Catholic Schools - Getting a recommendation from the parish priest?

[Lulu]

I'm not sure but a few Catholic schools actually require church attendance and highish rate of community involvement parish-wise. The one around the corner from me has those requirements. It's very close to me but I don't think it's fair on my kids that I send them there if Im not involved in church life iykwim?

You might find there are a few reasons why they are asking for this - are ALL of them requiring the reference?

[kass]

I went to a Catholic school and there were plenty of kids who weren't Catholic there. I always thought you just had to agree to support the ethos of the school? I'm assuming you're wanting to enrol for next year - maybe you could organise a meeting with your priest and try to attend more often in the future?

[BlackCat]

I went to a Catholic school and there were plenty of kids who weren't Catholic there. I always thought you just had to agree to support the ethos of the school? I'm assuming you're wanting to enrol for next year - maybe you could organise a meeting with your priest and try to attend more often in the future?

This is generally true of a lot of Catholic Schools however of those schools you will find there is a set percentage of children that need to be recognised as Catholic and practicing within their community to attend. Generally speaking practicing Catholics will be given preference over other non practicing and non Catholics at the school.

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

This is generally true of a lot of Catholic Schools however of those schools you will find there is a set percentage of children that need to be recognised as Catholic and practicing within their community to attend. Generally speaking practicing Catholics will be given preference over other non practicing and non Catholics at the school.

:yeahthat:

[Isadora]

I might have to give the parish a call tomorrow to see what they say. My DH went to our first preference school as a child, hence our reasons for wanting to get our DD in. His family attended this church on a regular basis when he was younger, but we just havent continued it. Out of the three schools I have applications for they all want this reference. I wish it wasnt so hard!!!

[~clover~]

I might have to give the parish a call tomorrow to see what they say. My DH went to our first preference school as a child, hence our reasons for wanting to get our DD in. His family attended this church on a regular basis when he was younger, but we just havent continued it. Out of the three schools I have applications for they all want this reference. I wish it wasnt so hard!!!

Having a strong family history may be a bonus. I really don't know, but I know even though my parents had nothing to do with our church, the fact that us kids were 3rd generation & that our extended family attended church on a regular basis helped. Also simply that we were baptised Catholic.

Being a practising Catholic gives you a step up. Being Catholic is the next level. Non Catholics, while a certain number have to be accepted, have a lower chance of getting a place than your DD would simply from being baptised Catholic.

[Isadora]

I definately agree it makes sense that practicing catholic families should get the number one preference. I guess this priest reference is mainly to determine who these families are. We will just submit our application without the reference and hope for the best.

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

I definately agree it makes sense that practicing catholic families should get the number one preference. I guess this priest reference is mainly to determine who these families are. We will just submit our application without the reference and hope for the best.

I'm sure given your DH's family involvement will be a bonus! - Goodluck sweet it will all be ok

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

Being a practising Catholic gives you a step up. Being Catholic is the next level. Non Catholics, while a certain number have to be accepted, have a lower chance of getting a place than your DD would simply from being baptised Catholic.

Just spoke to my sister (who is a Cath Primary school teacher) and Yep, you've broken it down perfectly ~clover~ - thats exactly what she said!

[kass]

Absolutely - the school should be able to give preference to practicing families over non - I guess I was just thinking that the reference may not be essential as my experience of Catholic school was that it was quite welcoming to all.

[~clover~]

I've only ever been involved with small country Catholic schools, so I've never had to do any of this.
Maybe go & talk to your parish preist & ask him? Or ask the school? They might prefer your children to be involved with the church outside school hours, but unless they have huge numbers, I don't think this would be a reason to turn you down.
I really don't have experience with bigger schools with waiting lists & high enrollment numbers though, so I'm probably not much help. Sorry.