Prayer in school?
DC ‘Hood was victorious yesterday at the Verizon Center!! We beat the CYO coaches by one point in a very close and competitive game. Many people said it was better than the Wizards game! Thanks be to God, I played well and was hitting my jump shots. One of our players, a seminarian, hit two free throws at the end of the game to win it for us. Then, in the “championship game”, we beat the CYO all-star 11th and 12th graders by several points.
All in all, a great time for everyone involved. Thanks to all who came out to support us, especially the large contingent of St. Andrew’s fans. Next DC ‘Hood games: 1) May 4, 7 pm, at Holy Redeemer, Kensington and 2) May 18, 7 pm, versus St John Neumann at Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg. Go ‘Hood!
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An anonymous blogger posted the following about prayer in school. Safe to say that this hits the nail right on the head.
After being interviewed
By the school administration,
The eager teaching prospect
Said:
"Let me see
If I've got this right.
You want me to go into that room with all those kids,
And
Fill their every waking moment with a love for learning,
And
You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases,
Check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and
Raise their self esteem.
You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote,
How to balance a checkbook,
And
How to apply for a job.
make sure the students pass the state exams,
Even those who don't come to school regularly or
Complete any of their assignments.
Plus,
I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps
Get an equal education
Regardless
Of the extent of their mental
Or physical handicap.
I am to communicate regularly with the parents
and am supposed to this with just
A piece of chalk,
A computer,
A few books,
A bulletin board,
A big smile
AND
On a starting salary
That qualifies my family
For food stamps!
You want me
To do all of this
And
Then you tell me...
I CAN'T PRAY?"
posted by Fr Greg @ 10:18 AM
13 comments
13 Comments:
During Benediction, the priest or deacon(and I've even seen pics of the pope doing it), uses the humeral veil to cover his hands while holding the monstrance with the Eucharist. Why? They obviously touch the Eucharist- so why not touch the vessel that holds it?
No one is telling anyone that they can't pray. A public school teacher can't compel a student to pray and can't make a student feel bad or embarrassed for not wanting to or not knowing how. I don't know how to pray and I feel bad when people tell me that it's because something in me is lacking.
To Anon at 1:06p.m. -
I have heard Fr Greg explain the use of the veil during Benediction this way: By covering his hands, he (the priest) is "taken out of the equation," and it is simply Jesus (The Eucharist) walking amongst those revering Him.
To Anon at 1:22 p.m. -
There is no specific way to pray. You can say prayers from a book, you can pray the rosary, you can say, "Lord help me to pray." You can be still and contemplate the Lord's presence. Prayer can be as complex or as simple as you would like.
I hope everyone will offer a prayer, or many, for the families of those killed on the Va. Tech campus today.
Fran: You rock. I wish I knew you. You really have something to say, and you say it, and beautifully.
why is it that sometimes are "hands off" with us too?
Way to go Fran! you do rock!
Question: Is it a big mistake to send a our son to a private Christian school (not Catholic)? Please feel free to comment/answer/offer suggestions.
We have a 7th grade son who is currently in a public school. This particular public school has serious rampant behavioral problems. My son reports that he has witnessed students cussing out teachers. I stopped by the school one day and witnessed 3 middle schoolers going off and screaming and the administrators.
I actually tried to correct one of them and they screamed at me!
Our son wants "out," of this school, and we are actively searching for a private school.
Most of the Catholic schools end in 8th (he is currently in 7th) grade. We are searching for smaller class size to meet his learning issues. We have only found one Catholic school which continues through 12th grade, the Avalon (all boys) school.
We have interviewed headmasters of Christian schools. Several have assured us that they teach the basics of the Christian faith and that they do not tolerate anti Catholic (or any anti Christian denomination). I can not ignore the fact that they do not support the Catholic core beliefs (the Eucharist, confession).
STILL.........the public school is a fiasco and an awful environment. I know that there are some great public schools out there, but we my son is not attending one of them.
Praying for God's guidance and will. Thanks.
Have you considered speaking to the guidance counselor at a local parish school for some advice? They are well accustomed to addressing parental issues for chosing the right high school for a child. If I remember correctly, you are St. Francis parish, and I don't believe they have a school, but I'm sure another parish's counselor would give you their time. I do know several of the Catholic High Schools offer special allowances for kids with learning issues. No matter what- getting your son into a safe and respectful environment is key. Good luck.
Kelly;
I am biased so take this for what its worth but you can try Gonzaga for High School. Georgetown Prep is a little upscale for what it is. Gonzaga is better (in my opinion) for the guts of an education.
Kat and last Anon,
Thank you for the advice. Anon, you mentioned speaking with the Catholic K-8 schools for high school suggestions. Kat, you speak highly of Gonzaga. My question (which you both may have no idea): what k-8 Catholic school students usually continue their education at Gonzaga? For instance, St. Peter's in Olney, most of the 8th graders go on to Good Counsel. Where do most of the students from St. Jude's in Rockville go to high school? I have a lot more research ahead of me! Just trying to find continuity as well as a good placement for my son. Thanks for your help!
Hi, I just want to affirm the piece about teachers (which FG posted). Anon #2 comments that no public school teacher can compel a student to pray. Of course not, but they are not allowed to enforce them to say the pledge of allegience either.
The pledge of allegience (one nation under God)...........This is pitiful but my public school children tell me that many student refuse to stand for the pledge. They lay their heads down on their desks during the pledge of allegience (and it it more than just a few students).
Unbelievable.
I'll give my impression as a parent from St. A's, but I think we're pretty reflective of many of the area parochial schools. The boys from our graduating 8th grade, as in years past, will be attending, in addition to public schools, Gonzaga, Good Counsel, DeMatha, and St. Johns, for the most part. Sometimes, students have attended Georgetown, although none in recent memory. The boys in my family attended Gonzaga. I think Gonzaga does a really great job of promoting "brotherhood" both within and outside the school communities. I also think DeMatha is a solid school in terms of encouraging charactor as key in the development of young men. Good Counsel is now quite large, and I'd imagine some students, especially those coming from a public schools, may find that more comfortable. I don't know a lot about St. Johns- as the "rival" school to Gonzaga, it was never a school to which my family gave much consideration. I'd probably be disowned were I to consider it for my own son. The resource teachers are SAA are also both SAA parents with children who will be attending high school next year. I know they'd both be more than willing to speak with you. One has a son attending Gonzaga in the fall and the other a daughter attending Good Counsel. The school office would be happy to give you their voicmails- 301-649-3555. Good luck!
Kelly;
I don't know numbers, but I think Gonzaga gets boys from all over the area and has gotten better with its diversity over the last few years as well. The parents are expected to make sure the kids know the handbook and know what is going on.
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