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Christine
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| Posted: May 08 2006 at 7:39pm | IP Logged
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My daughters are enrolled in our parish Catechism class. Two weeks ago, a friend started to bring her neighbor to the classes. The first week, the boy tackled one of my daughters from behind for absolutely no reason. Last week, he tried to jab a pen in her hand and when she said that she would tell our pastor, he started making fun of his name.
I called the individual in charge of religious ed and brought up both the fact that he is not a parishioner and his behavior. She told me that she would speak with the pastor. She did so and then told me that Father had said I needed to speak with the mother.
I did so and she initially told me that she would no longer bring the boy. Today, she told me that she would still be bringing him, as she did not feel comfortable telling him that he was not welcome and she did not feel his behavior warranted it. I told her that it was both the behavioral issues and the fact that it is my understanding that Catechism classes are for Catholic children and those children whose parents are preparing to enter the Church.
At this point, my husband will probably be speaking to our pastor, when he is able.
In the interim, I am wondering:
1. Who are parish Catechism classes for?
2. Do I simply withdraw my daughter from the class?
3. What would you do?
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Christine
Mommy to 4 girls, 5 boys, & 2 in God's care
Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
Pretty Lilla Rose
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Christine
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| Posted: May 08 2006 at 8:49pm | IP Logged
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I forgot to mention that I asked my friend about the boy's parents and was told that the mother has no interest in the Catholic Faith.
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Christine
Mommy to 4 girls, 5 boys, & 2 in God's care
Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
Pretty Lilla Rose
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stefoodie
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I'd pull my kids out if it were me. Actually I had something related happen to us last year. It was *my* class that I was teaching, and one of the boys brought a friend who was not registered in the class. Turns out he wasn't in the parish, nor was he Catholic. That day that he was there, all 5 students were distracted and disruptive. I reported it and the student who brought him was reprimanded by our DRE, and the mom apologized to me. The class itself was never fun to teach as the kids were disrespectful or indifferent most of the time. (Totally convinced me never to send my kids back to PS.)
What eventually happened was I had to give up the class because of all the traveling we suddenly had to do for hubby's work, and then we tried letting our child attend the classes held at church, but after two classes we pulled her out because she said everyone was acting the same way as my former students or worse (kids throwing things around, fighting in the middle of class), and that the teachers just couldn't seem to do anything about it. It was a humbling experience for me as the teacher (I really thought *I* could do some good!), but also alarming and enlightening at the same time.
Our parish requires parents to submit children's records when they register. AFAIK they need to be Catholic to be registered for Catechism class. I don't understand why you need to be even talking to the mom. Isn't this something the teacher, DRE or your parish priest should be doing?
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kristina
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Christine,
Is your daughter required to attend these classes to receive the sacraments in your parish? If so, is there anyway you can get a sitter and be a presence in your daughter's class? If not, would you be content to home educate for Religious Education?
FWIW, I only enroll our children in our parish's religious ed program because it is required for sacrament years. I am an aide in their classrooms when possible. My eldest really loves his ccd class. It is a fun time for crafts and activities and sometimes the faith is actually woven into the lessons. (Unlike the first grade twaddly lessons!). He does not have my presence in his room, but he is one room away and if there was any funny business, he knows that is where it ends.
I hope this is resolved swiftly and to your satisfaction.
Blessings,
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kristina
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mumofsix
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Parish catechism classes may be for anyone who is genuinely interested in the faith, which this boy may be, even if he is naughty and his mother is uninterested. I can see the pastor's point of view that he would not want lightly to discourage this boy.
On the other hand your daughter absolutely should not have to put up with being mistreated, and the advice for you to tackle the mother is a bit of a cop out imo. The teacher is responsible for what happens in the classroom.
I don't think you should have to pull your daughter out of the class if it is something you value and want for her. After all it is your parish.
What I would do (have done) is to attend WITH a child who is being mistreated. If the teacher of the class cannot handle this (and maybe the class is just too big for him to be able to) then he needs a teacher's aide. Frankly, one glare from you to the boy should do it. 
Jane.
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Christine
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| Posted: May 09 2006 at 7:22am | IP Logged
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stefoodie wrote:
I don't understand why you need to be even talking to the mom. Isn't this something the teacher, DRE or your parish priest should be doing?
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I don't understand, either. I was not told why our pastor did not want to address the issue.
kristina wrote:
| Is your daughter required to attend these classes to receive the sacraments in your parish?...If not, would you be content to home educate for Religious Education? |
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Attendance is required in order to receive the sacraments. I do prepare my children at home and I believe this particular child is currently ready to receive First Communion (but that's another story).
mumofsix wrote:
| If the teacher of the class cannot handle this (and maybe the class is just too big for him to be able to) then he needs a teacher's aide. |
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The class only has 4 children in it, including this six year old boy. The class problem arose, as there were two substitute teachers who were talking to each other, while the children colored on the board.
Thank you for the advice. I e-mailed the teacher last night (Ccing our pastor), explaining the situation and requesting a meeting with our pastor, the individual in charge of religious education, the teacher and the child's mother.
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Christine
Mommy to 4 girls, 5 boys, & 2 in God's care
Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
Pretty Lilla Rose
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: I Need Some Advice
