To Homeschool or not ?

  To Homeschool or not ?
by Rita Davidson

    There was a time, when we could all depend on our local Catholic schools to take care of our children’s spiritual needs. The faith pouring out of these institutions was evident in the charity, truth, courage and holiness of these priests and sisters that took this job seriously.  

We can all agree that times are a-changing. While there are pockets of private Catholic schools that still look like this, government run Catholics schools do not. Recent developments in Canada now mandates government-run Catholic schools to go against Catholic teaching to institute Gay alliance clubs.  The government does not have the good of the faith at heart. What has been much more troubling is that Canadian bishops have backed down from fighting the government on this. So our shepherds have abandoned the flock too.  Do you think your children are safe in these schools ? Do you think these Bishops would impart the faith of all time when they do not see how cowardly their ways?  They do not feel called to defend  our children ?

  In the U.S. things are not looking much brighter. With the HHS Mandate developments pressing against the faith there too. Pressure is coming from all sides. We only need to look at the recent movie For Greater Glory to see how terrible governments can get when they outlaw religion.   

 For anyone struggling with the decision to homeschool or to allow their children to continue on in our diocesean schools I would say – pray. Pray that God would enlighten you to understand how to protect your children. Pray that God will give you guidance how best to educate them. Research what is your duty in regards to your children. As Catholic parents it is our right and our duty to protect our children at all costs. Schools today are rampant sources of evil; teaching evolution, liberalism, impurity and more. The students in schools today come from families that give only lip-service to being Catholic. That means those children are just like public school children with little thought of purity and truth. Those are the students playing in the playground with your children?  Can you really be sure your children are not picking up seeds that will grow and tear out their faith ? 

   "It is the duty of parents to make every effort to prevent any invasion on their rights in this matter, and to make absolutely sure that the education of their children remains under their own control, in keeping with their Christian duty, and above all to refuse to send them to those schools in which there is danger of inbibing the deadly poison of impiety. " Pius IX, Christian Education of Youth 

It seems pretty clear. But that doesn’t mean it is simple. Many obstacles might need to be overcome to pull children out of school. A top priority to contact is the Home School Legal Defense Association (google them in the U.S. or Canada). Join them and get your family protected. Believe me, today, every homeschooler needs their protection.    

  What does this mean for your family? It might mean some cutbacks if one of you have to stop working. It might been some sacrifices to keep your children safe. It might mean you eat a bit different to save on grocery shopping.  It might mean you have a couple rough weeks getting it all together. 

  It might also mean you’ll have less stress since you don’t have to worry what your children are doing. It might also mean more joy because your able to bake a pie with your children or read a book under a tree together. It might mean saved money if your smart with your shopping and no longer have to buy work clothes for you, or fancy clothes for schooling. It definitely means improving your chances of having a successful family. A better education is on the horizon and above all, a way to save the souls of your children. The ones entrusted to you by God Himself during a time when society is upside down. Now that is a plan I would vote for.

What do you think ? Comment below and share your story ?