Are Catholic schools truly Catholic?

by Editor · June 18, 2014

GUEST EDITORIAL�KELSAY COR�A

Are there rosary beads dangling from Our Lady�s stone fingers in the school grounds? Are there statues balancing precariously on wooden plinths in dark hallways? Are there dusty crucifixes on the walls in every classroom? Do learners rattle off rote prayers? Is this how we judge whether a Catholic school is Catholic enough?

Or do the learners know who Jesus Christ is � the historical and the religious figure? (CNS photo/Al Drago)

Or do the learners know who Jesus Christ is � the historical and the religious figure? Do they know to look out for each other, to be kind, gentle and loving? Do they learn to forgive? Do staff members provide examples of patience and understanding, a listening ear? Will learners leave school able to engage critically in moral debates based on a sound formation of what is just and fair?

So what is a Catholic school? For some, the knowledge and experience of Catholic schools in South Africa is that of well-resourced, independent schools in the cities and suburbs. And yet, the reality of Catholic education in South Africa is that of the 346 Catholic schools, 249 are public schools in mostly rural or township settings.

These public schools are unique as they have a special legal agreement in place that allows the �distinctive religious character� of the school to be celebrated.

This ensures that 12300 children, 4400 teachers and many others in these school communities hear the Good News and are encouraged to participate in Catholic practices, feasts and festivals surrounding the life of the school. In this way, Catholic schools assist the Church in her mission to share the Gospel of Jesus.

Critics of Catholic schools are quick to say that many of the teachers and learners in the schools are not Catholic; therefore the schools are not Catholic. But let us not underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit.

Who knows what will come of the evangelising efforts of these schools, or of the seeds planted by the Spirit during readings of scripture and liturgical celebrations?

Those in Catholic schools comprise all religions, cultural and ethnic groups. Jesus preached to people of all faiths and religions.

He invited all people to follow in his way. His message was universal. And so should the message of the Catholic school be universal and inclusive in its teaching practices.

It was the Catholic school that was one of the first public entities to defy the laws of the apartheid government by opening its doors to children of all races and religions.

The Church continues to negotiate with the current government to ensure that its role to bring quality education to children in South Africa is realised.

Many Catholics hoping to send their children to Catholic schools cannot afford the fees being asked by some schools.� And yet, more than half of our Catholic schools charge annual school fees of R2000 or less.

Perhaps there is a need in some areas for more �affordable� Catholic schools, but since the numbers of religious brothers and sisters are dwindling, it is unlikely that more schools will be established, unless groups of Catholic lay people devise strategies for building, and maintaining, new Catholic schools.

Our existing Catholic public and independent schools have many checklists and processes that assist them in preserving their Catholic ethos. In addition, the unique context in which each school finds itself, and the charism on which it was founded, defines its particular role and mission.

The role of a Catholic school can be seen as providing children with an opportunity to learn to read, write, count and love. �And the greatest of these is love� (1 Cor 13:13). This means, to love God, themselves and their neighbour (Mk 12:30-31).

Catholic schools should be places where all who work and play are able to show their love of neighbour by embracing people of all cultures and reaching out to the community around the school, particularly to those most in need.