Reaching public school students

[rca8497]

I am a public high school teacher that feels very strongly called to find little ways to foster the growth or clarity of the Faith of my students. My school is overwhelmingly (at least nominally) Catholic. There are times where I know I have students with an active life in the Church, but seldom is there a channel to discuss any of it beyond the lessons that happen to touch on Christian history in the wider study of the world. It is not that I want to open channels of discussion that are unprofessional or cross a line; rather, I feel that the school environment I work in is so overwhelmingly covertly (and overtly) biased toward relativism and secularism, that I worry students in absence of catechesis from the home or parish may be lost forever to the Faith.

If any of you are in a similar situation, I would welcome your insights or suggestions. Thanks.

 

[1ke]

What country are you in? When you say you are in a public school that is overwhelmingly Catholic, what does that mean? Are you teaching in a Catholic school funded by public money such as in Canada, the UK, etc? Or are you teaching in a public school that is not religiously affiliated that happens to be in a demographic area of Catholics?

I think this matters. If you are teaching in a Catholic school with public funds you should be free to talk about the Catholic faith any time you want.

If you are in a public school that is not religious, but just happens to have a lot of Catholic students, consider being the sponsor of an after school Catholic club, if there are students wanting to join it. Tread lightly.

 

[rca8497]

What country are you in? When you say you are in a public school that is overwhelmingly Catholic, what does that mean? Are you teaching in a Catholic school funded by public money such as in Canada, the UK, etc? Or are you teaching in a public school that is not religiously affiliated that happens to be in a demographic area of Catholics?

I think this matters. If you are teaching in a Catholic school with public funds you should be free to talk about the Catholic faith any time you want.

If you are in a public school that is not religious, but just happens to have a lot of Catholic students, consider being the sponsor of an after school Catholic club, if there are students wanting to join it. Tread lightly.

I am in the United States and definitely heed your suggestions about treading lightly. Yes I have thought of a club of some kind, and I have found my administrator supportive of it - the catch is that such clubs must technically be requested by students who seek a faculty moderator, not a potential moderator seeking students. Thus, in that regard I will wait to see if God makes that outcome clear. Suggesting a club to empassioned students has happened a number of times in other causes in the school; however, doing this seems unethical and contrived. If students really seek this, they will find me. There is already a prayer club but it seems more non-denominational in character, and certainly, non-liturgical in nature, i.e., more in a Protestant or non-denom vein.

 

[saintalphonsus]

I’ve heard Tim Staples, Trent Horn, and Jason Evert talk about serious moral issues like abortion, marriage, the family, and chastity without mentioning God at all. As Tim Staples says, “That’s sad, but we can do it.” That’s because the law of God is universal and written in every human heart. If you aren’t allowed to talk about religion, talk about universal moral issues and truth. Teach your students not to be moral relativists, but teach them real values and lessons, which is more than I can say for what my liberal university did. Are you able to have them read books like Animal Farm, Heart of Darkness, Shakespeare, Crime and Punishment, and Lord of the Flies? My high school literature teacher taught me truth through literature. That way, even in my late twenties, when the church speaks and when the culture of death speaks, I know who is telling the truth. Teach them how to see through straw-man arguments. You can also teach them basic philosophy skills, argument skills, and critical thinking skills. Matt Fradd does some of that. Teach them history. Teach them about communism, Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, World War II, The Civil War, The Civil Rights Movement, and even the Eugenics movement of the early century. Someone who truly knows world history and American history, is more likely to see through modern day nonsense and understand the vicious cycle. Oh, yeah, and teach them how to write with great depth and clarity! Most importantly, pray CONSTANTLY for your students.

 

[1ke]

I am in the United States

If you are in a US public school, stick to teaching your subject matter in class. Period. “Fostering the growth and clarity of the (Catholic) Faith” in your students is inappropriate in the public school setting.

If such an after school club opportunity comes up, then certainly volunteer to be the sponsor.

If you want to be a good influence on your students, I would suggest you get involved with your parish youth group and religious education program over trying to start a Catholic club at your school.