Sponsoring a Muslim student group?

[RosemaryO]

My first question would be, what will exactly be your role as sponsor?

Personally I wouldn’t mind; I’ve studied with Muslims all my life, I have some Muslim family, some of the girls were my best friends at uni (people thought I’m a Muslim!) infact I work at a college with Muslim bosses and I teach lots of Muslim students. So I have a fair knowledge on Islam and all its etiquette.

However my experiences aren’t the same as yours, so I understand if you’re uncomfortable. But I advise you not to fear. You should be proud those students chose you to come to with that request.

Remember we all pray to one God, we’re all descendants of Abraham and Isaac Pope JPII did a lot in encouraging interfaith relations, (even praying in a mosque once), and I’m sure if you become sponsor they’ll pray for you and you’ll be abundantly blessed.

So long as you know your Catholic faith and where you stand, you won’t be compromised. God bless.

Many thanks to everyone for taking the time to answer. I read and thought about each of your answers. this one seems to speak to me the most in my situation.

 

[altms]

Many thanks to everyone for taking the time to answer. I read and thought about each of your answers. this one seems to speak to me the most in my situation.

Glad to be of service

 

[Miss_Felicity]

My first question would be, what will exactly be your role as sponsor?

Personally I wouldn’t mind; I’ve studied with Muslims all my life, I have some Muslim family, some of the girls were my best friends at uni (people thought I’m a Muslim!) infact I work at a college with Muslim bosses and I teach lots of Muslim students. So I have a fair knowledge on Islam and all its etiquette.

However my experiences aren’t the same as yours, so I understand if you’re uncomfortable. But I advise you not to fear. You should be proud those students chose you to come to with that request.

Remember we all pray to one God, we’re all descendants of Abraham and Isaac Pope JPII did a lot in encouraging interfaith relations, (even praying in a mosque once), and I’m sure if you become sponsor they’ll pray for you and you’ll be abundantly blessed.

So long as you know your Catholic faith and where you stand, you won’t be compromised. God bless.

I could have written this post, I was raised around Muslims as well and there is one person especially close to my heart that is one. I agree that we do need more people who are willing to support POSITIVE interfaith relations. The parish I started going to with a friend the one that initially influenced me to convert to Catholicism had a lot of interfaith activities, its one of the things I admired most about the Parish

First of all, thanks to everyone for your answers. The students know that I am Catholic. I am not expected to participate other than being in the building to supervise. Our school does allow religious groups after hours but formally states that these groups are not school-sponsored (and teacher advisers are not paid. we do this voluntarily) These are great kids and are so appreciative of a non-Muslim adult willing to give their time once a week so that they can meet. I am just wondering if I am doing the right thing or not? I will talk to a my priest as well. That is a good idea.

It looks like you are considering saying yes. If it were me I probably would do it, it seems like you know these kids well and they respect you and look up to you which speaks to your talents as a teacher. It never hurts to talk to your priest and I encourage you to do so especially if you have the least doubt about if this is an opportunity you should take. Best of luck.