However, the reason why I answered the way I did was because these kids Joe is teaching have already endured 10-11 years worth of media propaganda (have you closely watched kids programs that come out nowadays?), 5-6 years worth of intense school-based propaganda, and, considering that 50+ percent of Catholics are libtards, likely 10-11 years worth of parents parroting the DNC, environmental wacko, pro-abortion line that they hear on the tube and read in the tabloids (or maybe broadsheets...). And chances are the four-five CCD teachers they had before Joe were probably libtards. And chances are the CCD series that they use in the parish ain't the Baltimore Catechism (and probably ain't even based on the 1997 Catechism). And it's entirely possible (probable) that the CCD teachers the kids will have after this year with Joe will likely be libtards, as well. We're talking about the Archdiocese of Baltimore here, not the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska.
In other words, Joe may be the only voice of orthodoxy and conservatism these kids hear throughout their entire childhood.
I don't know Joe's parish, but I DO know Merlin (Hon) (having had "blessings" of having lived here for the past 10 years), thus I KNOW that I'm not far off the mark.
If Joe can somehow plant a seed in these kids: to get them to actually think (i.e., question the socialist and pantheistic brainwashing they are receiving), he will do these kids a HUGE favor that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
And, yes, Joe doesn't have the time, granted. But if he can touch on the subjects -- then he might be able to plant the seed. At least for a couple of his students.
We don’t teach from Baltimore Catechism, but I have a good handle on it.
A good many of my church’s catechists are very good, faithful teachers, but I do live in a more traditional parish.
We teach from “Blest are We” published by Silver-Burdette Ginn and they do about the best that they can. It does introduce important themes, vocab and practices and my trusty assistant and I just roll with it.
The kids are up and down, sometimes dragged out by school and sports and schedules, but they do try and we make it interesting. Some of my parents are unchurched or apostate Catholics. So, I take it very seriously that I may be their child’s only “point of contact”. I try to get the kids to re-invigorate the parents and their faith ~ get them back in the pews, at least.
The Diocese has tried to insert a “Family Life” component into the curriculum bt Benzingers and it really has nothing to do with teaching the Catholic faith; liturgy, sacraments, Saints or practices.
I don’t have time. I don’t teach it.
When you put it that way, I agree.
Yes, I’ve watched the media propoganda over the last 18 years. Sadly. And, still watching it. It’s difficult to fight it but we must.
As a CCD teacher, this is in NJ, it’s fighting an uphill battle with both the parents and sometimes with the Parish. At times, it’s a battle with the Catholic School, too. We have parents strongly opposed, and vocal, to what is taught in 5th grade religion class. Some are on the side that it’s too liberal and others on the side it’s too conservative.
I agree he can plant a seed and help them to think. I just don’t want him to agonize on what he has very little control over. If the parents aren’t teaching this to the kids, there is very little he can do. I teach in public schools and the best we can do is teach them to think but the parents have the most control, imo. Parents have the control when it comes to the media, schools, any outside influences. Sure, we can reach some, but for the most part if parents aren’t parenting their kids, even when it comes to the Catholic Faith, there’s very little we can do. Joe and others could enlighten some, and it makes a difference, but the attitude/bigger picture isn’t going to change if the home life/parents don’t care.