ellenater
Thought I’d jump in here…
My child attends OLG, another Catholic school in the area, and we are also not Catholic. I would assume the two schools are similar in that religion is mandatory according to the Catholic doctrine. Here’s been my experience thus far:
-My son has expressed an interest in becoming baptized simply because he does not like to have to cross his arms at Mass– which occurs at least four times a month. His interest has sparked many conversations on the difference between spirituality and religion. He has my support should he choose to go through the child’s version of RCIA. It’s an ongoing discussion for which I am grateful. It’s forcing him to think, feel, and decide, processes which I was not privy to in my own upbringing.
– I like that he is educated and is gaining a solid understanding of Biblical writings and theory, but I do occasionally resent some of the doctrines.
-I highly resent having to complete the “Called to Protect” courses which are, in my opinion, just another way for the Catholic Church to redirect the focus around child abuse away from priests. You will have to complete these tired modules annually if you intend to ever step foot in your child’s classroom.
-I adore the school in many ways and could not be happier with the community and education he is getting. I think you will probably find that to be true also. Your child may come home with some offensive (to you) teachings, but it will give you and opportunity to raise questions and expound on your own beliefs. I have found that the religion classes, despite their inherent limitations, have actually opened many dialogue doors.
Good Luck. :)
Oh, and I agree with West Seattle Dood: the ranting, regardless of whose side you’re on, is usually more the problem. If you send your child to a Catholic school, support the school, while openly but respectfully challenging some of it’s doctrines, you are raising a complex person who is guaranteed to have a lot of depth. If you forego sending your child because of said differences, you are missing some real beauty…