What has happened to our Catholic schools?

by Letters Editor · March 15, 2012

From Mlebana WA Majahe, Johannesburg

Catholic schools, especially in the townships, have changed from what they used to be. Back in the day, when you walked into a Catholic school you could immediately feel that you were in a different environment, and when you engaged with learners, you immediately realised that there was something unexplainably remarkable and extraordinary about them.

This could have had something to do with the principal ethos of Catholicism that was instilled by the religious sisters, brothers and priests in our schools, which was a lived experience for the whole school community, and was realised by daily interactions and by everyone�s prayer lives.

We had a chapel which was open the whole day for all to go and pray, whenever.

The academic excellence in our schools was due to a good team and the excellent relationship between dedicated teachers and learners. The religious atmosphere fostered formation for learners, making them understand and appreciate their faith.

I recently visited the primary school I went to and was shocked to notice that the school is the contrary of what I knew Catholic schools to be when I grew up.

A friend from another township told me that similar stories are experienced in another school in Soweto.

I was astonished to learn that religious education was not even taught in the school. Could this be because most of the children who attend Catholic schools are not even Catholic?

I attended their Ash Wednesday Mass and wished I hadn�t. The noise and on-going chit-chats were a distraction. The priest would remind the learners that they are at the Mass, but the noise would still persist.

What�s the use of taking non-Catholics to Mass when they don�t appreciate being there? This doesn�t mean that I�m suggesting that they be discriminated against, but the least they could do is to allow others to freely and openly participate in the liturgy.