What my children learn in school

[Liverpoolmum]

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve recently found out what my children really learn in a Catholic Secondary (High) school, run by Salesian Fathers -

My children have learned in Biology all about Contraception, all the different types etc., but no mention that our Faith is opposed to it, they learned about Homosexuality and no moral / Catholic stance was mentioned.

My children and many other Catholic adolescents are being taught morals according to the curriculum of the country not according to their faith. When i complain I am told that they have to learn the curriculum as the Government hands it down to them.

Is it any wonder that the Catholic church I attend is empty every Sunday? The congregation is mainly elderly, not many young people there at all. These kids are confused by what they are being taught. I tell my kids what the Catholic Church’s stance on morals and the school tells them what the curriculum dictates and they are lost in the middle, I know there are moral temptations in the world which will pull at my childrens faith but to find out that they are being introduced to these temptations at a Catholic school sickens me.

None of the children in my 13 yrs old son’s class can tell you what the 10 Commandments are, or the 7 Sacraments. I’m disappointed and angry by this, they should at least know the basics. I may as well have sent them to the local community comprehensive.

Have others found this in their childrens schools? What have you been able to do about it? Thanks

 

[mlchance]

Have others found this in their childrens schools? What have you been able to do about it?

I taught in a Catholic school system for about 8 years, then about another 3 in private schools run by Catholic lay people. Like everywhere, the quality of employees found varies.

So, what I did with my children is what the Church instructs me to do: I took responsibility for their religious education myself rather than expecting someone else to do it for me.

All parents should do likewise.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[Liverpoolmum]

Thanks for that reply I teach my children the Catechism at home so they know from that what the Church is opposed to and that’s what is confusing them. They know that abortion, marriage after divorce, sex before marriage and contraception and homosexuality is wrong but they are in the minority in their school. Other children in their school are bragging about having sex and I cant believe its a Catholic school when I hear some of the things my children tell me about their school mates. I’d like to be able to change this and I’ve tried to, mainly for the sake of the other Catholic children who are being led astray.

I’ve tried to get the Archdiocese to take a stance against teaching what the Government dictates and stick to teaching Catholic Faith, but they didnt even reply to my letter. The school wont go against the curriculum so I’ve asked them to interject Catholic tmorals into what they have to teach in Biology but they treat me like a freak for asking… I just wondered if there is a body out there that can insist Catholic schools teach Catholic morals properly?

 

[idrum677]

So, what I did with my children is what the Church instructs me to do: I took responsibility for their religious education myself rather than expecting someone else to do it for me.

All parents should do likewise.

– Mark L. Chance.

We are fortunate that our Catholic School is orthodox and very Christ centered in all its curriculum. That being said, my wife and I still take the initative when it comes to our children’s religious education. We are given the responsibility by God when he entrusts children to us.

 

[twb1621]

Thanks for that reply I teach my children the Catechism at home so they know from that what the Church is opposed to and that’s what is confusing them. They know that abortion, marriage after divorce, sex before marriage and contraception and homosexuality is wrong but they are in the minority in their school. Other children in their school are bragging about having sex and I cant believe its a Catholic school when I hear some of the things my children tell me about their school mates. I’d like to be able to change this and I’ve tried to, mainly for the sake of the other Catholic children who are being led astray.

I’ve tried to get the Archdiocese to take a stance against teaching what the Government dictates and stick to teaching Catholic Faith, but they didnt even reply to my letter. The school wont go against the curriculum so I’ve asked them to interject Catholic tmorals into what they have to teach in Biology but they treat me like a freak for asking… I just wondered if there is a body out there that can insist Catholic schools teach Catholic morals properly?

You can try writing the Vatican but it is each person’s responsibility to seek and learn and a parent’s responsibility to teach their children primarily. Avoid approaching it as a conflict and approach it with the intent to help promote. I respect your position. It sounds as though you yourself may be receiving a calling through Christ to do something. Many of us do but we don’t often hear it. Try looking into establishing a group through your church for teaching the youth morality and Christian principles and you may find a growing number of people who agree with your goal. All Catholics who are active need to open their mouths and show through living they believe and support the Church of their faith. The Church Christ founded. You have to live it to the best of your ability before you can catch the attention of others but it happens.

 

[mlchance]

I just wondered if there is a body out there that can insist Catholic schools teach Catholic morals properly?

Not really. If a Catholic school has become heterodox, that is the fault of the administration of that school. There’s usually very little that can be done in the short term once the rot has set in. Basically, heterodox elements – meaning administrators and teachers who do not conform to Church teaching – must be removed and replaced. This is much easier said than done.

One place where you might be able to affect change is the school’s board of directors (or whatever they might call themselves). Schools affiliated with parishes must also answer to the pastor, who in turn answers to his bishop. Regardless, don’t just complain. Present evidence and suggestions for improvement. No one responds well to anyone who comes across as a crank, but if you can show that heterodox instruction occurs and offer an orthodox alternative, you’ll get attention.

Also, keep in mind the distinction between an orthodox curriculum and just plain bad behavior. Students in a Catholic school misbehaving is a management problem not necessarily related to curriculum. I know well as a teacher than I spend a lot of my time banging my head against the walls set up by lousy parenting.

For example, in a Catholic school, I’ve had atheist students, raised by atheist parents to be atheists. One or two have been downright hostile to the faith. I’ve seen any number of students with divorced and remarried Catholic parents, with single Catholic parents who are dating (up to and including one single momther who left her daughter with friends so she could go on a cruise with her boyfriend, during which time the mother got pregnant).

IOW, we live in fallen world, and the Church is a hospital for sinners. Your goal cannot be to either make the school perfect or else to despair.

Take baby-steps. Pick one issue, and belabor the heck out of it.



– Mark L. Chance.

 

[Liverpoolmum]

Thank you TWC I will speak to my Priest on Sunday, I think a Catholic group would be a really good idea. You have also made me realise that I am quite confrontational and I will take on board what you said about my approach I think I may send a letter to the Vatican too as I cant imagine the Catholic children who go to my childrens’ school bringing up their children in the future as Catholics. There is no feeling of ‘community’ in my church either and I’d like to try to change that too… Thanks again for your replies, God Bless!

(I’m so glad I found this forum)

 

[Liverpoolmum]

Hello MLChance

Thank you for your reply too, you’ve given me a lot to think about and your advice is spot on! I will try to attempt to set up a group in our Parish. I feel that the children at this school are not given a proper opportunity to explore what it means to be Catholic and if I can get some to come to a group organised by the parish I may be better able to present evidence to the school and make some changes.

Thanks again:thumbsup: