Send your kids to a catholic school??

This is mainly for the people that are baptist, though anyone is welcome to answer, please tell me what denomination you are when you reply

Just wondering how you would feel about it, if you are baptist and DO go to church every week, but can't send them to the christian college which is non denominational. And you could only choose between the catholic school or the public school which is close to triple the size of the catholic school, and do want to send them to a religious school? The public school having a fantastic reputation, just absolutely huge.

Thanks

My parents, Uniting Church goers when we where little, choose to send us to Catholic High schools.

I would certainly consider sending my daughter to a Catholic as well, even though I have had her christened in a Uniting Church.

I'm an Anglican, and I'd consider a Catholic school. DH is Churches of Christ, and I think he'd have more issue with it (but I think he was raised in a fairly intolerant environment where Catholics weren't considered to be really Christian).

I'd have some reservations, but I figure I'd be in a good position to explain things and to explain why I disagree with the things that I do, and that overall it might still be better than being in a secular environment.

Hi!

I am a baptist but I used to teach in a catholic school (teaching agriculture so nothing to do with the religious side of things). I would not personally send my child to a catholic school as I think you would need to support the ethos of the school which I would have trouble doing.

All the best with your decision

Nala05

Thanks for the replies, hopefully there will be some more opinions on the subject

Mum said today I should see if the public school have RE. Thats a thought! I didnt think they still did RE in schools. It would make me consider the public one some more.

Its not that Im worried my dd wont learn about it, because she already is, but more the fact that ALL the kids in the school are being taught a bit more about the values etc. I tend to think those schools are more disciplined and teach more about the values that all kids should have.... Correct me if I'm wrong there.

I was brought up in a Presbyterian/Uniting Church, but attended a Baptist church from teenage years until adult hood.

I personally would not send my child to a Catholic school as I am Protestant, and feel some theology differs quite a bit.

Can I just ask why you can't send your child to a non-denominational Christian school or somewhere like an Anglican school?

One of the schools we have in mind for our son in the future is a non-denominational Christian school..

The main reason is the cost, its alot more expensive than the catholic school, secondly there is also a waiting list for the year after next, so no way we could get in next year, I didnt really give it any thought untill this year, was always planning to send her to the big public school because of its reputation, its only the size thats put me off really, plus we have only moved here 12 months ago, so its not something I thought about before that anyway.

I was brought up in a Baptist Church and now go to a non-denominational church and that would be a hard choice for me... I think I would lean towards the public because I would rather my children learn nothing about religion at school than be surrounded by things I dont really agree with... I think... But I dont know for sure what I would do.
All the best with the decision!

OP I think some of the teaching/culture might be a bit confronting for a Baptist. I'm UCA but attended Baptist Sunday school as a child and teenager. I've also taught in a Catholic school and there were sometimes Baptist teachers on staff.

Catholic schools are not all the same. You need to investigate the ethos of the order that is/was responsible for the school. Is it Josephite, de lla Salle, Christian Brothers etc? Even if the staff are mostly lay, the ethos of the school will owe a lot to the founders.

Personally, if I were you I would go with the state school since it has a good reputation.

I'm Jewish. I would not send my kids to a Catholic school. I would not want them to disrespect their teachers/classmates' beliefs but I don't agree with the ethos.

If the public school in the area was solid I would probably send them there. Or I would try to find a Jewish school (not easy everywhere).

On the other hand, the issues might be less confronting in the context of already believing in Heaven/Hell and Jesus and so on in your case.

I am Baptist and have worked in a Catholic school and I wouldn't send my children there. There are signficant doctrinal differences which I don't think make a difference to whether you're a Christian or not, but I would find it difficult to reconcile them with my children.

I am Catholic.

I think you should consider that most Catholic schools send the kids to Mass weekly during school hours. The baptists I know would not be comfortable with that. When I was a child we also did some preparation for the sacraments at school; penance, confirmation, communion etc. These are areas where there are pretty big theological differences between Catholics and Baptists. On the other hand, speaking as a Catholic I can't say I find Catholic primary schools to be very 'hard core' Catholic when it comes to doctrine etc., and I outright disagree with the 'religious' teaching in most Catholic High Schools, not very Catholic IME.

Good luck with your decision. I hope you find the right school for your family.

I have very similar beliefs, I would send my child, but be prepared for questions about why it is different, so educate yourself about what they will learn and find a way to explain it when it comes up.

.

I am baptist. I wouldn't send my child to a catholic school as there is significant conflict in religious beliefs to me.

I'm Anglican and I would choose a large public school over a catholic school even if it was smaller.

How huge is huge? In my area there are schools with 8 classes in a grade is it that huge?

Is it only the size of the public school that you don't like?

In NSW public schools the kids have scripture which is optional once a week.

depends on the schools in the area and if the catholic school was the best school for your child.

Our children attended a kindy that was 7th day adventists, and we attend a penecostal church. So we believe in the same God but SDA do have other beliefs such as the Saturday is the sabbath and they are vegetrians. And we thought baout sending themt o the primary school, but found the local primary school had better facilites, and thinsg to offer.

So to answer your question if it was a good school l would.

While I don't label myself by a denomination, we attend a Baptist church and support the Baptist beliefs... My DD goes to a non-denominational (but mostly Baptist run) Christian school.

My decision about a Catholic school would depend on the other options in the area, but most likely I wouldn't send my children there because the theology is just too different. In saying that, if the choice is between that and a public school, I'd really have to think about it first, as either way there will be conflict with your own beliefs.

I think ultimately, if the only choice was Catholic or public school I'd probably choose public unless it was a really bad school. I think explaining that many people don't believe in God/Christ is easier than trying to explain the differences between the things Catholics believe, and what we believe. I think that would get confusing because so much would seem similar and then there would be subtle differences - but those differences matter to me.

But I'm not sure to be honest - and very thankful I don't have to make that decision!

I guess my advice would be to treat it as you would treat any school that differs to your beliefs - and decide how comfortable you are with them being taught those differences.

I was raised Baptist and recently did a teaching prac at a catholic school. One interesting thing that I noted was that they view sins as a deliberate turning away from god. I'm an atheist but that weirded me out. I don't like the idea that kids are being taught that. I much prefer the whole 'everyone sins and that's ok as long as you seek forgiveness' approach that we were raised with.

They were also taught a whole lot of rote prayers which I'm not really in favour of either. I would prefer my child to be praying from the heart (to whichever god they think is appropriate) than listening to a bunch of 5 year olds chant 'Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death'

For starters, it means very little to them and secondly I don't want it drilled into them that they need to be thinking about the hour of their death. That's ridiculous IMO.

I dunno, that's a tough one. I don't think sin is ever 'ok' - and biblically sin is when we deliberately turn away from God. That's a fairly standard Christian view of sin. And it's never ok - Paul says in the bible, 'Well since I'm forgiven can I just go on sinning? No of course not.' But yes although we are sinners, we are forgiven... and loved irrespective.

Anyhoo sorry, off topic but the notion that sin is a deliberate turning away from God is not unique to Catholics - it's the standard belief in most evangelical Christian churches. Sin is rejection of God, and we all do it. I would never teach my kids that it's ok.... But I will teach them that when they make mistakes they are still loved and forgiven.

Fair enough. We went to several different churches and we were never told about it being a deliberate act of spite. It was a mistake or a lapse in judgement and you regretted it and aimed to never do it again and sought forgiveness and it was all good. It's ok in the sense that everyone does it and as long as you try your best then that's all you can do

I certainly would have major concerns about my kids being told that they were turning their back on god by making mistakes (according to the specifics of the various religions). My DD1 is a highly strung kid and she would be really stressed by that.

I am catholic and my children go to a catholic school. I was chatting to one of the mum's the other day and she is muslim. She said that there is no muslim school in our area and she wanted her children to go to a school that values religion, and that she was happy to teach the children the differences and similiarities between the muslim and catholic faiths.

Probably a little of topic but after reading the replies so far I am really interested what the huge difference(s) are between the Baptist and Catholic doctrine that PP's are concerned with?

I am Uniting Church and DH is Catholic and we will hopefully be sending DD and DS to a Lutheran school.

Issues with Mariolatry aside, I think there's a place for both. Prayer from the heart is important, but it's also true that being taught some things by rote can provide valuable input into your thinking and shape your growth in faith. (There's a saying that "Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi" which translates loosely as, "As you pray, so you believe and live.") That's a big part of why so many churches have set prayers and liturgies; because they're formative. It's also part of being a community of faith - not just I alone before God, but we together, and many people find that hugely valuable.

liveworkplay, I can't answer your question from the point of view of a Baptist, but as an Anglican I would have issues with Catholic views on authority and hierarchy; with some particular devotional practices, particularly adoration of the Sacrament and seeking the intercession of the saints; with their clericalism and exclusion of women from full equality. There are probably other things but those are my main bug bears!

It's not quite as harsh sounding as you make it sound. My children are taught that sometimes we make choices that aren't the choices God would have us make.... God loves us and forgives us ... and we can ask Him to help us make better choices...

At their age, that's about it. It's hardly teaching them hellfire and damnation or doom and gloom.

Ange Vert, Thanks. I also have issue with a lot of the Catholic Church's edicts but there is a big difference between the Churches official line and what is taught at catholic school. Religous education in modern catholic schools (well at least the ones I have been in) is a much more practical subject about living your life as a good person. There is a huge emphisis on social justice. Indoctrination of catholic teaching is left up to the parents and parish priest. Even school masses focus on living the gospel, which are the same messages regardless of what flavour of christianity you come from.

I find this part of the forum interesting as to peoples perceived ideas on others religious beliefs and as an insite into some I havent come across

FWIW, the Anglican Primary my kids went to had Chapel 2 mornings a week and class prayers on the other mornings plus compuslory Term Services. The Anglican High school had 1 Chapel service per week, but morning prayers, Bible study every morning at Roll call/ House Tutor periods plus Christian Studies every week.

My kids are at catholic school and have a class mass once a term and a school mass twice a year (it is a parish school) They say a pray every morning and thats it for formal religious observence.

The two schools I work at (one a catholic high school, one a catholic middle school) have had mass twice this term for the high school and chapel once for the middle school.

There are a lot of differences, but the main ones to me are the Catholic worship of Mary (often a higher worship than Christ), and Catholic non-belief in adult baptism, which I believe is an important command by Christ. I guess I also have a problem with the Catholic church wealth.

I am really not an expert at all on the differences, but I just know the ones that matter personally to me.

I'm sorry you found this meaningless. This prayer means a great deal to Catholics and there are many, many people throughout the world who say these words with absolute sincerity and completely "from the heart". Perhaps it wasn't being taught very well - that happens.

OP I'm Catholic and would choose a state school if a Catholic school wasn't an option. The onus would be on me to teach religion at home, but I'd be doing that anyway. I would prefer that my daughter didn't attend an Anglican (or whatever) school, mainly because I'd be worried that not participating fully (for example, she wouldn't be able to have communion with her classmates) would be difficult for her.

Anglicans can't take Communion before they are Confirmed at no younger than 13, so in High School. Confirmation classes are taught outside school hours and are optional. While DH & I are Confirmed, our Kids have not yet decided to make that step. Communion was not part of Chapel or Term Services.

If that's really your concern, I don't think you need worry. I went to an Anglican high school, and there were a significant number of us who didn't take communion for various reasons (eg. I wasn't baptised at that time). I don't think it would be difficult at all, and in fact there'd likely be other Catholics for her to share with. Certainly there were in my class.

Thanks BethE,

Catholics certainly do not "worship" Mary and certainly not above Christ. She is venerated though, and asked to intercede (thx anon60 ) as the mother of Jesus.

Catholics certainly do believe in adult baptism and, interestingly, Holy Week (easter) is when the most important adult baptism rituals are held

"Intercede"

I think the implication was that Catholics, by their practice of infant baptism, had a different understanding of baptism to those denominations who only practice believer's baptism, and one which the PP doesn't share.

If the view of your church is anti/disparaging of Catholicism then NO do not send your children to a Catholic school.

My friend sends her child to Catholic school (her husband is Catholic) and having been raised in a mildly 'fundy' Protestant church she is finding it rather uncomfortable.

I didn't mean the meaningless as it sounded. I meant that to a bunch of 5 year olds, reciting the words (most of which they didn't really understand) before they're allowed to go out to recess makes it meaningless. They didn't know what it meant, they just wanted to say it as fast as they could to get out and have a run around.

My only experience of the catholic church was on my 5 week prac in a catholic school so I only know how that particular school teaches it. As such, my kids are going to a different school despite that school's otherwise good reputation.

I'm not Baptist... I go to an Anglican church but grew up in the Uniting Church... If asked I refer to myself as Christian and sometimes add 'of the Protestant variety' if such clarification is needed...

Nope. I wouldn't send my child to a Catholic school unless the local public school was really really bad... having said that, I don't really plan on sending my child to a religious school of any other denomination either unless our local public one is for some reason unsuitable... I prefer my kids to go to school locally during the primary years, but I fortunately live in an area where there are a few options, so if the local public isn't so good, I'll try for the little Baptist school up the road which I have heard is very good...

The way I see it, I don't as a Protestant agree with Catholic theology and I think it would be confusing for a primary aged child to be too exposed to Catholic theology... In a public school they will come across a range of different religions and beliefs but I think it's easier to explain to a child of primary age the differences between religions than the intricacies of different Christian theologies, if that makes sense... On the whole, I'm not afraid to send my child to a non religious school anyway. I believe she has to learn to live in this world as it is and to test her faith in that world. I have faith that God will hold her close to him and that no influences in the public school system can harm her because He is protecting her. I also have a lot of confidence in the teaching at my church which has seen many children grow from babies into adults strong in their faith despite not attending religious schools... I may very well change my mind if reality proves to be different... But having grown up as probably the only Christian in my public school class and then watched friends go through 13 years of Christian schooling I know very well that a Christian school does not always produce Christian students and that it's perfectly possible to grow up Christian in a secular school environment...

My Sister is Baptist and her Husband is Catholic.
Their children go to a Catholic school.

I was raised Church of Christ, but now identify with the Lutheran faith, and my Youngest 3 children are attending a Catholic School.

The school is absolutly beautiful, the way the children interact with each other and the staff genuinly care about the children there. It is run under the banner of the sisters of Mercy.... I'm not generally familiar with the different sectors of Catholicism, But I am very happy with the school.

I do have issue with the Catholic Faith with the Church wealth as mentioned above, and the brutal history regarding Nuns and Priests, if I am honest... But that said, I love the school and I continue our teachings at home and it gives the kids another way to look at religion other than just being fed what "I" believe.

I'm Catholic, but if I were Baptist, I would not send my child to a Catholic school.

Catholicism is actually quite diabolical if you don't agree with some of the central parts of the faith. Take the sacrament of Holy Communion. Catholics believe that the bread and wine really becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. We worship Him 'in' the Bread and Wine. We commune with Him and each other, by consuming his Body. If you don't agree that the bread and wine really has changed to the Body and Blood of Christ, then, essentially, every person in that church is committing the sin of idolatry.

Also, something that is important to Baptists is the concept of adult baptism (infant baptisms being invalid). Most of the Catholics at that school will have been baptised as infants and won't be re-baptised as adults. Baptists believe that adult baptism is necessary for salvation. The consequences for this are pretty huge.

It might be a nice idea, and probably at the school-level, the religious education and ethos will be fairly benign, but if you are serious about being a Baptist, then I think it would be hard to reconcile that with your children, if they go to school with people who are worshipping bits of bread and wine as though it is God.

Also, just as an aside, Catholics don't worship Mary as though she were God. We ask her to intercede for us, just as we would ask a person here on earth to intercede for us in prayer.