THE REASON FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

 

THE REASON FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

            We are blessed in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with a long tradition of Catholic schools.  One of the founders of the Catholic school system in the United States is Saint John Neumann, the fourth bishop of Philadelphia (d. 1860).  He established many schools for thousands of students during his episcopate.  He thought it necessary to establish them to protect the faith of Catholic children, who belonged to a religious minority whose beliefs were often vilified by Protestants.  Their faith was challenged in public schools by direct and indirect attacks.  Since the most important thing which a child must learn is how to love God, and how to be loved by Him, it was deemed essential by Bishop Neumann, his pastors and the laity that the children of Catholic parents be educated in an environment that would support their beliefs, rather than contradict them.  I believe this to still be true today. 

            Saint John Neumann was motivated by more than the need to assure a fair education for Catholic boys and girls.  On St. John’s feast day ten years ago Archbishop Chaput wrote in Catholicphilly.com that he believed that the purpose of Catholic schools “was the building up of the Church, the salvation of souls, the ennobling of young minds and the conversion of American culture.” The Archbishop noted that “In some ways our situation is much more difficult,” and for this reason “the goal of Catholic education remains the same.”  It is more difficult today because of the practical atheism that prevails in our culture.  The absence of a sense of duty and obedience towards God has had a devastating effect on public virtue.      

            Worry about public education by Christian parents and others today is driven in part by woke-, race- and gender-based ideologies which are being taught in classrooms.  These often contradict the moral values of parents.  But even before the rise of these new movements, public education in many places posed challenges.  I know this from my personal experience as a student in public school.  For example, in my school the history of Western Christianity was presented in an unbalanced and negative way.  In science class Darwinian evolution was taught as fact and not theory, and Creationism was ignored.  In health class sex between teenagers was presented as okay as long as pregnancy and venereal disease were avoided.  Also very damaging to teenage sobriety was the teaching about illegal substances.  They were presented from a value-neutral point of view and only made us students more curious about them.    

            As we begin Catholic Schools Week my purpose is not to condemn public education.  There are many fine public schools.   Although mine was not perfect I am grateful for the education I received.  I am also grateful as a pastor and a citizen to the many dedicated and hardworking teachers and administrators in public, private and parochial schools.  They should be admired and respected.  Parents, please give teachers the benefit of the doubt, especially in matters of discipline, for they deserve it.  Parents who teach their children to honor and obey their teachers, and refrain from criticizing them in their hearing, go a long way in forming their children to show respect towards others.    

            One of the best means of supporting your children’s education is to be involved in school activities and events.  Your children will pick up how important their education is to you when you review their textbooks, help with their homework, and ask them questions about what they are learning.  God has made you the first teachers of your children.  You are the most responsible for their education, especially in matters of religion and morality.  While giving the benefit of the doubt to professional educators on academic subjects, I believe that it is important for parents to exercise their rights as the first educators of their children.  They have the right to demand honest transparency in the curriculum and to be aware of the school’s guiding philosophy of education.

            With Archbishop Nelson Pérez I believe that it is important for Catholic parents to have the opportunity to choose a Catholic school for their children.  It is a great consolation to me that our parish provides this opportunity.  While religion is only one of the many subjects covered each day at ABVM School, the environment in which the children learn is intentionally Christian.  God is welcome in our classrooms.  Our philosophy emphasizes excellent academics, the teaching of the Catholic faith, and formation in Christian character.  We are not perfect, but with God’s help we strive to model and live the Golden Rule Jesus gave all of us – to love one’s neighbor as oneself.  For the good of the Church, for our children, and for the world, please pray for the continued success of Catholic schools.