Going to a Catholic school if you're not Catholic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a non-Catholic family in our second year at a Catholic k-8. The kids have religion class and they go to Mass on Fridays. There are prayers during the day. We've never felt any pressure or weirdness from families that are members of the parish. There are many other kids at the school that aren't Catholic, so they all learn from each other. We've taught them to approach religion class like any other subject and it's taught them a lot about critical thinking and free speech. They've also blossomed since we left MCPS, so it's definitely been a trade-off that's well worth it.

Can I ask how you feel about having a child that you do not raise Catholic nor take part in the Catholic faith yourself reciting Catholic prayers daily?
And taking part in a religious mass? I disagree that learning and practicing a religion is like math class.

I can’t imagine sending my kids to an Arabic school and having them face the sun, bow and pray, any more than I would wrap a Sheihk turban on their head and tell them “it’s just a hat”

DP: They are observing the faith in practice, not practicing it. They are learning about it, and maybe one day it will become their faith, just as the Catholics kids are learning about it and may one day abandon it.

The non-Catholic P here. Exactly what the DP above said. We talk about their experiences every day. They know that we don't believe in Catholicism but we need to respect that lots of other people do. My partner was raised Catholic and HATES the church, but he sees the value the kids get from their school and he rolls with it. And Mass is actually a really good way for kids to learn how to be quiet and sit still for an hour. One DD enjoys the homilies because they're "good stories."

And respectfully, an Islamic hijab or a Sikh dastar is not a Sheikh turban.

I disagree. They are going to mass. They are saying prayers. These are the very foundations of the Catholic faith and not for show, or to say without meaning it, like you are reciting a poem. It’s completely disrespectful to me and though the example of praying with Muslims or wearing a Sikh distar was glossed over, it’s no different than sending a child into Catholic mass/school though nobody would send their child to a Muslim school in a hijab and say “oh it’s just a pretty dress, free speech!” and not be deemed incredibly offensive, nor wearing a Sikh dastar and saying it’s a hat. A plaid skirt and blouse is a more acceptable wear, that’s it. But that’s exactly what you are doing.

Especially when families who truly believe are offsetting your child’s tuition with their support of the church.

I'm sorry, but you are just not understanding. Think of a non-Catholic guest at a Catholic wedding. They participate, may read the prayers, may sing the songs, but they aren't becoming Catholic, and they won't take Communion. But they are welcome guests, not disrespectful interlopers, and they are learning something through their participation and observation. Similarly, non-Catholic children are welcome at Catholic schools. They are not "being Catholic" anymore than the guest at the wedding, and their participation also is not disrespectful.

You seem to feel that Catholic school should be reserved for Catholic children only. You are entitled to your opinion; but the Church and its schools disagree with you, which is why they admit non-Catholic students to the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What grade OP?

Kindergarten.

Then yes, the school will focus on doctrine and there will be a lot of Catholic teaching and practices in the day to day.

[Anonymous]

Just know that there are many schools that bus the 8th graders to the March for Life in DC every year. The kids are taught that abortion is a sin (which it is by the way) and that the laws need to change. If you are not comfortable with that, keep walking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just know that there are many schools that bus the 8th graders to the March for Life in DC every year. The kids are taught that abortion is a sin (which it is by the way) and that the laws need to change. If you are not comfortable with that, keep walking.

Many schools do have students attend the March, but in our school it's voluntary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just know that there are many schools that bus the 8th graders to the March for Life in DC every year. The kids are taught that abortion is a sin (which it is by the way) and that the laws need to change. If you are not comfortable with that, keep walking.

Many schools do have students attend the March, but in our school it's voluntary.

I think a whopping six kids from our school attended.

[Anonymous]

I used to teach in a Catholic elementary school, and I didn't expect my Protestant or Mormon students to recite specifically Catholic prayers. They were expected to stand with others when it was time to pray, but I never received any pushback on this.

They were given a choice whether they wanted to kneel at mass or not. In general, I just wanted to make them feel welcome and emphasize what we had in common. They were great kids and loved by their classmates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just know that there are many schools that bus the 8th graders to the March for Life in DC every year. The kids are taught that abortion is a sin (which it is by the way) and that the laws need to change. If you are not comfortable with that, keep walking.

Many schools do have students attend the March, but in our school it's voluntary.

I think a whopping six kids from our school attended.

Well in our school, the entire class attended. And a couple from even lower grades went with their parents. It is a very strong culture in some of these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a non-Catholic family in our second year at a Catholic k-8. The kids have religion class and they go to Mass on Fridays. There are prayers during the day. We've never felt any pressure or weirdness from families that are members of the parish. There are many other kids at the school that aren't Catholic, so they all learn from each other. We've taught them to approach religion class like any other subject and it's taught them a lot about critical thinking and free speech. They've also blossomed since we left MCPS, so it's definitely been a trade-off that's well worth it.

Can I ask how you feel about having a child that you do not raise Catholic nor take part in the Catholic faith yourself reciting Catholic prayers daily?
And taking part in a religious mass? I disagree that learning and practicing a religion is like math class.

I can’t imagine sending my kids to an Arabic school and having them face the sun, bow and pray, any more than I would wrap a Sheihk turban on their head and tell them “it’s just a hat”

DP: They are observing the faith in practice, not practicing it. They are learning about it, and maybe one day it will become their faith, just as the Catholics kids are learning about it and may one day abandon it.

The non-Catholic P here. Exactly what the DP above said. We talk about their experiences every day. They know that we don't believe in Catholicism but we need to respect that lots of other people do. My partner was raised Catholic and HATES the church, but he sees the value the kids get from their school and he rolls with it. And Mass is actually a really good way for kids to learn how to be quiet and sit still for an hour. One DD enjoys the homilies because they're "good stories."

And respectfully, an Islamic hijab or a Sikh dastar is not a Sheikh turban.

I disagree. They are going to mass. They are saying prayers. These are the very foundations of the Catholic faith and not for show, or to say without meaning it, like you are reciting a poem. It’s completely disrespectful to me and though the example of praying with Muslims or wearing a Sikh distar was glossed over, it’s no different than sending a child into Catholic mass/school though nobody would send their child to a Muslim school in a hijab and say “oh it’s just a pretty dress, free speech!” and not be deemed incredibly offensive, nor wearing a Sikh dastar and saying it’s a hat. A plaid skirt and blouse is a more acceptable wear, that’s it. But that’s exactly what you are doing.

Especially when families who truly believe are offsetting your child’s tuition with their support of the church.

I'm sorry, but you are just not understanding. Think of a non-Catholic guest at a Catholic wedding. They participate, may read the prayers, may sing the songs, but they aren't becoming Catholic, and they won't take Communion. But they are welcome guests, not disrespectful interlopers, and they are learning something through their participation and observation. Similarly, non-Catholic children are welcome at Catholic schools. They are not "being Catholic" anymore than the guest at the wedding, and their participation also is not disrespectful.

You seem to feel that Catholic school should be reserved for Catholic children only. You are entitled to your opinion; but the Church and its schools disagree with you, which is why they admit non-Catholic students to the schools.

You are attempting to conflate attending a Catholic wedding as a guest with attending a Catholic school?
Wow, you must reeaaaallly need that private school badge without the funds to attend a real private school not paid for in part by actual Catholics. You keep digging deeper and deeper holes for yourself PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a non-Catholic family in our second year at a Catholic k-8. The kids have religion class and they go to Mass on Fridays. There are prayers during the day. We've never felt any pressure or weirdness from families that are members of the parish. There are many other kids at the school that aren't Catholic, so they all learn from each other. We've taught them to approach religion class like any other subject and it's taught them a lot about critical thinking and free speech. They've also blossomed since we left MCPS, so it's definitely been a trade-off that's well worth it.

Can I ask how you feel about having a child that you do not raise Catholic nor take part in the Catholic faith yourself reciting Catholic prayers daily?
And taking part in a religious mass? I disagree that learning and practicing a religion is like math class.

I can’t imagine sending my kids to an Arabic school and having them face the sun, bow and pray, any more than I would wrap a Sheihk turban on their head and tell them “it’s just a hat”

DP: They are observing the faith in practice, not practicing it. They are learning about it, and maybe one day it will become their faith, just as the Catholics kids are learning about it and may one day abandon it.

The non-Catholic P here. Exactly what the DP above said. We talk about their experiences every day. They know that we don't believe in Catholicism but we need to respect that lots of other people do. My partner was raised Catholic and HATES the church, but he sees the value the kids get from their school and he rolls with it. And Mass is actually a really good way for kids to learn how to be quiet and sit still for an hour. One DD enjoys the homilies because they're "good stories."

And respectfully, an Islamic hijab or a Sikh dastar is not a Sheikh turban.

I disagree. They are going to mass. They are saying prayers. These are the very foundations of the Catholic faith and not for show, or to say without meaning it, like you are reciting a poem. It’s completely disrespectful to me and though the example of praying with Muslims or wearing a Sikh distar was glossed over, it’s no different than sending a child into Catholic mass/school though nobody would send their child to a Muslim school in a hijab and say “oh it’s just a pretty dress, free speech!” and not be deemed incredibly offensive, nor wearing a Sikh dastar and saying it’s a hat. A plaid skirt and blouse is a more acceptable wear, that’s it. But that’s exactly what you are doing.

Especially when families who truly believe are offsetting your child’s tuition with their support of the church.

I am a PP who feels this family would be welcomed at our K-8. Also, in the Diocese of Arlington, there is a different tuition (higher) rate for non-Catholic students so no parishioners are "offsetting your child's tuition" as is mentioned above. I am not sure about ADW, but common sense says it would be the same situation.

I would like to add that what your religion is would impact how comfortable you and your children would be in Catholic school. If you are Muslim, then no, bad idea of course because your kids will learn about Jesus not Muhammed. If you are a protestant religion that has many of the same teaching and prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer, then it will be an easier fit. And I see from this board that even some Jewish families did not have a problem with Catholic school.

[Anonymous]

^^ not true about if you pay the “full rate” your child’s tuition is not being offset by the Catholic Church. You can easily look at the financials for that particular church (I know mine sends out what funds are collected and allocated) and see just how much money is going to the school, which, again is a mission of the Catholic Church to educate another generation of Catholics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ not true about if you pay the “full rate” your child’s tuition is not being offset by the Catholic Church. You can easily look at the financials for that particular church (I know mine sends out what funds are collected and allocated) and see just how much money is going to the school, which, again is a mission of the Catholic Church to educate another generation of Catholics.

It's a silly argument though, b/c if the Catholic school had enough parish families attending they wouldn't need to admit non-parish kids. They are admitting non-parish kids because they need the enrollment and the $.

To OP, it should be fine, but I'd probably ask how many families aren't affiliated with the parish. When my child attended parochial school at our parish (we are Catholic), there were a lot of families that had more than one kid at the school, so the parents knew each other pretty well. Still, new kids came in every year and people were friendly. I don't think not going to Sunday Mass will be a thing, but at our school there were other events that were, for example: a religious service for moms and one for dads, where you go with your kid and have a treat afterward, write your kid a note, etc., Fish Fry during Lent - you don't have to be Catholic to go, but that's a parish event and all the school kids were there and would run around playing, Scout Sunday, and not sure what happens with the non-Catholic kids in 2nd for Communion and 8th for Confirmation.

Bottom line, if you choose Catholic for your kid you may find that you need to be open to attending some Catholic events in order for your child to fully integrate.

[Anonymous]

OP here, we are Protestant and are not opposed to our child receiving some religious teachings nor attending certain church events. I was mostly concerned about if all the other families would be at Mass every week or not, whcih it sounds like many are not? In terms of the tuition it seems like it would all wash out, since if you become a member of a parish you're required to have a financial pledge which I would assume seeks to make up that difference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a non-Catholic family in our second year at a Catholic k-8. The kids have religion class and they go to Mass on Fridays. There are prayers during the day. We've never felt any pressure or weirdness from families that are members of the parish. There are many other kids at the school that aren't Catholic, so they all learn from each other. We've taught them to approach religion class like any other subject and it's taught them a lot about critical thinking and free speech. They've also blossomed since we left MCPS, so it's definitely been a trade-off that's well worth it.

Can I ask how you feel about having a child that you do not raise Catholic nor take part in the Catholic faith yourself reciting Catholic prayers daily?
And taking part in a religious mass? I disagree that learning and practicing a religion is like math class.

I can’t imagine sending my kids to an Arabic school and having them face the sun, bow and pray, any more than I would wrap a Sheihk turban on their head and tell them “it’s just a hat”

DP: They are observing the faith in practice, not practicing it. They are learning about it, and maybe one day it will become their faith, just as the Catholics kids are learning about it and may one day abandon it.

The non-Catholic P here. Exactly what the DP above said. We talk about their experiences every day. They know that we don't believe in Catholicism but we need to respect that lots of other people do. My partner was raised Catholic and HATES the church, but he sees the value the kids get from their school and he rolls with it. And Mass is actually a really good way for kids to learn how to be quiet and sit still for an hour. One DD enjoys the homilies because they're "good stories."

And respectfully, an Islamic hijab or a Sikh dastar is not a Sheikh turban.

I disagree. They are going to mass. They are saying prayers. These are the very foundations of the Catholic faith and not for show, or to say without meaning it, like you are reciting a poem. It’s completely disrespectful to me and though the example of praying with Muslims or wearing a Sikh distar was glossed over, it’s no different than sending a child into Catholic mass/school though nobody would send their child to a Muslim school in a hijab and say “oh it’s just a pretty dress, free speech!” and not be deemed incredibly offensive, nor wearing a Sikh dastar and saying it’s a hat. A plaid skirt and blouse is a more acceptable wear, that’s it. But that’s exactly what you are doing.

Especially when families who truly believe are offsetting your child’s tuition with their support of the church.

I'm sorry, but you are just not understanding. Think of a non-Catholic guest at a Catholic wedding. They participate, may read the prayers, may sing the songs, but they aren't becoming Catholic, and they won't take Communion. But they are welcome guests, not disrespectful interlopers, and they are learning something through their participation and observation. Similarly, non-Catholic children are welcome at Catholic schools. They are not "being Catholic" anymore than the guest at the wedding, and their participation also is not disrespectful.

You seem to feel that Catholic school should be reserved for Catholic children only. You are entitled to your opinion; but the Church and its schools disagree with you, which is why they admit non-Catholic students to the schools.

Wow, you are out of your mind if you think that having your (young impressionable) child attend a school propagating the Catholic faith every weekday for years on end is the same as attending a wedding of a different faith. No one is saying that Non-Catholic children should not be welcomed at Catholic schools, but rather that it is disrespectful for parents to try to pretend that it isn’t an integral part of the curriculum and a key reason why many families are sending their children there. Speaking as a Catholic school attendee who ended up converting to Catholicism in high school (to the chagrin of my parents) if this is an outcome you would have a problem with you should look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, we are Protestant and are not opposed to our child receiving some religious teachings nor attending certain church events. I was mostly concerned about if all the other families would be at Mass every week or not, whcih it sounds like many are not? In terms of the tuition it seems like it would all wash out, since if you become a member of a parish you're required to have a financial pledge which I would assume seeks to make up that difference?

I think it depends on the parish and school. Some parishes have more active Catholics. Some parishes have a fair share of lapsed Catholics. But in either case, no one is going to notice if you are not at Sunday Mass. (There are usually a number of Masses to chose from as well). I think in general Protestants will do well in a Catholic school but there will be occasions during which it won’t be a great fit. For example, second grade is a big sacramental year (First Communion and Reconciliation) and the children will be taught sacramental theology, including real presence, efficacy of confession, etc. No one will expect your child to practice the Catholic faith but your child will be exposed to these teachings and practices.

(Catholics don’t tithe. So there are no requirements but there are expectations. I haven’t looked closely at my parish annual report so I don’t know how much the collection basket subsidizes the school).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just know that there are many schools that bus the 8th graders to the March for Life in DC every year. The kids are taught that abortion is a sin (which it is by the way) and that the laws need to change. If you are not comfortable with that, keep walking.

Many schools do have students attend the March, but in our school it's voluntary.

I think a whopping six kids from our school attended.

People say Stoneridge is liberal but friends there said many of the students went to the March for life. Kids were very expressive about their views. They took buses down I believe.