Dealing with non-Catholics in Catholic Schools

[Lutheranteach]

In more and more parish schools, non-Catholics are becoming a larger part of the population. As more than one local priest has told me. The parish school is “no longer viable in many cases without our non-Catholic students and their parents.” In some Cleveland area parish schools, the number of non-Catholic students is nearly 50%

Still, there are times when older teachers, grandparents, and even priests have, most often unknowingly, given their protestant friends pause if not outright insulted them. I am now teaching a brief seminar to a few schools on how to avoid this danger.

1. Strike the word “heretic” from your vocabulary. While it may be technically correct it’s both outdated and highly insulting and strikes in protestants the same chord the words pape or mackerel snapper strikes with you.
2. Don’t pretend were not there. At your services or school functions welcome everyone or welcome no one.
3. Do your best not to use the words “in error” when it comes to discussing other faiths. Use terms such as “disagree” or “where the two faiths diverge is…” Or, “differences occur when we get to…” Protestants feel just as strongly as you do about their religious beliefs and nothing comes from starting a conversation with the statement: “Where you’re wrong is…” When teaching religion to a class that has non-Catholics don’t use terms like “We all believe…” Use terms like “Catholics believe…” or the “The Catholic Church teaches…”
4. Do not assume protestants of any denomination would certainly be Catholic if they just knew…It’s not usually the case. And there are many protestants who think the same thing about Catholics, that you’d all be protestant if you just knew…" It’s not true in either direction.
5. “One true church” is a term protestants will always pull back from. Instead, consider saying the Catholic Church, we believe, delivers the full measure of God’s truth and grace in a way that is like no other…" Most mainstream protestants do NOT think their faith is the only truth but merely one of multiple paths going in the same direction and offer all that they need. We are taken aback when someone says they do not.
6. Realize that when you argue social policy or certain matters of faith that the protestant has no obligation to the Pope, nor Catholic tradition, nor Canon Law and any argument based on those foundations will be meaningless to Protestant.
7. You have every right and expectation for non-Catholics to show respect for your beliefs and for them to FULLY participate in your school’s religious instruction and to participate in your religious services up to the point allowable under both faiths.
   Religion teachers have an obligation to be familiar with other faiths and where conflicts may occur. Parents of non-Catholic students have the right and obligation to explain differences to their children. Don’t be shocked when non-Catholic children ask questions of voice disagreement with things. It is certainly fine to remind them that differences are acceptable when respectful, but that they are in a Catholic school and as such they should expect Catholic doctrine to be taught. Use these as teachable moments for the whole class.
8. Don’t be afraid to approach us. We often have a lot of questions that many of us don’t even know how to go about asking. I would suggest printing a small sheet or pamphlet that explains some of the most common misperceptions between protestants and Catholics.
9. Some protestants have a hard time with the title “father.” It’s not meant as a sign of disrespect if a protestant calls a priest Pastor or Reverend.
10. Create appropriate opportunities for Non-Catholics to participate in the school, the church.

 

[heathernoel]

Before our conversion we were the protestants in a Catholic world. I never expected anyone to accommodate our beliefs…we accommodated, eventually to the point that we are at today, where I am awaiting confirmation.

We were never treated differently, always invited to everything.

 

[twopekinguys]

Our parish school has an increasing number of non Catholics in attendance.

It is made very clear to the parents when they enroll their children that the school is Catholic, teaches Catholic beliefs, etc. In fact, each year, they are required to sign an agreement of understanding regarding this.

Catholic schools are there to provide a Catholic education in a Catholic environment. Catholic schools are not there to provide a prostestant education, or to water down our beliefs.

I hate to say this, but if a non Catholic enrolls their child, or children in a Catholic school, it is unreasonable for that non Catholic to expect the Catholic school to bend to their will. If all Catholic schools start doing that, what is the difference between a Catholic school, and public schools?

I also believe that if a Catholic enrolls their child or children in a protestant school (and that happens in our area), then the Catholic family would need to abide by their rules and regulations, etc.

Also, I would expect parent(s) of any child enrolled in the school to participate in their child’s education, without being asked. Whether that be guiding them with questions about religous differences, or school activities.

The one thing in your list that I find the most objectionable is number 9, regarding the title Father. If a child, or his parent is instructed that the priests title is “father”, then he should be addressed that way, as a matter of courtesy. If a protestant has their child enrolled in a Catholic school, and they object to the title “father”, then I have to ask why they enrolled the child there to begin with.

Just my thoughts.

PS. Just as a matter of courtesy, whenever I meet a member of the clergy from another faith, I always ask them how I should address them. i.e. Pastor, Reverend, Mr. Brother, Rabbi, etc. Even though I am not a member of their faith, I do my best to show the clergy member the appropriate respect.

 

[heathernoel]

Our parish school has an increasing number of non Catholics in attendance.

It is made very clear to the parents when they enroll their children that the school is Catholic, teaches Catholic beliefs, etc. In fact, each year, they are required to sign an agreement of understanding regarding this.

Catholic schools are there to provide a Catholic education in a Catholic environment. Catholic schools are not there to provide a prostestant education, or to water down our beliefs.

I hate to say this, but if a non Catholic enrolls their child, or children in a Catholic school, it is unreasonable for that non Catholic to expect the Catholic school to bend to their will. If all Catholic schools start doing that, what is the difference between a Catholic school, and public schools?

I also believe that if a Catholic enrolls their child or children in a protestant school (and that happens in our area), then the Catholic family would need to abide by their rules and regulations, etc.

Also, I would expect parent(s) of any child enrolled in the school to participate in their child’s education, without being asked. Whether that be guiding them with questions about religous differences, or school activities.

The one thing in your list that I find the most objectionable is number 9, regarding the title Father. If a child, or his parent is instructed that the priests title is “father”, then he should be addressed that way, as a matter of courtesy. If a protestant has their child enrolled in a Catholic school, and they object to the title “father”, then I have to ask why they enrolled the child there to begin with.

Just my thoughts.

PS. Just as a matter of courtesy, whenever I meet a member of the clergy from another faith, I always ask them how I should address them. i.e. Pastor, Reverend, Mr. Brother, Rabbi, etc. Even though I am not a member of their faith, I do my best to show the clergy member the appropriate respect.

Amen!!

 

[Sabda]

In more and more parish schools, non-Catholics are becoming a larger part of the population. As more than one local priest has told me. The parish school is “no longer viable in many cases without our non-Catholic students and their parents.” In some Cleveland area parish schools, the number of non-Catholic students is nearly 50%

Still, there are times when older teachers, grandparents, and even priests have, most often unknowingly, given their protestant friends pause if not outright insulted them. I am now teaching a brief seminar to a few schools on how to avoid this danger.

1. Strike the word “heretic” from your vocabulary. While it may be technically correct it’s both outdated and highly insulting and strikes in protestants the same chord the words pape or mackerel snapper strikes with you.

no comment

1. Don’t pretend were not there. At your services or school functions welcome everyone or welcome no one.

Outside reception of the Sacraments I have never known this to be a problem at any Catholic Mass, can’t really see it being a problem with any other function at the school. I can, however, see the parents having an issue with certain Catholic functions, praying the Rosary for example.

1. Do your best not to use the words “in error” when it comes to discussing other faiths. Use terms such as “disagree” or “where the two faiths diverge is…” Or, “differences occur when we get to…” Protestants feel just as strongly as you do about their religious beliefs and nothing comes from starting a conversation with the statement: “Where you’re wrong is…” When teaching religion to a class that has non-Catholics don’t use terms like “We all believe…” Use terms like “Catholics believe…” or the “The Catholic Church teaches…”

WRONG, it’s a CATHOLIC school, not a public school. They are teaching about the CATHOLIC FAITH. This is not a free for all.

1. Do not assume protestants of any denomination would certainly be Catholic if they just knew…It’s not usually the case. And there are many protestants who think the same thing about Catholics, that you’d all be protestant if you just knew…" It’s not true in either direction.

no comment

1. “One true church” is a term protestants will always pull back from. Instead, consider saying the Catholic Church, we believe, delivers the full measure of God’s truth and grace in a way that is like no other…" Most mainstream protestants do NOT think their faith is the only truth but merely one of multiple paths going in the same direction and offer all that they need. We are taken aback when someone says they do not.

Sorry, this is a part of the Church’s teaching. A Catholic school is obligated to teach the children about all things Catholic including the Church’s teaching on the one true Church.

1. Realize that when you argue social policy or certain matters of faith that the protestant has no obligation to the Pope, nor Catholic tradition, nor Canon Law and any argument based on those foundations will be meaningless to Protestant.

Again, this is a CATHOLIC school, the school is obligated to teach the children about all things Catholic.

1. You have every right and expectation for non-Catholics to show respect for your beliefs and for them to FULLY participate in your school’s religious instruction and to participate in your religious services up to the point allowable under both faiths.

Fully participate is of course not going to include reception of the Sacraments since Protestants don’t believe the same as us.

Religion teachers have an obligation to be familiar with other faiths and where conflicts may occur. Parents of non-Catholic students have the right and obligation to explain differences to their children. Don’t be shocked when non-Catholic children ask questions of voice disagreement with things. It is certainly fine to remind them that differences are acceptable when respectful, but that they are in a Catholic school and as such they should expect Catholic doctrine to be taught. Use these as teachable moments for the whole class.

1. Don’t be afraid to approach us. We often have a lot of questions that many of us don’t even know how to go about asking. I would suggest printing a small sheet or pamphlet that explains some of the most common misperceptions between protestants and Catholics.

no comment

1. Some protestants have a hard time with the title “father.” It’s not meant as a sign of disrespect if a protestant calls a priest Pastor or Reverend.

Father IS their proper title. If the parents have an issue with it than they should not bother enrolling their children in a Catholic school. No one is forcing them to do that after all.

1. Create appropriate opportunities for Non-Catholics to participate in the school, the church.

Obviously the reception of the Sacraments will naturally be excluded from this do to differences in belief. Otherwise yes, they should participate.

Parents need to realize when they are enrolling their Children in a Catholic school those children will be taught the Catholic belief to it’s fullest. They should check out what those beliefs are BEFORE enrolling their children. If they have any doubts or serious disagreements they should work those out BEFORE the enrollment. If they can’t work them out than do not enroll your child. A Catholic school should not be forced to change simply because a bunch of non-Catholics are enrolling.

In all honesty, from a Catholic stand point some of your advice is really bad.

 

[Gia_B]

Point 9 really got to me. Even if “Pastor” isn’t meant to be disrespectful, it kind of is. The OP had several points about how Catholic schools should avoid words and phrases (eg replacing heresies with “disagreements”) that the Church is the one true religion in order to make the Protestant children feel good about themselves, yet the Protestants are asked to make no such compromise and should be allowed to use whatever title they feel like?

 

[ibkc]

Obviously, you mean well. But the points you teach in your seminar seem, to me, to boil down to one big point: “DON’T BE *TOO *CATHOLIC!” Some seem way beyond reasonable, frankly. If I were you I would change my seminar to be about educating non-Catholic parents about what will be taught in school, not advising Catholic schools to water down our teachings and behave as if relativism is an acceptable way to approach faith. This is basically asking us to be dishonest.

 

[Harpazo]

Our parish school has an increasing number of non Catholics in attendance.

It is made very clear to the parents when they enroll their children that the school is Catholic, teaches Catholic beliefs, etc. In fact, each year, they are required to sign an agreement of understanding regarding this.

Catholic schools are there to provide a Catholic education in a Catholic environment. Catholic schools are not there to provide a prostestant education, or to water down our beliefs.

I hate to say this, but if a non Catholic enrolls their child, or children in a Catholic school, it is unreasonable for that non Catholic to expect the Catholic school to bend to their will. If all Catholic schools start doing that, what is the difference between a Catholic school, and public schools?

I also believe that if a Catholic enrolls their child or children in a protestant school (and that happens in our area), then the Catholic family would need to abide by their rules and regulations, etc.

Also, I would expect parent(s) of any child enrolled in the school to participate in their child’s education, without being asked. Whether that be guiding them with questions about religous differences, or school activities.

The one thing in your list that I find the most objectionable is number 9, regarding the title Father. If a child, or his parent is instructed that the priests title is “father”, then he should be addressed that way, as a matter of courtesy. If a protestant has their child enrolled in a Catholic school, and they object to the title “father”, then I have to ask why they enrolled the child there to begin with.

Just my thoughts.

PS. Just as a matter of courtesy, whenever I meet a member of the clergy from another faith, I always ask them how I should address them. i.e. Pastor, Reverend, Mr. Brother, Rabbi, etc. Even though I am not a member of their faith, I do my best to show the clergy member the appropriate respect.

I agree with this 100%. If it’s a Catholic school, teach the faith; don’t water it down. You’re Catholic, not schizophrenic.

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[Julian0404]

In more and more parish schools, non-Catholics are becoming a larger part of the population. As more than one local priest has told me. The parish school is “no longer viable in many cases without our non-Catholic students and their parents.” In some Cleveland area parish schools, the number of non-Catholic students is nearly 50%And it is still amazing how the public school system fails to understand the success of the “catholic” or other denominationally focused private school can be easily duplicated with the same success at the public level, if but for lack of couarge and the ACLU

Still, there are times when older teachers, grandparents, and even priests have, most often unknowingly, given their protestant friends pause if not outright insulted them. I am now teaching a brief seminar to a few schools on how to avoid this danger.

1. Strike the word “heretic” from your vocabulary. While it may be technically correct it’s both outdated and highly insulting and strikes in protestants the same chord the words pape or mackerel snapper strikes with you.There are “heretics” so it is more than technically correct, it is the truth.
2. Don’t pretend were not there. At your services or school functions welcome everyone or welcome no one. I attended and my son attended Catholic School and school is school, the kids do what kids do. I have never encountered a separation of faiths to the level in my Catholic school experience.
3. Do your best not to use the words “in error” when it comes to discussing other faiths. Use terms such as “disagree” or “where the two faiths diverge is…” Or, “differences occur when we get to…” Protestants feel just as strongly as you do about their religious beliefs and nothing comes from starting a conversation with the statement: “Where you’re wrong is…” When teaching religion to a class that has non-Catholics don’t use terms like “We all believe…” Use terms like “Catholics believe…” or the “The Catholic Church teaches…” Many are “in error”, this is truth. I agree with your terms, “Catholics believe etc.”, especially at 50%.
4. Do not assume protestants of any denomination would certainly be Catholic if they just knew…It’s not usually the case. And there are many protestants who think the same thing about Catholics, that you’d all be protestant if you just knew…" It’s not true in either direction.Catholic schools are a mission field as much as any other opportunity. My son is dating a girl who started as a nondemoninational chtistian, but graduated as Catholic, along with her entire famil
5. “One true church” is a term protestants will always pull back from. Instead, consider saying the Catholic Church, we believe, delivers the full measure of God’s truth and grace in a way that is like no other…" Most mainstream protestants do NOT think their faith is the only truth but merely one of multiple paths going in the same direction and offer all that they need. We are taken aback when someone says they do not.Matthew 16 is the biblical reference to the “One True Church”. If Jesus formed it, I want to be in it. If a man formed it, why? How can man improve upon Jesus?
6. Realize that when you argue social policy or certain matters of faith that the protestant has no obligation to the Pope, nor Catholic tradition, nor Canon Law and any argument based on those foundations will be meaningless to Protestant.Get a copy of the lineage of the Popes, beginning with Benedict XVI and trace each one back to Jesus through Peter, and then ask yourself why did the framers of the Prostetant faith determine they could separate from the linage for the "keys to the Kingdom. . . to bind on heaven and earth…?
7. You have every right and expectation for non-Catholics to show respect for your beliefs and for them to FULLY participate in your school’s religious instruction and to participate in your religious services up to the point allowable under both faiths.
   Religion teachers have an obligation to be familiar with other faiths and where conflicts may occur. Parents of non-Catholic students have the right and obligation to explain differences to their children. Don’t be shocked when non-Catholic children ask questions of voice disagreement with things. It is certainly fine to remind them that differences are acceptable when respectful, but that they are in a Catholic school and as such they should expect Catholic doctrine to be taught. Use these as teachable moments for the whole class. Absolutely, 100% agreement, which makes it a mission field.
8. Don’t be afraid to approach us. We often have a lot of questions that many of us don’t even know how to go about asking. I would suggest printing a small sheet or pamphlet that explains some of the most common misperceptions between protestants and Catholics.Agreed, great mission opportunity
9. Some protestants have a hard time with the title “father.” It’s not meant as a sign of disrespect if a protestant calls a priest Pastor or Reverend.Agreed, I have seen the title Reverended used by Priests. But “Father” is how God ordained them, and how we Love them.
10. Create appropriate opportunities for Non-Catholics to participate in the school, the church.

Love mission opportunities

 

[Steave]

In more and more parish schools, non-Catholics are becoming a larger part of the population. As more than one local priest has told me. The parish school is “no longer viable in many cases without our non-Catholic students and their parents.” In some Cleveland area parish schools, the number of non-Catholic students is nearly 50%

Still, there are times when older teachers, grandparents, and even priests have, most often unknowingly, given their protestant friends pause if not outright insulted them. I am now teaching a brief seminar to a few schools on how to avoid this danger.

1. Strike the word “heretic” from your vocabulary. While it may be technically correct it’s both outdated and highly insulting and strikes in protestants the same chord the words pape or mackerel snapper strikes with you.
2. Don’t pretend were not there. At your services or school functions welcome everyone or welcome no one.
3. Do your best not to use the words “in error” when it comes to discussing other faiths. Use terms such as “disagree” or “where the two faiths diverge is…” Or, “differences occur when we get to…” Protestants feel just as strongly as you do about their religious beliefs and nothing comes from starting a conversation with the statement: “Where you’re wrong is…” When teaching religion to a class that has non-Catholics don’t use terms like “We all believe…” Use terms like “Catholics believe…” or the “The Catholic Church teaches…”
4. Do not assume protestants of any denomination would certainly be Catholic if they just knew…It’s not usually the case. And there are many protestants who think the same thing about Catholics, that you’d all be protestant if you just knew…" It’s not true in either direction.
5. “One true church” is a term protestants will always pull back from. Instead, consider saying the Catholic Church, we believe, delivers the full measure of God’s truth and grace in a way that is like no other…" Most mainstream protestants do NOT think their faith is the only truth but merely one of multiple paths going in the same direction and offer all that they need. We are taken aback when someone says they do not.
6. Realize that when you argue social policy or certain matters of faith that the protestant has no obligation to the Pope, nor Catholic tradition, nor Canon Law and any argument based on those foundations will be meaningless to Protestant.
7. You have every right and expectation for non-Catholics to show respect for your beliefs and for them to FULLY participate in your school’s religious instruction and to participate in your religious services up to the point allowable under both faiths.
   Religion teachers have an obligation to be familiar with other faiths and where conflicts may occur. Parents of non-Catholic students have the right and obligation to explain differences to their children. Don’t be shocked when non-Catholic children ask questions of voice disagreement with things. It is certainly fine to remind them that differences are acceptable when respectful, but that they are in a Catholic school and as such they should expect Catholic doctrine to be taught. Use these as teachable moments for the whole class.
8. Don’t be afraid to approach us. We often have a lot of questions that many of us don’t even know how to go about asking. I would suggest printing a small sheet or pamphlet that explains some of the most common misperceptions between protestants and Catholics.
9. Some protestants have a hard time with the title “father.” It’s not meant as a sign of disrespect if a protestant calls a priest Pastor or Reverend.
10. Create appropriate opportunities for Non-Catholics to participate in the school, the church.

Truth in my heart, I went to a catholic highschool where 30% of the students were protastant.

I never experianced protastant catholic tension till I got to a public university

You sound like someone who thinks the world is out to get them. Keep your faith strong in christ, and if you are in truth what matters? If you are in more truth then the catholics who cares what they say, Im pretty sure some insuting things were said to our Lord.
Christs peace

 

[Steave]

10) Create appropriate opportunities for Non-Catholics to participate in the school, the church.

Gotcha, The WHOLLLEEE ENTIRE MASS BESIDES COMMUNION. We have three Bible readigs, A psalm, we sing and praise God! Jump on in

Ohh BTW your welcome to recive communion if you go through a little thing Called Rcia its no big deal

 

[Selene]

Our parish school has an increasing number of non Catholics in attendance.

It is made very clear to the parents when they enroll their children that the school is Catholic, teaches Catholic beliefs, etc. In fact, each year, they are required to sign an agreement of understanding regarding this.

Catholic schools are there to provide a Catholic education in a Catholic environment. Catholic schools are not there to provide a prostestant education, or to water down our beliefs.

I hate to say this, but if a non Catholic enrolls their child, or children in a Catholic school, it is unreasonable for that non Catholic to expect the Catholic school to bend to their will. If all Catholic schools start doing that, what is the difference between a Catholic school, and public schools?

I also believe that if a Catholic enrolls their child or children in a protestant school (and that happens in our area), then the Catholic family would need to abide by their rules and regulations, etc.

Also, I would expect parent(s) of any child enrolled in the school to participate in their child’s education, without being asked. Whether that be guiding them with questions about religous differences, or school activities.

The one thing in your list that I find the most objectionable is number 9, regarding the title Father. If a child, or his parent is instructed that the priests title is “father”, then he should be addressed that way, as a matter of courtesy. If a protestant has their child enrolled in a Catholic school, and they object to the title “father”, then I have to ask why they enrolled the child there to begin with.

Just my thoughts.

PS. Just as a matter of courtesy, whenever I meet a member of the clergy from another faith, I always ask them how I should address them. i.e. Pastor, Reverend, Mr. Brother, Rabbi, etc. Even though I am not a member of their faith, I do my best to show the clergy member the appropriate respect.

I agree with this. If the parent disagrees with the teachings of the Catholic Church, they can have their child enroll in a public school instead of a Catholic school.

 

[Lutheranteach]

Good. I was looking for feedback. Know however, that this list, other than #9, is already accepted and in affect in at least a half dozen schools that feel they must market to non-Catholics in order to survive. Keep in mind in many Catholic schools there is a large influx of voucher kids from public school deemed ineffective. OR those sent to Catholic schools because the local public school environment is deemed unacceptable by their parents. In my case the options were: A) Move (not really an option considering the housing market) B) Private secular school, which we did for a year to the tune of $18,000 for kindergarten C) Public school which has provided more headlines for the police blotter than it has the education page in the local paper, or D) Catholic School which provided a safe, disciplined learning environment and an effective education for less than 1/4 of the price of private school. As we look at the mission statement of the local Catholic Schools in my area, notice the words that are missing: “Catholic” which was taken out two years ago (before my time so don’t blame me) and replaced with Christian.

…exists to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares the students to become productive Christian citizens. Our school community integrates spirituality with the students’ moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. This type of education requires a parent-school partnership. The school’s role is to aid the parents in educating their children by encouraging parent involvement in the religious as well as the academic activities of the school.

 

[1ke]

1. Strike the word “heretic” from your vocabulary. While it may be technically correct it’s both outdated and highly insulting and strikes in protestants the same chord the words pape or mackerel snapper strikes with you.

Only a Catholic can be properly termed a heretic. The term does not apply to non-Catholics and no one should be using it to describe non-Catholics.

Your expectations around the rest of this-- that if a non-Catholic brings up something at variance with Catholic teaching that the Catholic teacher would say that “differences are acceptable”-- is not realistic.

The obligation of a Catholic school teacher is to teach Catholic doctrine in a full and unapologetic manner. If the Catholic Church teaches-- for example-- Scripture and Tradition are both equally divine revelation and the Lutheran church teaches that Scripture alone is divine revelation and this comes up in class-- there is no way to avoid saying that Scripture alone is in error. It cannot be said that Lutherans believe this, so that’s acceptable. That is not a true statement.

There are ways to say things charitably– and we are called to be charitable-- but we can never deny the truth, water it down, or adopt an attitude of indifferentism.

Parents who choose to send their child to a Catholic school need to be pepared for the full package or consider sending them somewhere else.

 

[1ke]

A) Move (not really an option considering the housing market) B) Private secular school, which we did for a year to the tune of $18,000 for kindergarten C) Public school which has provided more headlines for the police blotter than it has the education page in the local paper, or D) Catholic School which provided a safe, disciplined learning environment and an effective education for less than 1/4 of the price of private school.

This is what your above choices translate to:

This was an economic decision for us-- we want a great education at a great price-- but we want to have our cake and eat it too by having the Catholic school tone down all that Catholic stuff.

It’s a CATHOLIC school It has every right to teach Catholic doctrine in an unapologetic manner and state is as what we believe it is: THE truth. Not “a” truth-- the truth.

 

[ibkc]

Good. I was looking for feedback. Know however, that this list, other than #9, is already accepted and in affect in at least a half dozen schools that feel they must market to non-Catholics in order to survive. Keep in mind in many Catholic schools there is a large influx of voucher kids from public school deemed ineffective. OR those sent to Catholic schools because the local public school environment is deemed unacceptable by their parents. In my case the options were: A) Move (not really an option considering the housing market) B) Private secular school, which we did for a year to the tune of $18,000 for kindergarten C) Public school which has provided more headlines for the police blotter than it has the education page in the local paper, or D) Catholic School which provided a safe, disciplined learning environment and an effective education for less than 1/4 of the price of private school. As we look at the mission statement of the local Catholic Schools in my area, notice the words that are missing: “Catholic” which was taken out two years ago (before my time so don’t blame me) and replaced with Christian.

This makes me really, really sad. I think what may happen is that Catholic families will be driven away even more. I know I wouldn’t want to pay for my child to have a “Catholic” education that wasn’t really Catholic and in fact, intentionally designed to downplay Catholicism.

 

[Sabda]

Good. I was looking for feedback. Know however, that this list, other than #9, is already accepted and in affect in at least a half dozen schools that feel they must market to non-Catholics in order to survive. Keep in mind in many Catholic schools there is a large influx of voucher kids from public school deemed ineffective. OR those sent to Catholic schools because the local public school environment is deemed unacceptable by their parents. In my case the options were: A) Move (not really an option considering the housing market) B) Private secular school, which we did for a year to the tune of $18,000 for kindergarten C) Public school which has provided more headlines for the police blotter than it has the education page in the local paper, or D) Catholic School which provided a safe, disciplined learning environment and an effective education for less than 1/4 of the price of private school. As we look at the mission statement of the local Catholic Schools in my area, notice the words that are missing: “Catholic” which was taken out two years ago (before my time so don’t blame me) and replaced with Christian.

…exists to provide a Christ-centered education that prepares the students to become productive Christian citizens. Our school community integrates spirituality with the students’ moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development. This type of education requires a parent-school partnership. The school’s role is to aid the parents in educating their children by encouraging parent involvement in the religious as well as the academic activities of the school.

You do realize that the Catechism doesn’t even refer to us as Catholics? It refers to us as Christians because that is exactly what Catholics are, Christians. The only reason we refer to ourselves as Catholics is because of all the competing Christian faiths. Our rightful title is and always has been Christian first. The Church’s rightful title is and has been The Catholic Church. Christian in this since does not mean Christian as in the entire melting pot of Protestant, and Catholic. It means CATHOLIC!

And a Christ-centered education is an education that is fully solidly based on CATHOLIC teaching.

 

[emeraldcoast]

Only a Catholic can be properly termed a heretic. The term does not apply to non-Catholics and no one should be using it to describe non-Catholics.

Do you find it acceptable to have a child taught that if their parent is no longer a Roman Catholic but is a member of another Christian Church that they are a heretic?

God Bless!

 

[1ke]

Do you find it acceptable to have a child taught that if their parent is no longer a Roman Catholic but is a member of another Christian Church that they are a heretic?

God Bless!

Yes.

That said, one must define “child.” It is unlikely that a discussion of heresy or heretic would take place in lower grades. I’ve never seen any curriculum at the elementary or junior high level that would get into that. Maybe junior high if you are studying chuch history. But more likely the discussion of these topics is at the high school level.

I can’t imagine any teacher discussing heresy/heretic and then just randomly saying, “You there, Johnny, your dad is a heretic.”

How this would likely come up is when defining terms. If a teacher defines the term heresy and heretic in the context of the study of religion-- history of Reformation, analysis of the major heresies like Arianism, for example-- and a student then makes the connection of their own parent/family and says something like “that makes my dad a heretic.” The truthful answer to that would be yes.

I teach religious education (junior high) and I’ve taught a doctrine and then had a kid make the connection that something/someone in their family was contrary to the doctrine, and I have been truthful with them. Common topics that lend themselves to this are divorce/remarriage, Sunday obligation to attend Mass, etc. I have never been uncharitable in any answer or explanation I’ve given a student, nor have I ever had any parent question or have a problem with what I’ve taught.

My DH had the same thing happen in his high school religious ed class he teaches a few weeks ago. They are covering morality and the immorality of contraception under the Sixth Commandment came up. One of the students spontaneously said, “contraception is a sin??? Oooooh, my mom’s in trouble!” My husband didn’t react to that or say “yeah, your mom is a big, fat sinner.” He just moved on.

Kids aren’t stupid. You teach them the truth, they figure out how it applies to them. It would be intellectually dishonest to say “no, your dad’s not a heretic he’s just on his own path that’s right for him.” That is a false representation of Church doctrine. In a case where the parent actually rejected the Church, then yes they are a heretic (or schismatic or apostate depending upon what they rejected). It’s just a word. Not sure why it stirs up such emotion on the part of some people.

 

[Corki]

Do you find it acceptable to have a child taught that if their parent is no longer a Roman Catholic but is a member of another Christian Church that they are a heretic?

God Bless!

I think that if the child is old enough, it is an important thing to know that leaving the Church is a serious matter. But I think “apostate” is more accurate than “heretic”.

And yes, I just covered this lesson last week with my USCCB and diocisan-approved religion text for a high school class. I taught the truth, as presented in the text. I don’t know if any of the parents of my students are fallen away Catholics but, if they were, I wouldn’t have watered down the lesson.