One of the Herald’s chaplains answers your questions
We were delighted when our son Tom was offered a place at our local Catholic academy school. It is over-subscribed, with an excellent academic reputation. However, we are surprised that it seems far less Catholic than his primary school. Mass and prayers don’t seem to feature. Tom says many of his teachers disagree with Church teachings. We signed him up for the school trip to Rome, but have just been told that they won’t be taken to Mass on the Sunday. Should we raise this with the head? This is important to us, but we don’t want to cause trouble for Tom.
When normal Catholic life was re-established in England and Wales in the mid-19th century, the Church was clear that nothing was more important than the provision of Catholic schools. Churches could wait. A well-formed people knowing the love of God, the mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Church, and the access to the life of grace provided by the sacraments is crucial. Catholic children were to be taught by Catholic teachers in Catholic schools.
Our forebears made extraordinary sacrifices to found and protect Catholic schools. Those schools continue to enjoy excellent reputations for academic results, inclusivity and pastoral care. As you have discovered, however, particularly in secondary schools, there is not always the same emphasis on Catholic doctrine and practice.
While it can be extremely difficult to find practising Catholics to occupy teaching and senior leadership positions, it is enormously damaging when a child finds that the majority of staff and pupils at a Catholic secondary school are non-practising and possibly cynical about the faith. Parents should consider a Catholic education for their children, but this will involve some research as to how Catholic the school is in practice.
As parents, you are the primary educators of your child. Your priority is the faith life of your child. There can be circumstances in which it is more beneficial to send your child to a non-Catholic school. At least there they know they are different from their peers and often that difference can find greater acceptance.
You are quite correct to recognise that Sunday Mass should be the highlight of our week – hence the obligation placed upon Catholics, which we discussed last month. We know this is not an absolute obligation. Were the school taking an expedition trekking across the Gobi Desert or in the depths of the Amazon jungle, then attending Sunday Mass might not be practically possible. Even still, we would expect them to observe the Lord’s Day with a period of prayer and reflection.
No one can tell us, however, that attending Sunday Mass in Rome is remotely onerous. If the visit is during term time, it would be wonderful to attend Mass at the English College in the heart of historic Rome, to learn something about its martyrs, and to see the candidates in formation for priesthood. Alternatively, the children could attend Mass at the Vatican or any number of other historic basilicas and churches across the Eternal City.
Your concern not to cause trouble for Tom is understandable; yet this is important. The subject should be raised, as there will be other parents wondering why there is no provision for Mass. Start by gently asking Tom’s form tutor, or the teacher leading the trip, what the situation is and whether changes can be made to allow the children to attend Mass. Possibly, this has simply been an oversight and Sunday Mass will be included once you point this out.
If your concern is not addressed at this level, then you may wish to approach a member of the senior leadership team or the school chaplain. Without giving the appearance of leading a campaign, you may wish to involve other parents who share your unease.
Do not be embarrassed about raising the issue. Of course, Sunday Mass should have been a priority, especially on a pilgrimage to Rome, but schools operate under enormous pressure and can overlook matters.
Courteously pointing out the importance of Sunday Mass can bring others to appreciate what they had previously not fully understood. They may be willing to make changes when they realise how important this is to Catholic parents. They may even adjust their own attitudes and practice.
If you encounter a complete unwillingness to accommodate the basic practice of the faith, you have two options. Having taken all the steps open to you, you can’t be blamed for allowing Tom to go on the trip. In future, no doubt, you will be wary as to the nature of the Catholic education provided by the school and may consider whether better provision could be made elsewhere.
Alternatively, although difficult, you could explain to Tom why you think it better for him not to join this trip. Perhaps in the future the family could make a pilgrimage to Rome, participating fully in the Catholic life there. It is not an easy decision, but is entirely a matter for you as Tom’s parents.
Well done for taking so seriously and faithfully the promise you made at Tom’s baptism to raise him in the practice of the faith. God bless you.
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