"mandatory" sacramental prep classes

[puzzleannie]

. My point is that helping out the parish program AND keeping your kids out of the same program are not mutually exclusive.

that actually is what I was going for
homeschooling actually gives you more options
and incidentally, from my POV makes you supremely well qualified as a volunteer catechist

 

[SanAgustin]

If there is a lack of trust in the CCD program, the director, the priest overseeing it and the catechist, there’s somebody fundamentally wrong at your parish.

I mean we complain about the public education system, but if we can’t influence our religious ed programs positively, then that’s a defeatist attitude I’m not willing to accept to be quite honest.

 

[Dan_Daly]

You certainly have good reason to be cautious! Your past experiences are contributing to your opinions, this is the case with all of us, our past experiences influence us. I am not certain from your posts if it is the classes themselves that bother you, or the fact that the priest is telling you what to do and you are resistant that is really bothering you…probably both.

I would like to offer you this. After you look over the books that your children will be learning from and have a chance to speak with the teachers…if everything seems okay then really consider enrolling your children. Obviously they are learning the faith at home, but it never hurts to have extra does it? Talking with your children after every class is also key.

If your priest is a good priest and this is a good program…perhaps there is something to be gained here, maybe even something you never considered. The Holy Spirit works in many wonderful and unseen ways. Perhaps you will meet a new family and a friendship will grow? Perhaps your children will meet a new friend? Perhaps it will help to further root your children in their faith and be a happy memory for them?

My children are homeschooled and I was resistant to enroll them in religious ed. However after having done so I am glad that I did. Are my children learning things they are not already learning at home? Well, not really but it is wonderful to have that “extra” reinforcement, my chidlren have made friends that they recognize at Mass, they enjoy the classes and I have been able to drop them off and spend quiet time in prayer or Eucharistic Adoration while they are in classes.

I will pray for you, this is not an easy decision. Ask the Holy Spirit where he wants your children. The Holy Spirit wants religious ed to be a positive experience, whether it be at home, at church or both. He truely knows what is best for your children. Take care.

Thanks for the kind words and the prayers. As our oldest is still a year away from when he is “required” to start the CCD classes, I’ve decided to take some time and think and pray on the matter, rather than contacting our priest now. I appreciate everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut.

Pax and God Bless.