Consistancy and Catholic Education

I thought this article was pretty interesting: "When a Student Has Two Mommies". I had heard bits of this story from the news, and being a parent of Catholic school children, I found myself in a conundrum. I consider the job of education to be primarily my husband's and my responsibility, as JPII had taught in Familiaris Consortio. We have decided to add academic and spiritual education that a Catholic school brings. I wouldn't even see it as a partnership. I would say the school works for me. I allow them to educate my child in academics as well as Catholicism. Therefore, when I might see something that seems to violate my values or the values I am teaching my kids, I talk with the teachers, principal, or pull my child from that particular thing. That's my right. I am the parent. Thankfully, we live in a country that has choices. Some choose public. Some choose private. Some choose home schooling. This is the parent's choice. And that parent's choice of school should reflect similar values that are being taught in the home, so as to give a particular child consistency in their upbringing.

This news story got me perplexed, as to why these two mommies would want a Catholic education for their child, anyhoo? If truly schools and the parents are meant to work together in the best avenue for the education of the children, then the question must be raised.... Are these two mommies teaching the same as the child is learning at the school? Talk about confusing that kid. We all know our own example teaches more than words could ever do.

I love many things about the Catholic Church, the teachings of our popes, and so many other things, but I truly have always appreciated that the Church isn't always concerned with the politically correct stances. It won't sway with the passing breeze of what is 'PC' in our day and times. Because what was 'PC' a few years ago might not be in a few years from now. Our Church is the constant, because our God is constant.

So....help me out.....answer this for me: Why would these mommies want a Catholic education for their child, when it obviously contradicts their own lifestyle?

Comments

Barb Szyszkiewicz said…

I'm wondering the same thing. Do they want the Catholic education, even if they are not "walking the talk," are they looking for a private-school education at a less-premium price (I'm a Catholic-schooler and I know how often that happens), or are they trying to subvert the system?

My guess is that the answer is more likely B. In the case of that scenario, you have MANY parents who do not "walk the talk" or even care to try, but want the advantages of a non-public education.

May 27, 2010 at 5:49 PM

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