Fighting anti-Catholicism at school

[Caesar]

Many of the teachers at my Catholic High School are very liberal and some openly voice their objections to the Church in class. The chaplain is liberal too, and her morning prayers are completely unmeaningful.

Since the new school year just started here, I want to know how I can show my orthodoxy openly in school. Any ideas?

 

[Jabronie]

Many of the teachers at my Catholic High School are very liberal and some openly voice their objections to the Church in class. The chaplain is liberal too, and her morning prayers are completely unmeaningful.

Since the new school year just started here, I want to know how I can show my orthodoxy openly in school. Any ideas?

You’re going to have to openly question them. Be as respectfully as you possible can, but whenever one of your teachers or even priests says anything that disagrees with the teaching of the Church, you need to point it out.

Maybe this is God’s plan for you?

Good luck!

 

[Em_in_FL]

Have you spoken with any parish priests associated with the school? What are their views? Maybe you could turn to them for inspiration and support!

I didn’t go to a Catholic school, but came from a similar environment… the experience really strengthened my faith…

God bless and stay strong…

 

[decn2b]

You really really need to think about why you are attending that school. I suggest that you check other options. I personally believe that dissent at a Catholic School is worse than experiencing anti-Catholicism in a non-Catholic shcool.

Students are impressionable and when a teacher at a so Called Catholic shcool gives out bad/dangerous information the youth can become convinced that since it is a Catholic school and the information is about the Catholic faith then it must be valid information. Where in a non-Catholic school one might be more inclined to investigate the validity of any such anti-catholic claims due to the fact that the person teaching it isn’t teaching on behalf of a Catholic institution.

This is why I think dissenting educators are more dangerous than their secular counterparts

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

Is the Diocesan Bishop aware of the situation? If you think not, make him aware. Do it respectfully, of course, and try to be as specific as you can. Don’t give anyone the change to dismiss this situation with a bunch of psychobabble about “feelings.” It will probably take a bit of work, but the Bishop should be provided with specifics about what teachings are being contradicted or disparaged, when, and by whom, and what is passing for prayer at the school.

Don’t be surprised if nothing appears to happen when you do this. Diocesan Chanceries tend to move quietly, in the background, rather than publicly with much bombast. Just keep keeping them advised, and if the situation doesn’t improve, well, there’s always the Curia in Rome.

Blessings,

Gerrty

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Many of the teachers at my Catholic High School are very liberal and some openly voice their objections to the Church in class. The chaplain is liberal too, and her morning prayers are completely unmeaningful.

Since the new school year just started here, I want to know how I can show my orthodoxy openly in school. Any ideas?

If your brave enough and informed enough you should have your CCC in hand or whatever and raise your hand during class and point it out. Or even go up to the teacher before/after class and confront them using the correct documentation and common sense.
Once they know that your not fooled they will think twice before going down unCatholic roads when they see you in the class.

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

If your brave enough and informed enough you should have your CCC in hand or whatever and raise your hand during class and point it out. Or even go up to the teacher before/after class and confront them using the correct documentation and common sense.
Once they know that your not fooled they will think twice before going down unCatholic roads when they see you in the class.

Good advice . In that regard, the newly published Compendium of the Catechism could prove a compact and useful tool. It gives the concise answers, and points back to the Cathechism itself for the more thorough discussions of the issues.

And of course, feel free to draw on the resources of the rest of us here at the forums. Not that we have all kn owledge and wisdom, but some of us may have come across a pointed reference to an issue that arises, and be able to point you to it quickly.

Blessings,

Gerry

 

[Caesar]

Thanks for the great advice

I could write the Bishop or tell the priest who presides at the school Masses (only 5 times a year), but it wont make any differance. The Catholic schools here are run by the government, not the Diocese or religious orders. The Church has no power in the schools and the teachers can say whatever they want (thank the union).

 

[Island_Oak]

You are a minor child and student attending a Catholic school selected by your parents–therefore rightfully under the authority of your parents, the parish priest, principal and teachers of your school. Be respectful of their authority over you and NEVER publicly correct them. You are always free to ask questions or get clarification if you think they are in error. Raise any challenges you perceive to be “anti-Catholic” to your parents’ attention and have them address them with the staff if they think it necessary.

As for your own behaviour, are you aware of the beam in your own eye before pointing out the splinter in your brother’s? [See Matthew 7:5] Perhaps an examination of conscience, confession and prayer for discernment and wisdom would be a good way to clear the decks, as it were, as you commence a new school year.

That is how an observant, respectful Catholic son/daughter and student would act in this situation.

 

[Caesar]

You are a minor child and student attending a Catholic school selected by your parents–therefore rightfully under the authority of your parents, the parish priest, principal and teachers of your school. Be respectful of their authority over you and NEVER publicly correct them. You are always free to ask questions or get clarification if you think they are in error. Raise any challenges you perceive to be “anti-Catholic” to your parents’ attention and have them address them with the staff if they think it necessary.

As for your own behaviour, are you aware of the beam in your own eye before pointing out the splinter in your brother’s? [See Matthew 7:5] Perhaps an examination of conscience, confession and prayer for discernment and wisdom would be a good way to clear the decks, as it were, as you commence a new school year.

That is how an observant, respectful Catholic son/daughter and student would act in this situation.

That is probably some of the best advice I have gotten on this issue. Thank you.

 

[Scott_Waddell]

Since the new school year just started here, I want to know how I can show my orthodoxy openly in school. Any ideas?

I propose people show their orthodoxy by carrying a ruler of knuckle-rapping in their belt like a sword as a symbol from the old days of catechesis. Of course don’t actually hit anyone with it.

 

[annb]

May I suggest to your parents a book called Catholic Homeschooling.

 

[Caesar]

My city’s newspaper carried the “Pope assails Canadian politics” story yesterday because His Holiness criticized the Candian government for their pro-gay marriage and pro-abortion stances. Today there was a story about the Pope in Bavaria, but it focused on how Benedict XVI wants a return to traditional morality and how many people dont like this.

I just imagine the rant against the Pope in class tomorrow

 

[xsuasox]

My history professor began the first day of class by telling us what a great time we are going to have on the upcoming Reformation Day (Oct. 31). He got all giddy like it was the best day of the year. I had him last semester for the same class (yeah…I kinda ‘forgot’ to show up for several weeks. Irresponsible me…) and he gave me the most despising look when I showed up to class on Ash Wednesday with ashes on my forehead. Plus he spent alot of time talking about all of the ‘bad’ things the Church did, but never any of the good.
This semester though, I will fight back if he says anything out of line about Catholisim.

 

[Image_of_God]

Liberalism is a heresy and is not supported by the Church in anyway. I go to a Jesuit Catholic High School and I haven’t seen any liberalism there so far. How do you know if one is liberal?

 

[AndyF]

Many of the teachers at my Catholic High School are very liberal and some openly voice their objections to the Church in class. The chaplain is liberal too, and her morning prayers are completely unmeaningful.

Since the new school year just started here, I want to know how I can show my orthodoxy openly in school. Any ideas?

The teachers and all concerned in a Catholic institution such as this should really know better, and should be upstanding Catholic representatives of their faith and loyal to the Magisterium.

Find out if what your hearing is correct, make note of their arguments and beliefs, then report them to the diocese. While our kids are gathering the Fruit of the their Faith, at particularly sensitive and impressionable age, they should not need to be cautious in picking spoiled fruit from these people.

Andy