Bringing men back into the church

[awfulthings9]

One of my goals upon taking a principal position next year in a Catholic elementary school is to help restore an appreciation of the masculine element of Christianity (particularly Catholic Christianity) to the young men (and, in the process, their fathers). I think that any effort in this direction would be one small step (but a step none-the-less) toward having men consider callings to the priesthood, to chastity, and to fatherhood with integrity.

Specifically, I’m toying with the idea of a club just for the boys, maybe just the older grades (7th and 8th), that would work toward this end. This isn’t to say their can’t be a feminine counter-point, but for purposes of this thread, I would like to stay focused.

Some ideas include:

• Guest speakers that are men who serve in heroic ways, talking about representing Christ in the ER, or from a police car, or …
• Examinations of some truly masculine saints who went up against evil in heroic ways,
• Study of Bible passages that highlight the masculinity of Christ (in that he served, sacrificed, protected, and provided for us) and his followers (as well as the faithful of the Old Testament,
• Some sort of service project that is either focused on evangelization or charity. I would love to think of something that puts a hammer in their hands, for instance, or allows them to practice apologetics in defense of their faith.
  Any insight? Suggestions? I’m especially looking for ideas for the last item on the list, something the kids can feel excited about being a part of. I will say that I’ve just put the book “The Church Impotent” on interlibrary loan, if any of you have read it (see the description at Amazon if not). I also have the new Fishers of Men video, which seems to have a place here.

-S.A.

ps. What are your thoughts on making this club for only 7th and 8th grade? It seems that kids are more interested in taking part if they feel they belong to something exclusive to their grade (and that the younger kids won’t dominate). In fact, I’ve toyed with making it just 8th grade, allowing 7th to participate in a restricted way.

 

[Trelow]

Get a ConQuest group started up in your area.
conquestclubs.com/

 

[JamesG]

You have a lot of work a head of you, but you have the power to change things.

There are some serious problems in the catholic school system. Here are just my thoughts based on my experience.

One of the major reasons why there are so many “Catholics by name only” today is due to the large numbers of feminist teachers in catholic schools.

What you want to do is target grade 5 sex education. I can recall my grade 5 teacher talking about feminism and pitting all the girls against the boys. After hearing her talk about various feminist issues the girls wanted nothing to do with marriage. Don’t let Catholics by name only and who don’t believe in all church teachings teach sex education. There should almost be a written test of faith for these teachers.

You need to instruct your students on the theology of the body and Proverbs. I’m not sure if there are children’s versions available, but I think it is perhaps the most critical component to a child’s education and the foundation of their faith before they enter high school. You might actually end up educating your teachers with it as they read these books to class. You also need to show young girls that the church is very welcoming to women. Girls need to learn about the nature of men and women, and how that relationship under the church isn’t one sided.

Many teachers I had did not believe in the church. It wasn’t very often that I saw a priest in class and most of the catholic subject mater was focused on Adam and Eve, Cane, Noah’s ark, etc. These are all made out to be fairy tales. That is why most kids have nothing solid to base their faith on when they are in high school.

Another point of concern is that the books provided are like very dull (like language arts text books). They are just like every other subject. They do not teach the faith in the same way that Christ did. They do not inspire a Childs heart.

Lastly, most children by grade 8 don’t even know how to say the rosary. I can recall being the only one who could say the Apostles creed. And that was out of two classes full of kids.