by Brandon Jubar

Catholic Schools Get Nasty: Part II

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about my belief that our Catholic schools are a good place to teach our children about the less savory things in life. If you missed it, here's the link:
<http://www.parishwebmaster.com/archives/ezine/ezine_20020609.htm>

In a nutshell, I would rather have my kids learn about some of the nasty things while in a Christian environment. Apparently, a lot of you agreed with me.

Carol Hunt wrote:

"If our children are going to survive in this wild world, they need to know and understand the Christian thinking about the nasty stuff. If we -- schools and parents -- do not teach them, believe me, the world will...

"Let's face it, today's youth hear and listen to more nasty stuff than we want to believe they do. Let's give them the good foundation to think, speak and respond to the nasty stuff so they can survive with it all around them in the work place, school, the home, [the neighborhood, and in the media]."

Though Carol agrees that our Catholic schools are excellent places to address some of life's nasty stuff, she goes on to explain that it is NOT a responsibility we can completely hand-off to the schools:

"If we accept the gift of having a child, then we must also accept the responsibility of caring for that child and teaching the way to survive in this world [especially by example]. Our Lord makes all [parents] accountable for these treasures that He gives us. And in the end, our children will make a difference in one direction or the other because of us.

"It is the parents' example -- the way they lead and demonstrate their lives and beliefs -- that will make the greatest impression on our children's thinking and values. Let us not give our parental responsibility or accountability to our schools, but be a partner with schools to assure a well-rounded perspective on the questions and dilemmas our children will face and need to answer.

"We and our children need not hide from the nasty things of this world. [Instead, we should] learn how to attend to them as Christians. Isn't that the majority of the lessons Jesus taught us in the New Testament?"

And here's what a teacher from a Catholic school had to say:

"Amen, Brandon!

"As a teacher in our Catholic School, I agree with you wholeheartedly! Children are not naive and they pick up things very quickly, whether we shield them or not. I would prefer to bring the Christian aspect into the 'nasty things' so that they can see why certain things are not acceptable rather than have them find out for themselves [through experimentation].

"Besides, if we shield them from the nasty stuff, then how will they know when to report what is nasty? They may keep it hidden for years -- as we are finding out in present-day situations. We need to give our kids some credit and know that our upbringing of them is Christian and thought provoking and will lead them to a greater understanding of, and a deeper concern for, their fellow human beings."

Thanks for the comments. I couldn't have said it better myself!

Peace,
~Brandon

Sound off! Tell me what you think!
bjubar@ParishWebmaster.com

Copyright 2002 by Brandon Jubar
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