Catholic education letter from a concerned parent (C.I. May 2006, p. 6) & re four subsequent responses from other parents (C.I. July/August 2006, pp. 6-7).

As a concerned parent and teacher, I can see the distress some parents experience in their roles as Catholic educators of their children. I also have some understanding of how the education system works, at least in Alberta. As Religious Studies instructor and coordinator, there have been times when I have questioned my sanity doing either.

As a teacher myself, I sometimes wonder if any of us are qualified to be called "teacher" when I look at our role model, Jesus Christ. I have taken courses in theology. I try to keep up with the reading from the Vatican and Catholic theologians, and spend time in prayer and reflection on what I am teaching students in Religious Studies. Still I am expected to follow a curriculum with limited resources, conflicting school goals and sometimes less than enthusiastic support from administration.

On the other hand, administrators must take into account the numerous degrees of "ideal" that the parents and students come to school with. Students who may not be Catholic or even Christian come into the school looking for instruction not only in the faith, but also preparation for a secular world....

I'm not sure what the solution to this particular case would be. However, I would like to say that trying to get one's child exempted from the Religion program is not the answer. We are instructed by Jesus to proclaim the Word and evangelize our faith to all including our children. Are we not shirking our responsibilities by dropping out? I would suggest a preventative solution to such a situation by becoming more involved at the school level by offering to help, by assisting wherever I could in the school, and by becoming familiar with the objectives of the existing program.

At the same time, the children must not be neglected. As the primary Catholic educators of our children, we owe it to them not to pull them out of programs, but to supplement their education in ways that a classroom teacher cannot. Becoming aware of the details of the program at school, discussing lessons and assignments with our children and demonstrating kindness in our dealings with the school will model the Christian way for our children and undoubtedly provide diplomatic opportunities for change.

In closing, I realize the hurt and confusion experienced by both parties in this situation. My hope is that Catholic educators will, by their own vocation, continue to grow both in their faith and in knowledge of Catholic teachings and principles. I would also like to encourage parents to get involved by communicating regularly with teachers and their children regarding educational matters including Religious Studies. If the basis for a good working relationship between teachers, parents and students already exists, it is much easier to deal with matters close to the heart.

High Prairie, AB