What is the attitude about alcohol consumption at your Catholic school?

[Anonymous]

We are new to Catholic school (high school) and really like it a lot. I am Protestant, and find myself attracted to many things about the Catholic faith. I have been surprised at the emphasis on alcohol consumption at parent events at our school - it seems many of these events revolve around alcohol or are marketed by emphasizing the availability of beer, wine, etc. The school has a strong written policy, of course, against under-age drinking, but it seems to openly celebrate alcohol consumption for adults. What is the atmosphere at your Catholic school and are you comfortable with it? Thanks...

[Anonymous]

Seriously? Jesus turned water into wine and holy communion involves wine consumption. Why are you surprised? Catholics aren't Mormons and the parents are adults.

[Anonymous]

You are uncomfortable that adults are being offered alcohol at adult events?

[Anonymous]

Oh wow. I am Catholic and my family serves alcohol at everything! It's not a party without alcohol. We don't send our kids to our church's school, but I am very aware that they're all huge drinkers. Comes with the territory!

[Anonymous]

All of the adults I know drink on a nightly basis. We are not Catholic. Adults drink a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are uncomfortable that adults are being offered alcohol at adult events?

I find myself feeling uncomfortable when I do not drink at these events and I feel uncomfortable at the way drinking ssometimes seems to be a primary focus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are uncomfortable that adults are being offered alcohol at adult events?

I find myself feeling uncomfortable when I do not drink at these events and I feel uncomfortable at the way drinking ssometimes seems to be a primary focus.

Then don't go. Or are you one of those people who expect the whole world to change around them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are new to Catholic school (high school) and really like it a lot. I am Protestant, and find myself attracted to many things about the Catholic faith. I have been surprised at the emphasis on alcohol consumption at parent events at our school - it seems many of these events revolve around alcohol or are marketed by emphasizing the availability of beer, wine, etc. The school has a strong written policy, of course, against under-age drinking, but it seems to openly celebrate alcohol consumption for adults. What is the atmosphere at your Catholic school and are you comfortable with it? Thanks...

I was raised Catholic. Most of the Catholics I was raised around were Irish or Italian. Both cultures are highly social and enjoy a drink or five. Had you never met a Catholic before your kid went to this school? I was enjoying the communion wine from about age 12!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are uncomfortable that adults are being offered alcohol at adult events?

I find myself feeling uncomfortable when I do not drink at these events and I feel uncomfortable at the way drinking ssometimes seems to be a primary focus.

I wonder if because you seem uncomfortable with alcohol you may think they are emphasizing it more than they actually are? If an invitation mentions that alcohol will be served I don't think that counts as making it the primary focus. In my view it's just descriptive, same as if an invite mentioned that heavy appetizers would be served.

[Anonymous]

OP -- Think a little. What is the actual object of your query? Are you seeking sympathy/support? Advice on how to politely refuse an alcoholic beverage? The name of a Catholic high school where the ambience might be more to your liking? Intellectual curiosity?

I do not mean to sound hostile/skeptical; I am Protestant and my DC attended Catholic school for a time.

[Anonymous]

I would be far more concerned with the amount of drinking that goes on amongst the students...

[Anonymous]

During which evens are they serving alcohol that you think other schools do not serve alcohol?

Is there alcohol at parent teacher conferences?

[Anonymous]

Some Catholics drink a lot. Just go to church/ religious education on Sunday morning and smell some of the parents. But I don't think anyone would care too much that you don't drink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I find myself feeling uncomfortable when I do not drink at these events and I feel uncomfortable at the way drinking ssometimes seems to be a primary focus.

Then don't go. Or are you one of those people who expect the whole world to change around them?

Don't be ridiculous. S/he's not asking them to change. S/he's asking if this is the norm.

[Anonymous]

Nobody drinks like Episcopalians. We have the bishops in jail to prove it. So stay at the Catholic school.