THE NEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Is This What We Want?

It used to be that parents' primary concern for their children's education centered on the teaching and learning of the Three R's: Reading, Riting, and 'Rithmetic. Parents, for the most part, were responsible for the teaching of morals and the disciplining of their children and teachers spent their days teaching. Things were simpler, everyone knew and did their job and took care of their responsibilities.

Not so any more. Teachers' job descriptions now include many of the traditional parenting jobs, as we relinquish more and more of our duties to our underpaid teachers. They are forced to spend great blocks of time daily trying to impose discipline and attempting to instill some sort of morals and ethics training into their students.

Added to these changes, we are all aware of the deluge of problems that fill our modern school system. Crime, socialist leaning curricula that is trickling down from the top, rampant drug usage, the dumbing down of the entire system and lower expectations, politics within the teachers union, overcrowding of classrooms, low teacher pay, nonexistent parent involvement…the list is endless. In this new century, the academic agendas and priorities have shifted ever so subtly and incrementally while we were sleeping. It is past time that we woke up.

These problems invading our school halls seem like the fulfillment of some diabolical plan that's aimed at the total destruction of our educational institutions. This erosion also seems to mirror the slippery slope many of us Catholics have been sliding down for the last 40 or so years. Little changes have taken place that apathy and ignorance on our part as parents and disciples have allowed and in which we've participated. We need to do what we can to staunch the flow of traditions and values out of the doors.

God tells us in Psalm 32:8 that we needn't fear being diligent in our duties, for He will provide us with the required wisdom to fulfill them. "I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you." Of course, this requires that we have the "eyes to see" and the willingness to be vigilant.

This brings me to the sticky subject of our parochial schools. There have been changes there that have not been for the better; namely in the religious education department. The recent huge increase in home schooling families attests to the existence of problems. Parents who are no longer willing to pay tuition and then have to reeducate their children on matters of faith are leaving the Catholic schools and turning to home teaching instead. The terrible influence of unruly, rude and worldly peers is also playing a part in the decisions of these parents.

Not all parochial schools are tossing out Tradition, but too many are. Here are some signs that may help you identify problems within your own parish school:

·    Are the children still required to attend school Mass on Fridays?
·    Does the teaching of the Sacraments as sanctioned by Rome still exist?
·    Have your Communion aged children been taught about the full meaning of the Eucharist (Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the True Presence), or is this Sacrament being pushed as a "community celebration" with "holy bread"?
·    Are the children encouraged to seek out Confession/reconciliation on a regular basis, or are they taught that they are too young at 8 and 9 to know the difference between right and wrong, and really don't have the ability to grasp what sin is?
·    Does the parish or school mandate First Communion before First Confession, in direct violation of repeated instructions from Rome to the contrary?
·    Do you as a parent feel free to express concerns about the religious education teachings to the staff and/or principal, or do you feel "locked out" of the process?
·    Do the children even know what Eucharistic Adoration is?
·    Has modern architecture relegated the Tabernacle to a side chapel or a locked room?
·    Are the children given a choice and instruction about receiving Communion on the tongue vs. in the hand? Are they made to feel funny/strange if they wish to do so?
·    Do the religion teachers have any credentials or certification other than a few hours of night seminars and classes? Do these teachers participate in ministries or even attend Mass?
·    Are your 4th and 5th graders being taught that "everything in the Bible is a parable and there really was no Adam and Eve"?
·    Are teachings on the lives of the saints, the rosary components, the idea of sacrifice, and the Stations of the Cross part of the plan?
·    Do you see constant changes in religious programs, and additions of new, proscribed liturgical practices such as "altar dancers"?

These are but a few questions you might want to ponder in order to assure that your children are receiving the correct religious instruction. There are good, traditional schools left, but they are fighting against a growing tide of modernistic movements. If you do see that the "new religion" has replaced the traditional one that was once taught via the Baltimore Catechism, be prepared for what lies ahead if you attempt to question or change it.

From experience, I know that in fighting the wrong or even heretical teachings, you will most likely be one of a very small number. Look for parental support, as there is power in numbers. A good place to find like-minded parents is in the different parish ministries such as rosary groups, Bible studies, and Catholic Daughters or Knights of Columbus groups. Scouting is another place I've found support. Parents who are involved in such work are usually more in tune with tradition. After the initial mandatory parent First Eucharist (Holy Communion) meeting, you should have a good idea of what is going on. (Although this year in our Catholic school, the parents are now given books to teach the children at home and do not have to attend meetings.)

You may also be informed that there are many waiting in line to take your place in the school should you decide to leave, so seeking out other parents who feel as you do may help give your voice more strength. It is also a good idea to document your thoughts, conversations with teachers and administrators, and even consider sending letters reiterating these meetings up the chain of command within your diocese and to your bishop.

Walking the line between obedience and fighting for what is right is tough. Do not forget to pray daily over these issues, and always keep the lines of communication open with your children. They will tell you what they are being taught…if you "have ears to hear". Strengthen yourself with reception of the Sacraments, and seek out a spiritual advisor if possible. All of this will help you in your pursuits for religious education excellence for your children. And keep you sense of humor. It's a powerful weapon. I couldn't help but laugh at an incident that occurred at school with one of my children. (Hey, it's better than crying!)

Angie Ledbetter
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