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POPE BENEDICT XVI IN THE UK |
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Click Here For Our 'Papal Visit Information' Section Of The Website
Why are there Catholic Schools and Colleges?
As we begin a new academic year it is good to reflect on the above question which will no doubt be the subject of public debate during the time of the Papal Visit. The Pope is due to take part in a ‘Celebration of Catholic Education’ on the Friday morning of his visit and there are plans to enable pupils and students in Catholic Schools to share in this event.
Although education had always been available to the wealthy and privileged in society it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a possibility for all children. The Catholic Church played its part in the growth of schools, and when financial resources were limited the Church preferred to build schools rather than churches. The first Catholic schools were built wholly from the donations of the faithful (often the most poor and disadvantaged were the most generous) and even today the Church still contributes to the capital costs of buildings. Thus, far from the general taxpayer subsidising the Catholic school system (as is sometimes alleged) it is the Catholic community who make them possible by their extra contributions over and above the taxes they pay as ordinary citizens.
What is Catholic education for? The Church recognises that the first and primary educators of children are their parents and technically schools act on their behalf, in loco parentis. Catholic education seeks the ‘integral human development’ – intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual – of every pupil and student including the many who come from different faiths. Catholic schools aim to promote community cohesion and many city Catholic schools are examples of racial diversity, with pupils of numerous languages and nationalities learning to live in harmony under the banner of a common faith. Catholic education is above all about service to the common good and many people who are involved in public service will still acknowledge the value and influence of their Catholic education even if they no longer consider themselves to be active members of the Catholic Church.
(Adapted from ‘Heart speaks unto heart’, preparatory booklet for the Papal Visit)
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