The Problem with Catholic Schools

Blue for Mary

Catholic schools used to be one of the great foundations of education and evangelization across America.  However, since the 60s we have had two generations of Catholics who have not participated in Catholic education.  I remember my own education being extremely beneficial and formative in my faith.  I can’t say that it benefited all of my classmates, because many have left the faith.

What was once a cherished symbol of identity for a parish has now become a financial stigmata.

Recurring Problems

• Catholic schools are closing their doors and charter schools are opening inside the abandoned buildings.
• Enrollment has dropped significantly and what was once only partially funded by parishioners now has grown into a financial burden for parishes.
• Parents would rather send their children to public school because there is no visible advantage to sacrificing for a Catholic education.
• Graduates are abandoning the Catholic faith or graduate poorly catechized.
• Schools are breading grounds for gossip and ‘clicks’ of parents.  I would suggest also that a certain majority of parents of school children are not attending Mass regularly.  (This is a different issue that could be addressed further.)

Missionary Work

The Catholic Church advocates in Ad Gentes that schools are an excellent means of forming youth in the faith.

With special care, let them devote themselves to the education of children and young people by means of different kinds of schools, which should be considered not only as the most excellent means of forming and developing Christian youth, but also as a valuable
public service.  – Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church – Ad Gentes

The Church sees the value in our schools as forming young people in the Faith, but our schools unfortunately don’t see the mission of the Church.  (Before someone gets upset, I have seen plenty of great Orthodox Catholic schools.  Yes, they do exist, but the bad ones always steal all the attention.)

It is for this reason we need to change and reform the mission of our Catholic schools and display the advantage of attending Catholic schools

Areas of Improvement

1. Authentic Catholic Teaching – Determine if the Faith is properly being taught.
2. Develop Prayer and Devotional Life – Emphasize and cultivate the value of prayer through First Friday devotions, daily recitation of the Rosary, Daily Mass, Brown Scapular, Scripture Reading.
3. Parish Participation – Promote Sunday Mass attendance and evangelize to parents of students.
4. Witness to Jesus Christ – By teachers actions, schools environment, and leadership.
5. Pray for more areas of growth.  This list is limited.

Opportunities for Catholic School Growth

School

Yes, these suggestions are radical, but also traditional.  They would require an environment of sacrifice and change.  Yes we can.  Teachers and administrators would be asked to develop their own faith life in accordance with Catholic teaching.

Students formed in the Faith would have to be the number one goal of education.  Salvation through Jesus Christ must be a top priority.  Students who have a relationship with God will be open to learning more, because Jesus Christ is ‘Wisdom.”  God the Father is all knowing.  Scripture teaches to “Love one another.”

By advertising these advantages and changing the emphasis in our schools we will be fulfilling our mission as a Catholic school.
The Lord did not say, “Count my sheep.”  He said, “Feed my sheep.”

What do you think?

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