as the link below from the Archdioces of New York indicates, six more schools are closing at the end of this school year:

 http://www.lohud.com/assets/pdf/BH10230437.PDF

While I do not have any children in these schools, I did graduate from one on the list and I find it sad. It is also troubling and I guess a sign of the times ahead for Catholics in this country. The economics make it difficult to support Catholic school education unless there is some significant contributions and significant sliding tuition scale so that more families can have the option of Catholic schools. It is also a precursor to the clsoing a merging of parishes not just economic reasons, but a shortgae of priests.

I knew these days were coming, but always thought that the Archdiocese of NY would somehow hold at a little bit longer. It is disheartening as we celebrate the 200th annivesray of the doicese this year and are joyfully antcipating the visit of our Holy Father.

Another thread was discussing the increasing role of the laity in the Church and I expect that is what will be needed in this diocese now as well.

Mreiner16

The closure of Catholic schools leaves to parents the responsibility to teach their children the Catholic faith.  The family is the domestic church.

Our diocese has discontinued the format of traditional CCD classes in all the parishes.  For more than a generation, parents would leave after they dropped off their young children at the church for religious classes.  This method was a failure.  With strong support from our bishop, all the parishes the diocese are now using “Generations of Faith” program for religious formation for the children and parents.  The entire family meets at the church one evening each month.  After a small meal, families rotate in groups to 3 classrooms- for each 25 min. lesson.  These lessons are taught by the parish priests and qualified religion teachers.  The parents are encouraged to re-enforce the topic of the month to their children at home from the material included in a teaching kit.  Our parish provides orthodox Catholic teachings and traditional devotions for Generations of Faith.  Initially this program may start with fewer families who want to teach their children.  However participation in the program will increase each year.  Families become stronger in their faith.  They are good role models to their friends and neighbors.  When the clergy and laity each perform their duties according to what the Church prescribes and teaches, the Church works beautifully.

We also have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel one day each week from 8 a.m. to 9. p.m. closing with Night Prayer and Benediction.  A parish will grow in holiness with regular Eucharistic Adoration.

The Generation of Faith program seems excellent.

It will surely build up the Church wherever it is implemented.

God bless,


NoelFitz.
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In necessariis, unitas; in dubiis, libertas; in omnibus, caritas.
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Thanks Noel.  The Generations of Faith program does build up the Church.  It has changed people’s lives - young and old.  The Holy Spirit is very generous when people open their hearts and minds to learn about their faith.

You wrote I wonder why the Archdiocese of NY with all it's money cannot come up with a plan to help subsidize these schools?

Perhaps there’s a more efficient way to use the resources of each parish.  A way that reaches parents who have children in public schools.  All parents need adult education and the encouragement to practice their faith in their home.  Most Catholic parents don’t know their faith well enough to pass the deposit of faith to their children.  Parents of young children need the fellowship of their friends as well as other parishioners.