More Catholic schools closing across US

[skatepixie]

The real issue with Catholic school closings is bad parenting. An examination of conscience is all that is needed in most cases. Sell the two new cars parked in the driveway. Quit taking the 2-3 weeks of vacation per year. Stop eating out 2-3 times per week. Scale back the junk made in China you buy yourself and the kids. And quit funding a 401K at the rate that will allow you to retire at 50. The list goes on and on. Feel free to add more.

Peace,
DCD

If there are two people working…two cars could make sense. Depending on where you live, other options of getting to work might not be possible…

And as for the 401k…I applaud anyone who is saving for their retirement. Our society today has a negitive savings rate, meaning that people are going into debt.

Also, depending on the public school, some of them are better than the local Catholic school…it all depends. Where I grew up, for elementary school the public was much better (I went to public, my cousins went to Catholic) but for HS I ended up in Catholic. It was okay accademically (some of my friends in public school got a better education, some didn’t) and then for religious ed, well, depended vastly on the teacher. Ranged from very orthodox to heretical and mostly somewhere in between. For college, I ended up at a protestant school as a lesser of several evils (only school in the area that offers my major).

In short parents have to make a decision that works for their family, be it public, homeschool, Catholic, secular private…etc. Depends on the kid, depends on the family.

For example, my dad and two of his brothers went to Catholic school, but his youngest brother went to public school because they were better prepared to help him with his dyslexia.

 

[DCD]

If there are two people working…two cars could make sense. Depending on where you live, other options of getting to work might not be possible…

And as for the 401k…I applaud anyone who is saving for their retirement. Our society today has a negitive savings rate, meaning that people are going into debt.

Also, depending on the public school, some of them are better than the local Catholic school…it all depends. Where I grew up, for elementary school the public was much better (I went to public, my cousins went to Catholic) but for HS I ended up in Catholic. It was okay accademically (some of my friends in public school got a better education, some didn’t) and then for religious ed, well, depended vastly on the teacher. Ranged from very orthodox to heretical and mostly somewhere in between. For college, I ended up at a protestant school as a lesser of several evils (only school in the area that offers my major).

In short parents have to make a decision that works for their family, be it public, homeschool, Catholic, secular private…etc. Depends on the kid, depends on the family.

For example, my dad and two of his brothers went to Catholic school, but his youngest brother went to public school because they were better prepared to help him with his dyslexia.

The post is not that difficult to understand. Sell the two NEW CARS! If a Catholic tells me they can’t affford Catholic school and have two car payments then THEY need to reevaluate. I applaud saving for retirement. However when Jesus puts in the DVD of our life at the moment of our death, what are we to say when our bank accounts have a large sum of money which we can no longer put to use because we are dead. I am not going to leave my children a large sum of money at the expense of their souls. What good will that do? Lets not take chances with our children. They are souls for Christ. My vocation as a Catholic is to get them to heaven. I would like to retire at 50 but not at the expense of my kids. I do not need to be comfortable in retirement I need to eat and pay medical bills.

The decision is the parents. All I am saying is, if you cant afford a Catholic education I feel your pain. But If you tell me you can’t afford it and I witness these things in my list then I will call attention to it. Not as a judgement but as enlightement.

 

[brockmac]

we have 5 children. To send our children to our parish school would cost in the neighborhood of $2200 a month (over $24,000 a year). We simply cannot afford this, no matter how much we cut back, and we already live a relatively simple life in a modest house.

The cost of Catholic schools is prohibitive to many families. Years ago, most of the teachers were vowed religious, so the cost of salaries was much less than it is today. Now there are few religious, so the schools must pay lay teachers with a salary that is at least close to that of public school teachers. And as enrollment drops due to the higher cost, the burden is shifted to fewer families, meaning that each remaining family must pay even more, and the cycle goes on and on.

The only way this will be solved is for the schools to find other sources of funding. It could possibly be through businesses buying ads in annuals and school news letters. It could be through increased alumni fund raising. It could be through direct diocesan support, but this ultimately comes from the pews. It could come from more support from the parish in the case of grade schools affiliated with a parish.

I do know that sitting back in judgement of those of us who just flat out cannot afford a Catholic school for our large families is not productive.

 

[DCD]

I am not talking to, “those who flat out cannot afford a Catholic school”. Just talking about those who “can’t afford it” then self indulge themselves.

Peace,
DCD

 

[KathleenElsie]

we have 5 children. To send our children to our parish school would cost in the neighborhood of $2200 a month (over $24,000 a year). We simply cannot afford this, no matter how much we cut back, and we already live a relatively simple life in a modest house.

The cost of Catholic schools is prohibitive to many families. Years ago, most of the teachers were vowed religious, so the cost of salaries was much less than it is today. Now there are few religious, so the schools must pay lay teachers with a salary that is at least close to that of public school teachers. And as enrollment drops due to the higher cost, the burden is shifted to fewer families, meaning that each remaining family must pay even more, and the cycle goes on and on.

The only way this will be solved is for the schools to find other sources of funding. It could possibly be through businesses buying ads in annuals and school news letters. It could be through increased alumni fund raising. It could be through direct diocesan support, but this ultimately comes from the pews. It could come from more support from the parish in the case of grade schools affiliated with a parish.

I do know that sitting back in judgement of those of us who just flat out cannot afford a Catholic school for our large families is not productive.

Strange thing is that when a qualified adult (someone with higher education) is willing to voulenteer in exchange for the tuition for their children we were turned away.

We had to be paid for what we did per the school. So yes we then had the money to pay for the education. The school then had to pay social security, insurance (the husband had this available) and other benefits. The person that would have done this as a joy for Holy mother Church then had to: pay taxes on the full amount of the money (higher tax bracket), social security, local wage tax, and other nusence taxes in PA.

I know this personally, I was that teacher and the full tuition (we were no longer eligable for any discounts) extra taxes and work related expences (some of which were because of a paid job) the cost was more then the pay.

 

[skatepixie]

The post is not that difficult to understand. Sell the two NEW CARS! If a Catholic tells me they can’t affford Catholic school and have two car payments then THEY need to reevaluate. I applaud saving for retirement. However when Jesus puts in the DVD of our life at the moment of our death, what are we to say when our bank accounts have a large sum of money which we can no longer put to use because we are dead. I am not going to leave my children a large sum of money at the expense of their souls. What good will that do? Lets not take chances with our children. They are souls for Christ. My vocation as a Catholic is to get them to heaven. I would like to retire at 50 but not at the expense of my kids. I do not need to be comfortable in retirement I need to eat and pay medical bills.

The decision is the parents. All I am saying is, if you cant afford a Catholic education I feel your pain. But If you tell me you can’t afford it and I witness these things in my list then I will call attention to it. Not as a judgement but as enlightement.

As some one who nearly left the Church due to the lies she was told in Catholic school, I still say it depends on the school. If I were a parent living in the area I grew up, I would rather save that money for my kids later on than put them in the situation that I was in. Much rather see it go towards a down payment on a house or something of that nature than spend it on a school that could be a detrament to them. Check out the school first. In today’s world, you can’t assume that a “Catholic” school is a good one, or orthodox. You have to see it for yourself.

Also, it is often easier to just say “I can’t afford it” when you have made a judgement otherwise rather than get into all the details. IMO if there is a good public school in the area and you can make sure that the kids are well instructed in their faith (because you can’t assume that your parish or Catholic school will do that because many of them just plain DONT) then it is okay to decide to spend your money on other things. There is more than one way to produce well educated (both in their faith and secular matters) people.

 

[buffalo]

I believe it was around 1960 that Catholic schools were mandated. Around VII this was released.

For 60 years they flourished and the investment was rewarded by growing Catholic communities. SInce they have become optional is there a correlation. I do not believe it is a cost issue, it is a will issue.

 

[vern_humphrey]

I believe it was around 1960 that Catholic schools were mandated. Around VII this was released.

For 60 years they flourished and the investment was rewarded by growing Catholic communities. SInce they have become optional is there a correlation. I do not believe it is a cost issue, it is a will issue.

You are absolutely right – it the bishops wanted Catholic schools, we’d have Catholic schools.

When I think of the money paid out to settle the sex scandal, I think of how many children could be educated in Catholic schools with that money.

 

[buffalo]

You are absolutely right – it the bishops wanted Catholic schools, we’d have Catholic schools.

When I think of the money paid out to settle the sex scandal, I think of how many children could be educated in Catholic schools with that money.

Billions - WOW! That really could have helped. Much of the settlement money came from insurance, right? But the point is well taken.

Let’s right a letter to our Bishop now. They are hearing the catechesis message from the Pope as we are posting.

 

[vern_humphrey]

Billions - WOW! That really could have helped. Much of the settlement money came from insurance, right? But the point is well taken.

Let’s right a letter to our Bishop now. They are hearing the catechesis message from the Pope as we are posting.

Let’s get started on it right now. Here’s a FAD (First Awful Draft):

To the Catholic Bishops from the faithful:

Catholic Schools are the seed corn of the Church in America. Beyond that, the Public School system has failed those children who are most in need of education – the children of the chronically poor in the inner cities.

We call upon you for the pastoral leadership to which the Church entitles us. Make a commitment to restore and expand the Catholic School system. Do not throw each parish upon its own meager resources, but launch a full-fledged drive to fund Catholic schools by all the resources of the Church in America.

First of all, take responsibility for our Catholic schools. Make it your highest priority (after abortion.)

Second, explain to all the faithful the need for Catholic schools and call upon all of us – even those without children of school age, even those in parishes too small to support a school – to contribute.

Third, show us the fruits of our contributions. Keep the Catholic schools ever in our view.

Fourth, continue the good work – do not slack off.

Yours in Christ,

Catholics suffering for lack of Catholic education

 

[buffalo]

Let’s get started on it right now. Here’s a FAD (First Awful Draft):

To the Catholic Bishops from the faithful:

Catholic Schools are the seed corn of the Church in America. Beyond that, the Public School system has failed those children who are most in need of education – the children of the chronically poor in the inner cities.

We call upon you for the pastoral leadership to which the Church entitles us. Make a commitment to restore and expand the Catholic School system. Do not throw each parish upon its own meager resources, but launch a full-fledged drive to fund Catholic schools by all the resources of the Church in America.

First of all, take responsibility for our Catholic schools. Make it your highest priority (after abortion.)

Second, explain to all the faithful the need for Catholic schools and call upon all of us – even those without children of school age, even those in parishes too small to support a school – to contribute.

Third, show us the fruits of our contributions. Keep the Catholic schools ever in our view.

Fourth, continue the good work – do not slack off.

Yours in Christ,

Catholics suffering for lack of Catholic education

Vern - I like it.

Capwiz does a wonderful job in easily connecting peple with lawmakers. I wonder if there is anything out there that would be effective to reach the bishops.

Or, how bout we create a website -savecatholicschools.com or so and use it as outreach and a funding source.

Just throwing out ideas to see which ones will stick.

 

[vern_humphrey]

Vern - I like it.

Capwiz does a wonderful job in easily connecting peple with lawmakers. I wonder if there is anything out there that would be effective to reach the bishops.

Or, how bout we create a website -savecatholicschools.com or so and use it as outreach and a funding source.

Just throwing out ideas to see which ones will stick.

It seems to me we need someone who can create a website where people can sign a petition – you see those all the time – and then invite Catholics to log on and sign it – and finally send it to USCCB (Copy to the Pope.)

 

[buffalo]

It seems to me we need someone who can create a website where people can sign a petition – you see those all the time – and then invite Catholics to log on and sign it – and finally send it to USCCB (Copy to the Pope.)

Help - a call to webmasters - anyone out there willing to help?

 

[Randy2]

At a time when Christian schools are flourishing and Muslims have started a school planting program in the US.

The economy does not seem to be affecting Christian schools or Muslim schools. I think that is an excuse to deny the collapse of the Catholic church and Catholic belief in the US.

 

[rlg94086]

At a time when Christian schools are flourishing and Muslims have started a school planting program in the US.

The economy does not seem to be affecting Christian schools or Muslim schools. I think that is an excuse to** deny** the collapse of the Catholic church and Catholic belief in the US.

Apparently, you don’t believe it, or you wouldn’t be wasting your time on our forum, would you? Feeling uncertain with your decision? I think so. Otherwise, you would be spending time on an evangelical site somewhere.

 

[SanJudas]

My own meager abilities would provide my children with a mediocre learning experience at best. Apart from that, the discipline required to homeschool is definitely lacking on my part. My kids would be better off in a traditional school setting.

God save all here.

Kristie,
I taught high school for twelve years. Unless you employ a ghost writer for your posts, you can take my word that your language ability is more than adequate for what you need to homeschool your kids. You write better than 50% of all college graduates, I would venture to say. Sure, your math & science may be a little rusty, but you will refresh them as you preview your kids’ lessons. I retaught myself algebra giving summer school classes, for example. Unless you have excellent public schools nearby (and there are still some of those around) you will subjecting your children to all kinds of unholy tribulations by exposing them to an “untraditional” school setting.

BTW, I have my own 15 year old daughter in a Catholic school in another country where that is still affordable. (Luckily she has her mother, brother and sister, and aunts and uncles nearby.)

 

[rlg94086]

God save all here.

Kristie,
I taught high school for twelve years. Unless you employ a ghost writer for your posts, you can take my word that your language ability is more than adequate for what you need to homeschool your kids. You write better than 50% of all college graduates, I would venture to say. Sure, your math & science may be a little rusty, but you will refresh them as you preview your kids’ lessons. I retaught myself algebra giving summer school classes, for example. Unless you have excellent public schools nearby (and there are still some of those around) you will subjecting your children to all kinds of unholy tribulations by exposing them to an “untraditional” school setting.

BTW, I have my own 15 year old daughter in a Catholic school in another country where that is still affordable. (Luckily she has her mother, brother and sister, and aunts and uncles nearby.)

I agree with your statements regarding the public schools. We have excellent schools where we live now, but we chose to homeschool for a while due to the issues in the public schools my kids were in at a couple of past locations.

However, Kristie may be correct in her self-assessment. Our kids did okay during the two years we homeschooled, but they do better in a traditional school setting. Why? My wife wasn’t well-suited to homeschooling - not everyone is.

 

[vern_humphrey]

I agree with your statements regarding the public schools. We have excellent schools where we live now, but we chose to homeschool for a while due to the issues in the public schools my kids were in at a couple of past locations.

However, Kristie may be correct in her self-assessment. Our kids did okay during the two years we homeschooled, but they do better in a traditional school setting. Why? My wife wasn’t well-suited to homeschooling - not everyone is.

Which is why I visualize an internet-delivered computer-aided system. It would not only handle much of the teaching load (with the parents providing motivation and discipline), but would also allow “oil-spotting.” It could identify and hook up people with nearby parents who are also home schooling, and allow them to work out a time-sharing arrangement in educating their kids.

 

[rlg94086]

Which is why I visualize an internet-delivered computer-aided system. It would not only handle much of the teaching load (with the parents providing motivation and discipline), but would also allow “oil-spotting.” It could identify and hook up people with nearby parents who are also home schooling, and allow them to work out a time-sharing arrangement in educating their kids.

But…that is where my wife had difficulty.

 

[SanJudas]

Which is why I visualize an internet-delivered computer-aided system. It would not only handle much of the teaching load (with the parents providing motivation and discipline), but would also allow “oil-spotting.” It could identify and hook up people with nearby parents who are also home schooling, and allow them to work out a time-sharing arrangement in educating their kids.

God save all here.

Vern,
Wow! Could that actually work? Do you know of any cases where this has actually been put into practice? I really like the idea. It encompasses so many elements Catholics believe in–subsidiarity (keeping it local and decentralized), cooperation, building community ties, dignifying each person’s contributions, strengthening families, teaching the faith, saving money, continuing one’s own education, etc., etc.

I love it!

OK, now what’s the downside?