Bishop asks if church should stop funding schools that are 'Catholic in name only'

[Santi2]

The church should consider ending its ties with schools that are now “Catholic in name only”, a bishop has said.

…

“Is it right or sustainable to expect our Mass-going population of 21,000 to support our schools and colleges in which often the majority of pupils, and sometimes teachers, are not practising Catholics?

“Is it time for us to admit that we can no longer maintain schools that are Catholic in name only?

“Faced with fewer priests and smaller congregations, where should our parishes and schools of the future be located? Where should we consolidate and merge others?”

…

The Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon, the Bishop of Nottingham who chairs the Catholic Education Service of England and Wales, said in a statement: “Bishop Michael Campbell has raised an important question during a time in which we are all having to examine our priorities. The Church has established her own schools because she considers them as a privileged means of promoting human formation and education in the Catholic faith; as such, Catholic schools contribute to the common good of society and support the Church’s evangelising mission, and are a valuable investment in our young people.”

…

telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8995834/Bishop-asks-if-church-should-stop-funding-schools-that-are-Catholic-in-name-only.html

 

[YoungTradCath]

I agree, if after a thorough investigation, the schools are seemingly unable to be saved.

 

[Dale_M]

Is the problem that the students and staff are not Catholic, or that the schools are not presenting the Catholic faith?

I’m not sure what the bishop said, in its entirety. But from the news article it seems the concern is the former, rather than the latter.

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

Is the problem that the students and staff are not Catholic, or that the schools are not presenting the Catholic faith?

I’m not sure what the bishop said, in its entirety. But from the news article it seems the concern is the former, rather than the latter.

It was not bad if the students were not catholics but the staff were…

 

[Santi2]

Is the problem that the students and staff are not Catholic, or that the schools are not presenting the Catholic faith?

I’m not sure what the bishop said, in its entirety. But from the news article it seems the concern is the former, rather than the latter.

The concerns relate to both circumstances, Dale. On the former, however, it has more to do with the teaching staff rather than the students. Unless the faith means something to the teacher, it will not mean anything to those being taught. Under their CES contract, teachers are under obligation to witness the faith. cesew.org.uk/standard.asp?id=267

 

[JRKH]

Originally Posted by Dale_M View Post
Is the problem that the students and staff are not Catholic, or that the schools are not presenting the Catholic faith?

We face something similar here in the US with some schools supposedly Catholic, not teaching Catholic.
I don’t know how our systems compare between the US and UK but I wholeheartedly agree that the Church in either place - needs to set clear standards for teaching the faith and if a school fails to uphold those standards, their funding should be cut.
It simply makes no sense for the Church to fund something that is not “Pro-Catholic Church” and “orthodox” in it’s teaching.

Peace
James

 

[Santi2]

We face something similar here in the US with some schools supposedly Catholic, not teaching Catholic.
I don’t know how our systems compare between the US and UK but I wholeheartedly agree that the Church in either place - needs to set clear standards for teaching the faith and if a school fails to uphold those standards, their funding should be cut.
It simply makes no sense for the Church to fund something that is not “Pro-Catholic Church” and “orthodox” in it’s teaching.

Peace
James

The national policy over here is that faith schools are established when there is a demand from the faith community. As most faith schools are state subsidised, admission is open to all faiths (or none) albeit priority is given to members of the faith community where the school is oversubscribed.

Our problems over CINOs here is not exclusively unsound catechism in our schools. The home also contributes significantly to the problem. Even if all of our Catholic schools were to be turned around as fit for mission, it will not benefit the children much if the parents remain lukewarm Catholics. Hindu, Sikh and Muslim children remain observant Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims even when they attend fit for mission Catholic schools. I reckon, the spokesman for the Diocese of Lancaster sums it up quite well: “Is it right that our old folk are supporting the kids they won’t ever see at church? The real issue is not the Muslims, but our own people who won’t darken our doors.".

 

[Cider]

I completely agree! We need Catholic teachers and administrators teaching Catholicism in Catholic schools to Catholic students.

 

[oneseeker2]

My sons are not Catholic, but they go to Catholic schools. Should they not get a Catholic education? That’s the feeling I’m getting from some of these posts. They are Christians who believe in the Trinity.

oneseeker2

 

[JRKH]

My sons are not Catholic, but they go to Catholic schools. Should they not get a Catholic education? That’s the feeling I’m getting from some of these posts. They are Christians who believe in the Trinity.

oneseeker2

In short YES they should get a Catholic education if they go to a Catholic school.
The problem seems to be that at least some of these, so called, “Catholic” schools are not upholding Catholic principles and Catholic teachings. In such a case the children are NOT getting a Catholic education.

Does this help?

Peace
James

 

[dochawk]

I’ve suggested for years that the parish contribution should not simply be sent to the parish school, but used as scholarships for all eligible active parishioners to attend the school.

The Catholic grammar school I attended now apparently has more non-Catholics than Catholics, while at the same time, Catholic parishioners cannot afford to attend.

Set the price that covers the full cost–including rental of the facility from the parish. Use that rent and the rest of the parish contribution for the scholarships. Use the diocesan contribution for all active catholic families. Other parishes can provide their contribution to their parishioners that attend the school.

hawk