘caught up’ in the reality of the truth you and your children show for eachother and others. The concepts you teach your children can become conversations at meal time, in activities, etc.

 

[chillyinohio]

Thanks so much to all of you. Our local newspaper just had an article from Newsweek that said our public school was in the top 5% in the country. Not good for my case! But,…I still believe in the values of the church and the values that I want the kids to be around. There are two kids in 8th grade in the public school that is pregnant, one girl in my sons 5th grade class that is going around passing out baby shower announcements! and 5 kids at the high school that are pregnant. Talk about desensitizing our kids. That’s just wrong!

Please pray for me and my family and I will do the same for all of you. Saving money idea is great, I will start now! Also, I have put an application in at the high school already just to try to get my foot in the door!

On another note, we all need to pray for our country with elections coming up. It is in serious moral decline! I am terrified for us all.

 

[whatevergirl]

My children attended both public and Catholic high schools (based upon the individual needs of the child). Please know that there is nothing going on in the public schools that is not going on in the Catholic schools – and sometimes to an even greater extent because of the money available to some of the students in the private school.

I don’t say this to frighten you. Just know that where ever your children are, a parent must be attentive to what is going on and not assume the problems of society at large are not equally present in their school or community. You are your child’s protection and you are their positive influence – but there is a minefield out there they have to navigate.

Prayers for all our youngsters . . .

I agree there…I had I would say as many Catholic school friends growing up who were having sex, and into drugs, as some of my public school friends. There were many who weren’t doing any of this, I was one, but a school is not going to instill values that parents have the responsiblity to do. I haev always been fortunate that my kids have gone to great public schools, and we enjoy ‘homeschooling’ them on the Catholic faith. CCD nowadays is pretty pathetic, sadly so it is up to us to teach the faith. My dd would like to join the youth group soon, and they expose the kids to a lot of great Catholic programs and educational opportunities.

I don’t think anyone can tell another where to send their children to school…it’s a personal choice. I just chimed in, as I agreed with this post, because I don’t want people to think that by sending their kids to Catholic school, they are somehow becoming sheltered to immorality. It’s still there…just might take place after school…

 

[whatevergirl]

Thanks so much to all of you. Our local newspaper just had an article from Newsweek that said our public school was in the top 5% in the country. Not good for my case! But,…I still believe in the values of the church and the values that I want the kids to be around. There are two kids in 8th grade in the public school that is pregnant, one girl in my sons 5th grade class that is going around passing out baby shower announcements! and 5 kids at the high school that are pregnant. Talk about desensitizing our kids. That’s just wrong!

Please pray for me and my family and I will do the same for all of you. Saving money idea is great, I will start now! Also, I have put an application in at the high school already just to try to get my foot in the door!

On another note, we all need to pray for our country with elections coming up. It is in serious moral decline! I am terrified for us all.

If this is something you want very much for your kids…I pray your husband’s mind will align with yours, on this…Blessings! Praying for you.

 

[LaLucia]

Hey Chilly, did you put in an application for a job at the Catholic high school? Is that what you meant? I think that is a great idea to get your foot in the door.

 

[HouseArrest]

Thank you all so much for your (name removed by moderator)ut. Let me answer some questions first.

1. our public school has about 700 grads this year, the Catholic school has 150.
2. I went to this particular Catholic school myself. Very entrenched with religion, values, morals, etc.
3. I also feel that the Catholic schools wouldn’t put up with as much as the public school. I’ve been hearing horror stories about some of these kids… not to say that the kids at the Catholic school are better, but they won’t put up with as much.
4. Regarding sports… here’s the thing, we are not counting on a sports scholarship… at all. What I would like though, is for my kids to be able to play because they love to play. There are too many kids trying out at the public school for them to even have a chance. I like that kids are involved in sport activities. I think it develops character, friendships and keeps them out of trouble. If my kids don’t make the team at the public school, I’m afraid they’ll try to find other things to do because they’re bored.

It sounds like you have enough reasons right here, especially #2. I have to add that our kids go to Catholic (elementary) school and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know there are bad kids everywhere, but in our kids’ school, it’s bad kids in a good environment. You’re not supposed to come already grown up and pious, that’s the reason you’re there, to learn. Some kids won’t make the grade, I am afraid, but hopefully if the school is doing a good job it will save a few.

 

[chillyinohio]

Hey Chilly, did you put in an application for a job at the Catholic high school? Is that what you meant? I think that is a great idea to get your foot in the door.

Yeah I did! I think employees get free tuition (or a discount). It was funny though, the lady that worked there 25 years ago when I went to school was the one that called to tell me that “no one” leaves…

I felt like saying “well keep my resume in case someone dies!”

 

[LaLucia]

Hey Chilly, it is great that you applied for a job there. You may get surprised that someone may “retire” all of a sudden for some reason. It will not be in your favor to say the word “die”. That is a bad word to most people.lol.

Just pray that a place will open up for you. Don’t even think about what dept the job will open up for you because you never know if the school is planning to open up some new school programs where you may fit in. They may need some new employees to fill those new jobs.
I used to work for many years in education. When new jobs opened up it was first offered to us or they would just start interviewing new people and all of a sudden we would have new workers.
Most likely the Catholic school is planning some new programs.
Schools need to offer new programs if they want to stay up to date.
You should make an appointment with the Head of the school to see if they are making any new plans for the school.
You can also volunteer a few hours a week so the workers get to know you. I have done that and got a job because the workers felt comfortable with me. Lucy

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Lucy had a good idea in the volunteer a few hours a week so they know you. They might not be paying you, but it puts you up-front and makes you a sort of insider…

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

[No message]

 

[ac1958]

It is unconstitutional to teach a religion in public schools. If you pushed for “religious schools as mandatory”, your flavor might not win in your region. Thank God for the Bill of Rights.

As for Catholic school, well less people are willing to live celibate so you have to pay Catholic school teachers to both teach and maintain their families. I was in the public school system and knew several teachers who started in Catholic schools and jumped ship to public schools for “luxuries” such as food and rent. I say this to suggest that providing social justice for the Catholic school staff will help it stabilize and be a more truly Catholic school. I substituted early on in my dealing with Catholic schools and noticed almost complete turnover in several high schools from year to year.

A good parish education program and dedicated parents can accomplish a whole lot, It should not be minimized in the hunt to a educate a child.

ac1958

 

[monicatholic]

I recently had a lengthy conversation with a nationally known Catholic priest and author who insists, I mean insists that if a family cannot pay for Catholic education of their kids, it’s cannon law that the parish or diocese pays for the kid to attend school.

??? any takers ???

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I recently had a lengthy conversation with a nationally known Catholic priest and author who insists, I mean insists that if a family cannot pay for Catholic education of their kids, it’s cannon law that the parish or diocese pays for the kid to attend school.

??? any takers ???

I looked. vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

Nope. I can’t find it. Can he quote his cite?

The closest I got is this (scroll down):
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2N.HTM

Can. 800 §1. The Church has the right to establish and direct schools of any discipline, type, and level.
§2. The Christian faithful are to foster Catholic schools, assisting in their establishment and maintenance according to their means.
Can. 801 Religious institutes whose proper mission is education, retaining their mission faithfully, are also to strive to devote themselves to Catholic education through their schools, established with the consent of the diocesan bishop.
Can. 802 §1. If schools which offer an education imbued with a Christian spirit are not available, it is for the diocesan bishop to take care that they are established.
§2. Where it is expedient, the diocesan bishop is to make provision for the establishment of professional schools, technical schools, and other schools required by special needs.
Can. 803 §1. A Catholic school is understood as one which a competent ecclesiastical authority or a public ecclesiastical juridic person directs or which ecclesiastical authority recognizes as such through a written document.
§2. The instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine; teachers are to be outstanding in correct doctrine and integrity of life.
§3. Even if it is in fact Catholic, no school is to bear the name Catholic school without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 804 §1. The Catholic religious instruction and education which are imparted in any schools whatsoever or are provided through the various instruments of social communication are subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the conference of bishops to issue general norms about this field of action and for the diocesan bishop to regulate and watch over it.
§2. The local ordinary is to be concerned that those who are designated teachers of religious instruction in schools, even in non-Catholic ones, are outstanding in correct doctrine, the witness of a Christian life, and teaching skill.
Can. 805 For his own diocese, the local ordinary has the right to appoint or approve teachers of religion and even to remove them or demand that they be removed if a reason of religion or morals requires it.
Can. 806 §1. The diocesan bishop has the right to watch over and visit the Catholic schools in his territory, even those which members of religious institutes have founded or direct. He also issues prescripts which pertain to the general regulation of Catholic schools; these prescripts are valid also for schools which these religious direct, without prejudice, however, to their autonomy regarding the internal direction of their schools.
§2. Directors of Catholic schools are to take care under the watchfulness of the local ordinary that the instruction which is given in them is at least as academically distinguished as that in the other schools of the area.