Starting Junior Infants in catholic school, what to do

bou

We have a daughter starting in local catholic school. We'd be interested to hear of others' experiences with the religious education aspect. There seems to be two options: join in fully or sit aside in the class doing whatever during that part. Anyone who has experience with either option? We'd like practical advice and opinion rather than philosophical debate or religious war.

We are not against catholicism or our daughter hearing catholic teachings. Also, we'd like her to be fairly well integrated in the class. Probably sitting aside for that part would not be a major exclusion but it's hard to say. She'll hear the teaching whether she participates or stays aside, I assume. Our current thinking is to have her join with the class fully. On the other hand, sitting aside perhaps would make a firm statement on our view.

We would like our daughter to learn about buddhism at her own pace but as she'll be hearing about catholicism in school, we'll want to give a buddhist perspective at the same time. Maybe we should let her come to us with questions rather than us trying to jump in with our indoctrination.

Again, helpful advice and opinion most welcome. Philosophy, not quite so (depending).

Asiaprod

bou wrote: »

We would like our daughter to learn about buddhism at her own pace but as she'll be hearing about catholicism in school, we'll want to give a buddhist perspective at the same time. Maybe we should let her come to us with questions rather than us trying to jump in with our indoctrination.

I would be in the camp that advocates "give her a buddhist perspective at the same time." My daughter was taught from an early age, but we did not have the complication of catholicism being taught in school since religion is not taught in Japanese schools.

FifaPlaya

bou wrote: »

We have a daughter starting in local catholic school. We'd be interested to hear of others' experiences with the religious education aspect. There seems to be two options: join in fully or sit aside in the class doing whatever during that part. Anyone who has experience with either option? We'd like practical advice and opinion rather than philosophical debate or religious war.

We are not against catholicism or our daughter hearing catholic teachings. Also, we'd like her to be fairly well integrated in the class. Probably sitting aside for that part would not be a major exclusion but it's hard to say. She'll hear the teaching whether she participates or stays aside, I assume. Our current thinking is to have her join with the class fully. On the other hand, sitting aside perhaps would make a firm statement on our view. You could teach her ur religious moral values at home and explain to her that she cant do stuff like praying in the morning

We would like our daughter to learn about buddhism at her own pace but as she'll be hearing about catholicism in school, we'll want to give a buddhist perspective at the same time. Maybe we should let her come to us with questions rather than us trying to jump in with our indoctrination.

Again, helpful advice and opinion most welcome. Philosophy, not quite so (depending).

As a muslim I did not have to go to church or take part in religion in a catholic prinary school. The teachers just let me read books or let me do homework. You could always contact the teacher or principal for alternative things your child could be doing

Now i am in 5th year in secondary. I am glad to answer any questions

Into The Blue

We are not of a Catholic persuasion, but our daughter goes to the local national school.. Hasn't been an issue so far..

She was a bit put out at not doing the communion thing, when most of her buddies were, so we went out for dinner that day.. Luckily, that's been the worst of it

bou

Thanks for those replies.

Yes, perhaps we should make more effort to explain our view at this stage. We have been giving little bits of eductation here and there but try not to make an emphasis of it as yet.

I take it from FifaPlaya and IntoTheBlue that it doesn't present much difficulty to sit out for the religion part and that she wouldn't feel too different and excluded.

If anyone has interesting perspective on taking part in the religion while maintaining one's own views, We'd be interested too.

pwurple

You'd be surprised how little of it is taught in catholic schools, expecially in the young classes. From what I remember when I did subbing, there is a weeks warning of the diocesan inspector coming. The teacher asks the children to gather flowers for an altar, and that's about it. The room may have a crucifix in it as well.

Orion

You'd actually be surprised at how much is taught in primary school - religious or otherwise. It's endemic throughout the curriculum. For example, the Sr. Infants history book my kids had had a chapter about christmas and the birth of christ - the son of god. Yes you read that right - in a history book!

But as for the OP - you should talk to the school and let them know your wishes. There's nothing wrong with learning about other religions - it's the religious instruction that I'd want to avoid. You could ask for her to be moved to another class or supervised area to do her homework while religion instruction is being given.

munkee

We opted for ET schools to avoid this issue, but friends of ours sent their daughters to the local Catholic school, and made it clear they were non-religious, and were reassured that the girls wouldn't have to take part in any religious activity.

However, they still said the Lord's Prayer every day, and seemed to absorb a lot of Catholic dogma- coming home asking questions about going to hell, meeting dead relatives in heaven, etc. The parents were not at all happy with it.

They've since left the country so it's no longer an issue.

Into The Blue

munkee wrote: »

We opted for ET schools to avoid this issue, but friends of ours sent their daughters to the local Catholic school, and made it clear they were non-religious, and were reassured that the girls wouldn't have to take part in any religious activity.

However, they still said the Lord's Prayer every day, and seemed to absorb a lot of Catholic dogma- coming home asking questions about going to hell, meeting dead relatives in heaven, etc. The parents were not at all happy with it.

They've since left the country so it's no longer an issue.

That was a good day when our one came home with those same questions.. We explained to respect others beliefs, that evening we went through all the major religions take on the after life and that was the end of that really.

munkee

Into The Blue wrote: »

That was a good day when our one came home with those same questions.. We explained to respect others beliefs, that evening we went through all the major religions take on the after life and that was the end of that really.

It's not something I'd be happy with personally- the daily exposure to dogma is insidious.