Catholic Schools - Getting a recommendation from the parish priest?

[Isadora]

I am currently looking into catholic primary schools and filling out applications, however all of these catholic schools are asking for a reference from our parish priest. While we have a 'family parish' that some members of our family attend on a not so regular basis & that we had our DD baptised at, WE rarely attend church, except sometimes for occassions such as easter and christmas. How on earth can I get a reference from our parish priest when he really doesnt know who we are?! Has anyone else had a similar problem?

[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?

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

Lulu's right, a lot of Catholic schools (moreso now, than in the past) require you to have a high involvement in the parish community....and as terrible as this is going to sound, it is done so as to weedle out people who are trying to send their kiddies to a Catholic school just for the sake of it itms? - most Catholic schools (i went to primary and secondary catholic high schools) place a high importance on the involvement in the parish community as they feel if you are benefiting from sending your child there, they need to be getting something back in return...

ETA: ARe all of the schools you applying to asking for references? - I know the school my sisters 4 kids go to, didn't require this, but the catholic boys high school she wants to send her boys to does require a reference from the parish priest as part of the application process.

[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?

[~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.

[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!!!

[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 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~]

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!

[~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

[Isadora]

Thanks Negrita. Honestly trying to decide on where to send your kids to school is a huge thing to consider these days.

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

I know! my DD isn't anywhere near school age (17 months) and im already worrying about it

[Isadora]

Just to add to this for any other parents who may have similar questions, I met with the priest at the school Parish and apparently they understand that families cant make it to church every Sunday. So they ask that you make the effort to attend as often as possible, and maintain and reinforce the beliefs and values learnt at school while in the home environment. He ended up giving us a good reference, so we are very pleased.

[Patooties]

Ola Isadora! . I think perhaps the fact that you made the effort to visit the parish priest will show that you will be a contributing member of their school.

[Rouge]

It also really depends on the school.

Our school doesn't take anymore non catholics atm due to the fact that the parish community is so large and they come first. So it really does depend on your school. But Lu is right, involvement is important and is required by most Catholic schools. It's changed a lot since my DH went through school.