Catholic School Delima

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ellie85

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We just moved from MI to Texas and when the kids transferred schools from a very conservative Catholic school to here…after a month I became worried, the kids were being told to do things in Mass I frown upon, I also am so distrought after Mass I just want to cry…I wrote a letter to the school voicing my concerns, I need to know if I was out of line or Should I raise Gods Children the way the Holy Church has taught me too…The letter follows…Please help, I have no where to turn, God lead me here…

To Whom it may concern,

It has come to my attention that the girls are being told that there are parts in the way you conduct mass that they need to do also. I do not condone this and will not let them take part in conduct that goes against the 2000 years of the Holy Church’s teachings. After you read my letter I hope that you will understand where I come from and respect my teachings as a Catholic Parent, raising God’s Children in the true teachings of the Church.

“Whenever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of the liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment.”

The above words were written by our Holy Father Pope Benedict the XVI. Having read Pope Benedict’s words on clapping, I wondered how I could continue to clap at Mass in good conscience. I could not, and have raised my children to remain silent during Mass at all times focusing on Their sin’s, asking for forgiveness, and thanking God for all the precious gifts he gives.

Some liturgical clapping proponents claim we clap because Psalm 47:1 tells us to clap: “All you peoples, clap your hands….“ But we Catholics do not interpret scripture independently. We look to Holy Mother Church, and her 2,000 years of teaching, to ensure our interpretation is authentic. The documents on the liturgy (the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Liturgiam Authenticum, and Redemptionis Sacrmentum) do not call for clapping at the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They call for reverence.

Rome wants irreverence at Mass to a stop. “…let everyone do all that is in their power to ensure that the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist will be protected from any and every irreverence…” (Redemptionis Sacramentum 183).

This quote above leads to my second point of why the girls will not participate in the singing of Happy Birthday, or Happy Anniversay at any Mass.

Would you sing Happy Birthday to someone while at Calvary…at the foot of the cross of Jesus?

“Unfortunately, alongside these lights, there are also shadows. In some places the practice of Eucharistic adoration has been almost completely abandoned. In various parts of the Church abuses have occurred, leading to confusion with regard to sound faith and Catholic doctrine concerning this wonderful sacrament. At times one encounters an extremely reductive understanding of the Eucharistic mystery. Stripped of its sacrificial meaning, it is celebrated as if it were simply a fraternal banquet.” (Blessed John Paul II’s Encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, paragraph 10)

"Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, Vatican II Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, paragraph 22, #3)

Therefore, I have taught the girls to remain steadfast in their Catholic Faith, never let anyone tell you or force you to do what is irreverent or unsacrificial in the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This is a place where Heaven and Earth come together. I remind them always that the Pharisees hated what Jesus’ actions were and his teachings, and that no matter what people do or say persecution is sometimes the best gift of being a christian.

By no means was this note intended to judge anyone. I try to adhere to the rules of the Catholic Church and have taught my children to do the same. So I am asking that you please respect my wishes as a parent and refrain from letting my children take part in anything that is not part of the intended mass. If you have any questions feel free to call me…please do not take this up with the girls, I told them that I would discuss our beliefs with you. Thank you for your time.

May the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always…

Sincerely,
 
I think you have every right to send that letter, it’s very well-written. You may have to live with the fact that the school will continue to teach your children things of which you disapprove, and you’ll have to keep your guard up everyday to undo it. Unfortunately, we live in an age when many Catholics have to keep their guard up constantly, even at Mass. I’ll pray that the situation improves.
 
If you don’t get an satisfactory response from the school, you can always address your concerns to the secretary of education in your diocese. That is what we had to do when we were having problems at our former parish school.
 
Thanks so much for your quick reply, and thank you for your prayers of support. I will continue to pray also for the rebuilding of the Catholic Church and Her teachings to remain firm. I know that my letter will step on toes but I believe that sitting back it the wrong way to go and it won’t change unless we the body help her in the right direction.
 
If you don’t get an satisfactory response from the school, you can always address your concerns to the secretary of education in your diocese. That is what we had to do when we were having problems at our former parish school.
will take note of that…thank you so much!
 
Based on reading your letter, you are not very clear or specific on what violations you are running into or see at the school mass except for clapping. While you are quoting Holy Father about having more reverence in mass which make reference to no clapping in church, I am curious as to the contents The Holy Father had over clapping. Again, was the clapping that you saw in reference to some announcement? What were the circumstances? Was the clapping in response to let say someone doing a solo or some announcement? instead of sending a letter, it is always better to speak to the Priest who runs the mass in person about your concerns. Since you are new to the school, you might be adjusting to local customs or norms coming from a more conservative church and area. Is there a big Hispanic influence in this new school or church which might result in a more expressive mass than what you are use to. That doesn’t mean they are trying to be irreverent at mass. While yes, mass should always be focused on Christ and the Eucharist but from the many many years of attending my children’s school masses, it seems that they try to engage the school children more, reaching out to our children since they are the future church. If there is clapping, your children don’t have to participate in it but it is unclear what is upsetting you and I am wondering if some of this is cultural coming from MI to TX. A more relaxed atmosphere at a school mass is not a violation of reverence. Add I am from MI too.
 
I think that, generally, your letter does a good job.

However, can you go into more specific details here on this thread? I think that would be helpful.
 
I made 2 points…clapping during mass for anything or anyone, and singing Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary b4 the conclusion of Mass.
 
I made 2 points…clapping during mass for anything or anyone, and singing Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary b4 the conclusion of Mass.
Yes. I think both of those acts are quite distasteful and rather irreverent.
 
You should proofread your letters in the future.
I made 2 points…clapping during mass for anything or anyone, and singing Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary b4 the conclusion of Mass.
I think that the points you made were clear, but the incidents that prompted you to make them are not.

I can imagine some circumstances in which clapping would be entirely inappropriate, but because there are announcements during Mass, it is not totally inconceivable that there is a situation in which clapping would be expected.

It would help if you described what actually happened that prompted such outrage on your part.
 
In general, letters should be addressed to somebody. If you write “To whom it may concern” the odds are great that it will concern nobody. Not taking the time to learn the pastor or principal’s name sends the message that you just want to rant, not solve a problem.

If it’s not sent yet, I’d lower the tone to be more one of inquiry, puzzlement and cautious optimism that the issues can be resolved rather than one of “I’m going to set you heathen right.” Impressions matter and written tone is a difficult art form.
 
In general, letters should be addressed to somebody. If you write “To whom it may concern” the odds are great that it will concern nobody. Not taking the time to learn the pastor or principal’s name sends the message that you just want to rant, not solve a problem.

If it’s not sent yet, I’d lower the tone to be more one of inquiry, puzzlement and cautious optimism that the issues can be resolved rather than one of “I’m going to set you heathen right.” Impressions matter and written tone is a difficult art form.
👍
 
Well, a couple of things come to mind.
  1. If you haven’t already sent this, you need to do both spell and grammar check on it. It has typos in it. That will undermine your credibility.
  2. If you haven’t already sent the letter, I would suggest addressing it to someone specific.
  3. If you haven’t already sent the letter, I would suggest instead making an appointment to talk to the principal or the priest about your concerns in person. You can write out your thoughts as notes for yourself to make sure you cover all your points. But, have a conversation with the school personnel.
  4. If you haven’t already sent the letter, I would make it more brief and to the point, and provide context. It is really hard to follow.
  5. If you HAVE already sent the letter, follow up with a personal appointment with your principal and/or priest to discuss the issues, your requested actions, and how you can help.
 
Good luck with the letter.

Sadly, I doubt much will change, even though you are right to feel the way you do, from what you’ve told us.

You should prepare for what to do in the likelihood your letter is ignored.

My daughter is only 4 months old, but we have already decided to homeschool, unless we happen to move near a trad school – unlikely.
 
Well my letter was not ignored, nor where they upset, I was pulled into a meeting yesterday morning with the principal and the 3 teachers that were telling the kids they had to be a part of the clapping and the Singing of Happy Birthday / Anniversary before the conclusion of the mass. They were actually inspired and were never told that this was not allowed during the mass. We receive a new priest on June 1st, and to get the former one to change now they feel is mute. However starting next year these problems will no longer occur. Praise God!!! The also asked me about a few other things that the kids must of mentioned, they are changing that also after we went threw some basic canon law. I truly am glad that I wrote the letter, and with the Help of our Lord things can change, we just need to not sit by and help!!! Thanks for all your constructive criticism and well wishes…God Bless
 
I would work on your grammar and spelling. I am completely serious.

I will pray for you.:gopray:
 
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