How do we best bring our children up to speed?

[jackson1969]

Long story short my husband is a member of the Catholic faith, but does not have a very strong faith. We’ve been married for 12 years and have 2 children; 11 and 9. Neither child has been baptized in the Catholic religion and only recently have we just been attending Mass. So for a year now we’ve been attending Mass together and have really been enjoying it. We approached the priest about having the children joining the church, etc. We’re planning on having the baptism soon, but are kind of being held at arms length with the kids joining CCD. I realize they’ve never been exposed to any of the classes, but if they’re willing, why not? They want the children to take private lessons with a nun at the local convent for a year before they’ll even consider CCD. My husband and I aren’t comfortable with that so we suggested homeschooling them for that year instead; the priest refused. I totally understand they need to be “caught up” so to speak, but the kids just want to be included like everyone else in their grade. Why does it have to be made so difficult for them. And is this the church or the parish being difficult?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

My question is: why are you blaming the priest and the nun when it is you the parents who are responsible for their not knowing the faith in the first place? I would also be reluctant to have you home school them now when you haven’t done it so far. I understand that you as well as your children have been on a faith journey. But it is not fair to the teachers or your children to drop them into an advanced class when they are just beginning. You wouldn’t do this with other classes like reading or math. Having individual classes with the sister would be the best solution. They could advance on their own speed without other children making them feel behind. I’m surprised that such an opportunity is available. In many parishes it wouldn’t be. Think about it.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.