Big Bad Public Schools

Every parent wants what is best for their child. As a Catholic parent, that would include giving your child the best education and doing everything possible to ensure that they love Christ, the Church, and know the basic teachings. But there is a sad reality in the Catholic world.

This does not necessarily come from a Catholic school.

It pains me to say it… look at my bio and then look up the Salesian order. They are centered around education and the youth. While Catholic schools still have a reputation for a good education, faith is lacking in many.

I am not saying to avoid all Catholic schools. I am not saying to put your kids in a public school or to homeschool. But having experienced all three, here’s what I have to say:

First, when it comes to faith, not all Catholic schools are created equally. I know some where students really are taught according to the faith by people who believe. However, at my Catholic middle school, I had one teacher say women should be priests and another say the Bible does not say anything about homosexuality. Both were religion teachers. The later actually once told a fellow student that the miracles of Jesus could have been symbolic… that the blind man just could not see truth. Then there have been multiple controversies involving Georgetown, a traditionally Catholic school, inviting people who advocate for stances that are specifically against Catholic theology.

The second thing I’ve seen, and I have seen this internationally, is that there is a large apathy that seems to come with Catholic schools. I personally experienced it when I was in school and religion was just another class to get an A in. Many of the people I met in college went to good Catholic high schools, but few of them lived like it. I have seen several times where the family abandons their role in passing their faith to the child because they assume that they will get it in Catholic school. I have been told this is a real problem in Ireland, and contributes to the incredibly low Mass attendance in a traditionally Catholic country.

When it comes down to making a school decision to your child, public school may not be a good option in your area. Maybe they are not safe. Maybe they are hostile towards religion. Maybe there is not anything at the parishes in your area to supplement. But if you advocate for Catholic schools, keep them in check. Make sure your child is learning about what the church teaches by people who love Christ. If you can’t afford Catholic school, don’t be afraid. I went to public high school, but thanks to an amazing youth ministry program I went to a Catholic college with about as much knowledge as my Catholic school alum counterparts.