"catholic" Schools

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='AdAltareDei' post='1856282' date='May 3 2009, 01:49 AM']What about catechisis and religious classes?[/quote]

The theology classes are really good actually. I can't say I like the version of the Bible the Old Testament and New Testament classes use (NAB) but a lot of the textbooks for other classes are really good. I've caught my my teachers on a few minor errors (nothing major), but then again, I find doctrinal errors in almost everything

[tinytherese]

There definitely needs to be a catechesis revolution! I wrote about my experiences at a catholic school on my blog. I went to a decent catholic middle school and high school academically speaking, heck they seemed rather demanding and my high school was competitive, but not faith formation wise. I had a high school theology teacher that had his ph.d. in biblical theology but I caught him on some blunders. He once said that in theory God could have been the one that disguised himself and tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden and not Satan. One teacher that I had wasn't even qualified to teach theology. He was trained to be a history teacher and had a minor in religious studies, (and the college that he attended is not known for its orthodoxy or for even many courses that are specifically catholic.) He once claimed that the church didn't believe in Purgatory anymore.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Call to Renewing Catholic Schools

Education is a part of our lives and impacts our development, not just as a scholar but also as a person. Can the same be said in regards to one’s faith? Did the catholic school system that I grew up with live up to its mission statement of developing the whole Catholic person? Did it prepare me for living the catholic faith after graduation? The short answer to both of these questions is no, it did not. Now before I am burned at the stake for betraying my parochial schools I want to assure anyone reading this that I am not writing this post to bash or whine like a wimpering puppy but as a call to renewal.

I remember how in elementary school religion class was a joke, and in middle school it was mediocre. By the time I reached high school though, theology became an actual class. Now I had to work for our grade. The class on Old Testament studies was fascinating, but had to be crammed into a single semester. What a shame that it was merely a survey of the Old Testament! So there was content that we either could have taken a closer look at or could have looked at for the first time. Unfortunately, the content of most of the other courses was not up to par. I even recall moments when teachers would get their facts wrong about a church teaching. I learned far more outside of class than in it. Some semesters, I felt as if I were not even in a theology class, but a general humanity course with God occasionally tossed in.

One theology class remains in my mind the most, “Why am I Catholic?” How come after attending Catholic schools for most of my life was I just now finding this out in twelfth grade? The title of the course was troubling because it appeared to imply that they had not properly instructed us in the faith. “Why am I Catholic?” was an elective on how to defend and explain our beliefs. “Beginning Apologetics” would not have been nearly as alarming a title. Despite the name, we learned a great deal, not just for enlightening non-Catholics and even non-Christians, but Catholics themselves. A more challenging course, but incredibly useful. Often, people will say that if one wants to get easy points in a religion class just put down, “Jesus loves me” and the teacher cannot mark such an answer as wrong. In my apologetics class however, if anyone would say that then they would have to answer why and how we know this. I truly grew in this course and continue to do so today. It provided me with a solid foundation for defending the faith and how to find the answers to questions that I do not know. Every Catholic should take a class like this.

Something that I could not help but notice about the theology classes in high school was the lack of teaching about the Church’s stance on morality and culture. When forming our conscience, for the most part asked us what our own opinions on certain ethical issues were, but did not paint a full picture of what the Church specifically stated about them. Yet even when we were occasionally told what church teaching actually was, our teachers typically gave us paper thin answers. Plenty of my fellow classmates asked tough questions that teachers never addressed. To many of my peers, our religion was just a naïve set of rules of what we could and could not do, instead of something liberating and completely radical compared to the world’s false promises that never satisfy (Soucy). Instead of lists of what was and was not acceptable, we needed a more in depth study of the logic and reasoning behind God’s designs. He does everything for us out of love. “I want to give you the very best-please allow be to bring it to you” (“Are you a Date, or a Soul Mate? Finding the one”).

If our school wanted fidelity of the youth to the Church then why did it encourage us to create our own morals apart from God’s laws? This is cafeteria Catholicism, picking and choosing what to believe and not believe in the faith just like choosing what to eat and not eat in a cafeteria. The theory of teachers offering students non-directive “values clarification” or encouraging students to make their own ethical decisions, was encouraged by psychologist Dr. Carl Rogers. “Decades later, Dr. Rogers openly admitted that this method of teaching was a huge mistake. He recognized that when adults fail to pass on solid direction and clear values, then the young people are left without a compass” (Can’t we accept that people have different values when it comes to sex?). Many have used the phrase, “blinded by faith” when in reality it opens one’s eyes to where one is meant to go for the good of oneself, others, and especially God. When walking along the journey of life, those who toss away the map and compass so that they can make their own way will most likely get lost or put themselves in grave danger.

The world presents us with so many values that are contrary to the faith and we need to know how to respond to it. Often, modern day culture tries to manipulate us with its own way of thinking and how easy it is to get swept away with its misconceptions and lies. After graduating from high school and moving onto college I am surrounded by people who ask difficult questions and who think very differently from how the Church does. I wish that we had been taught how to respond to such matters. Many Catholic school students are at high risk for not just infidelity to the Church but of leaving it all together after graduation. We need rock solid preparation.

One problem I noticed that our high school had was “Cool Catholicism,” particularly at mass. For the time that he was there, our school’s priest rarely gave us a homily after the gospel reading. Whenever guest priests came did we receive it. Instead we were usually given funny skits by fellow classmates that had nothing to do with the scripture readings that day. Whatever lessons supposedly presented to us was shallow and uninteresting. Our theology teacher told us that we do not attend mass for entertainment, yet we viewed parodies of popular movies and television shows that appeared to be more concerned with entertainment than enlightenment. On more than one occasion, moments of sexual humor were even thrown in. All of these spectacles are already present in the world but we youth hunger for what the world cannot give us.
“In fact, the culture we live in is the source of most of our problems” (Soucy). Why would a doctor ever give a patient more of a virus that they already had instead of medicine?

Some may argue that our school wanted to relate to us so that they could get the message home. If this is true, then how come after mass my peers would not be discussing how the homily challenged them or made them really think. There were no converts, just kids laughing at the skit. No one took it seriously because they had to resort to using humor to get them interested in their faith. Gimmicks, bells, whistles, goofy catch phrases, “relating to teens,” and attempting to be “cool” just look silly to young people. Quite frankly, this is not evangelizing but soul begging. “Please please look over here. Please pay attention at mass. We’ll give you whatever you want. WE GRAVEL AT YOUR VERY FEET” (“The Power of Modesty”). The whining and graveling, however, is not the slightest bit attractive to young people.

Giving the Church a makeover implies one of two things. Either the Church is not good enough for the youth or the youth are not good enough for the Church as it already is. Each claim insults the other’s dignity. Did Christ not value them so much that He gave His own life for them both? His bride the Church is breath-taking in beauty and she calls her children to greatness. “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” (1 Tm 4:12). Downplaying and watering down the faith are the same as looking down upon the Church and even the youth themselves.

During my freshman year, the whole school gathered in the gymnasium to listen to a guest speaker. The last topic that he discussed was the Miraculous Medal of Our Lady. After telling the story behind it and the special graces that one receives by wearing and even kissing it, he offered them to anyone who wanted one. Suddenly, a great multitude of teenagers excitedly rushed down for a medal. I was so surprised to witness such an event. Practically everyone got one that day. I wondered why it happened and one day the puzzle fit together. They were finally told what they all wanted to hear-the truth and nothing less.

What else do the youth want? The most successful youth programs are centered on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist- where they can freely bring Jesus their hopes, dreams, questions, pain, and receive strength from Him (Soucy). Young people are yearning for Our Lord’s love and presence in this troubled world (Soucy). Eucharistic Adoration on campuses has been proven to increase the amount of mass attendants-and not just on Sundays, as well as the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the people going to daily Rosary (Soucy). Also, the youth desire to be challenged. Pope John Paul II attracted such large multitudes of young people from around the globe-particularly to World Youth Day. “What was it about this man that would incite youth to travel for thousands of miles, sleep in primitive settings, go without food and water, and shed tears at the mention of the name ‘John Paul II’ ” (Colette 20). Clearly, something drew young people to this older man. The answer is found in his own words to a group of youth in St. Louis that was broadcasted on television. “Christ is calling you; the Church needs you; the Pope believes in you and he expects great things of you” and not a single dry eye was found in the arena or from television viewers (Soucy)! Pope John Paul II displayed his love for the young, possessed a sincere trust and enduring faith in them, but also encouraged them to rise up to take on the challenge of holiness, despite the world’s great obstacles. What an excellent example for anyone who desires to evangelize the youth!

I dream of a reform in the catechesis of young people and even adults. One may reply that one cannot convert all of the schools and I agree, but even just having one solid school will make all the difference in the world. Others may be touched and inspired by the reform and spread it. Even if no one else takes notice of merely one orthodox school, generations to come may be transformed for years to come.









Works Cited
“Are you a Date, or a Soul Mate? Finding the one.” The Pure Life. Hosts Crystalina and
Jason Evert. EWTN. Irondale, AL. 2007.
“Can’t we accept that people have different values when it comes to sex? We need to be
Realistic-times have changes since the Bible was written.” PureLoveClub.com.
2007. Electric Pulp. 25 April 2008 .
Colette. “One of a Gazillion Stories.” John Paul II, We Love You: World Youth Day
Reflections 1984-2005. Ed. Barbara A. Murray. Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s
Press, 2005. 19-24.
The New American Bible. Ed. Hartman, Canada: World Bible Inc., 1987.
“The Power of Modesty.” The Pure Life. Hosts Crystalina and Jason Evert. EWTN.
Irondale, AL. 2007.
Soucy, Jon. “What do Catholic youth want?” Adoremus Bulletin Vol. VI, No. 4 (2000): 1
par. 17 Oct. 2007 .
Posted by Rose Petal of St. Therese at 5:16 PM 0 comments


[url="http://www.childofourlady.blogspot.com/"]http://www.childofourlady.blogspot.com/[/url]

[rkwright]

I attended Catholic schools from 2nd all the way through high school. I'd agree with the comments about the theology - it wasn't the greatest.

But this thread is a little too pessimistic for me. Even if the theology wasn't that great there were some "good" morals and values being put in place. Compared to our public school friends, we were for the most part very good.

I'll give some examples... I went to Catholic HS, graduated with 350ish ~ so maybe So maybe 1100-1200 there total. A little smaller than the neighboring public schools, but not by much.

There was very little teen drinking at the school. Really it only came up during the last semester of senior year. If I would have guessed, I'd say by our senior year maybe 50% of the students had drank (like in a party setting, not wedding, family event). To me that is incredible when our public schools are probably more in the 90-95% range.

There was basically little to no drugs at the school. <10% probably.

No teen pregnancies in our class. There was one in a younger class when I was a senior.

We had 3-4 arrested from my class the entire 4 years there. They were rich kids stealing car stereos

Now, with 350 kids in the class, its possible and more than likely I was not aware of everything that is going on. Maybe the rates were higher than that. BUT! If it's true that fact proves the point even more. There were enough kids not doing those things that you could get through 4 years of high school without ever being exposed to these and still have plenty of friends, activities, and feel like you fit in just fine. I felt like I was pretty involved during my time!

Anyways, high school is tough for many kids. At least at the Catholic schools kids don't have to worry about weapons, high drug use, gangs, whatever it may be.

Now if we could get some great theology teachers in there, it would be a true "Catholic" School.

On all the homeschooling stuff... we could probably start another thread about it since there are many who do practice it. I know its different for every family\person, but I have some extended family who are homeschooling and it does not seem to be working well at all for them. Every school\homeschool\kid is different though...

[Archaeology cat]

Well, wasn't raised Catholic, and went to a public school. My husband went to a really good Catholic high school, though. I'm hoping the Catholic schools in our area are good. If not, I may consider home schooling. Regardless, I will teach them about the faith at home. I like to go to daily Mass, and usually take my son with me when we do go. And we always go to Sunday Mass as a family (unless there's an illness, of course). We try to read one of the readings together and pray the Our Father before bed. I crocheted my son a rosary so he can't break it (he broke one of mine when I was praying with him).

[HisChildForever]

I went to public school my entire life and loved it. I was always excited to go to CCD (which was at the Catholic elementary/middle school a few blocks away). I never learned much in CCD but it instilled in me a desire to learn more. I actually sat right up front, as did my friend, and when we were bored we drew comic strips of Moses, LOL. Sadly this was not the same for the majority of my classmates who goofed off the entire time. I really think the question "Which schooling is the best?" depends on the town or city you are in. My town is pretty small, and I would say there were about 75 kids in my entire grade - give or take. Out of those 75, 45-50 were in CCD. We have some Christian churches in my town but I would say a good proportion here are Catholic (if not in practice then in name.) Therefore, in my public school, you NEVER ran across a Wiccan-type (for example) or a fundamentalist. The teachers fit well into the system and never discussed religion in the personal sense. We learned about Catholicism and Protestantism in History classes and I recall talking about God in Physics.

If home-schooling is right for you and your children, that is fine. However, I feel that you can really become strong in faith and personality if you are challenged in a classroom setting by a teacher or peer (whether public or Catholic).

Edited May 3, 2009 by HisChildForever

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='HisChildForever' post='1856427' date='May 3 2009, 03:54 PM']I went to public school my entire life and loved it. I was always excited to go to CCD (which was at the Catholic elementary/middle school a few blocks away). I never learned much in CCD but it instilled in me a desire to learn more. I actually sat right up front, as did my friend, and when we were bored we drew comic strips of Moses, LOL. Sadly this was not the same for the majority of my classmates who goofed off the entire time. I really think the question "Which schooling is the best?" depends on the town or city you are in. My town is pretty small, and I would say there were about 75 kids in my entire grade - give or take. Out of those 75, 45-50 were in CCD. We have some Christian churches in my town but I would say a good proportion here are Catholic (if not in practice then in name.) Therefore, in my public school, you NEVER ran across a Wiccan-type (for example) or a fundamentalist. The teachers fit well into the system and never discussed religion in the personal sense. We learned about Catholicism and Protestantism in History classes and I recall talking about God in Physics.

If home-schooling is right for you and your children, that is fine. However, I feel that you can really become strong in faith and personality if you are challenged in a classroom setting by a teacher or peer (whether public or Catholic).[/quote]
Oh I agree. My public schools were good, and I liked them for the most part. But I know that isn't the case everywhere. Just like in some places, the Catholic schools are really great, and in some they aren't as good. In any case, I do think parents need to get involved in the schools (inasmuch as this is possible) to help. I know when I was teaching I was very thankful for the couple of parents who volunteered to help, or just those parents that were available for conferences.

[tinytherese]

If I was around the Dominican Sisters of Mary or the Nashville Dominicans then heck yea I'd send my kids there. They know what they're doing. Other than that I seem to be liking the idea of sending kids to a public school as long as it isn't the type that has major crime issues going on among the students. I'd also be concerned about sexual education or "comprehensive" sexual education that would be offered at a public school and the school's academic reputation. I suppose it depends on the school. Every parent needs to investigate before enrolling their children.

Edited May 4, 2009 by tinytherese

[Theoketos]

I teach at a Diocesan run School. It is quite orthodox. Our entire Religion/Philosophy department are Masters of Theology from respectable institutions. If you all want good Catholic High Schools move to Wichita Kansas.

The difference between our schools and most schools in the country is that our schools are [b]tuition free[/b]! They are subsidized by the Parish and the Diocese through Stewardship. The Stewardship model takes much of the market force to conform to the world's standards out the process, because we are first accountable to the Church made up of stewards practicing their faith and not paying customers who want nominal Catholicism.

[missionseeker]

Our parish was doing that! (then the school got closed, long story, it was going under then our priest recovered it, then the bishop shut it down and father is going to be a benedictine monk.) lol.


I just wanna say, that I was in public school for 7 years and homeschooled for 6. I have nothing against the public school system (private) except the system itself. I don't think kids were designed to be at school for 8 hours a day. *I* rode the bus and was the first on and the last off. It made for a day from 6:30am-4:30 pm. I just think children were meant to be children, not mini-adults.

Edited May 4, 2009 by missionseeker

[princessgianna]

[quote name='Theoketos' post='1856969' date='May 3 2009, 10:26 PM']I teach at a Diocesan run School. It is quite orthodox. Our entire Religion/Philosophy department are Masters of Theology from respectable institutions. If you all want good Catholic High Schools move to Wichita Kansas.

The difference between our schools and most schools in the country is that our schools are [b]tuition free[/b]! They are subsidized by the Parish and the Diocese through Stewardship. The Stewardship model takes much of the market force to conform to the world's standards out the process, because we are first accountable to the Church made up of stewards practicing their faith and not paying customers who want nominal Catholicism.[/quote]
Wow see that's a [b]Catholic[/b] school!!!!

That's awesome -maybe you'll venture to St. Louis MO soon.

[Nihil Obstat]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned:

Keep in mind that in the US, Catholic schools are all private schools. I got the impression from Ad's post that he has a 'seperate' school board, like we do in Alberta, where there is a Catholic school system that is publically funded. Effectively the same as a Catholic school.

Problems are probably more prevalent in this kind of system, unfortunately.

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='missionseeker' post='1856981' date='May 4 2009, 04:30 AM']I have nothing against the public school system (private) except the system itself. I don't think kids were designed to be at school for 8 hours a day. *I* rode the bus and was the first on and the last off. It made for a day from 6:30am-4:30 pm. I just think children were meant to be children, not mini-adults.[/quote]
I agree. That's one of the pulls for homeschooling, for me. I just found out there's a homeschooling group here, so I think I'll contact them and see about things.

[Resurrexi]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' post='1857120' date='May 4 2009, 12:09 AM']Sorry if this has already been mentioned:

Keep in mind that in the US, Catholic schools are all private schools. I got the impression from Ad's post that he has a 'seperate' school board, like we do in Alberta, where there is a Catholic school system that is publically funded. Effectively the same as a Catholic school.

Problems are probably more prevalent in this kind of system, unfortunately.[/quote]

Such as system would be less centralized in regards to the relationship between the school and the local Ordinary, would it not?

[missionseeker]

[quote name='Archaeology cat' post='1857287' date='May 4 2009, 01:30 AM']I agree. That's one of the pulls for homeschooling, for me. I just found out there's a homeschooling group here, so I think I'll contact them and see about things.[/quote]


it IS much easier with support. My mother actually found most of her online and that's a great resource too. Lots of blogs and phorums and lists for that kind of thing. (OH! and book swapping lists, those are helpful, too)

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='missionseeker' post='1857326' date='May 4 2009, 09:02 AM'] it IS much easier with support. My mother actually found most of her online and that's a great resource too. Lots of blogs and phorums and lists for that kind of thing. (OH! and book swapping lists, those are helpful, too) [/quote]
Our neighbour across the street is planning to homeschool, so she's giving me all the contact info for groups in the area. My aunt is still homeschooling her youngest, so I'm sure she can give some tips, too. DH isn't sold on the idea, because of the social aspect, and I admit that I can understand that. Of course, unless DH gets hired at a uni in this area, we'll move before my son is old enough for school, too. So much to think about.