Catholic Schools, Youth Groups and
almost 30 years of Priesthood!
Today, on paper, is my day off. I started the day with a few school issues, had a funeral, dropped in on the diocesan counselor that are visiting our students to asses some issues, worked on relocating WiFi controller and confirmed 92. The only bad part of the day happened when counselors from Dept. of Catholic schools informed me that the process to eradicate bullying takes up to 3 years. Seriously, I don’t have that time I want it done now. I spend some time thinking of 30 years of Catholic Schools, Youth Groups and Almost years of Priesthood and had another sad realization.
I was asked as a baby priest preparing for World Youth Day in Denver, what the hardest part of dealing with youth was and without really thinking just said their parents. Before I’m compared to a salamander again, let me make a few things clear. Most kids in Catholic programs either schools or youth group come from amazing families. That said there is a small number who drop off their kids and expect us to make them Catholic. We never see them on weekends and they don’t understand why it isn’t working. I really don’t see that working ever.
I put on Facebook over the weekend that I wanted to find a way to get parents who wanted their kids at our school to agree to a app store password that only parents knew, no snap-chat or other like program, and regularly checking your kid’s phones. Not easy, but in my mind essential We have to assure the safety of our young. I can’t find any reason snap-chat has enough value to be an under 18 or even 21 game.
In short:
Our school needs and students deserve a whole community that is aware and working to eradicate bullying. Working together. Parents need to remember that they are the adult and not the friend. Kids have friends at school and if they don’t us being their friend isn’t going to help. Our kids need adults making good choices, enforcing tough rules and insuring our kids get the education and formation they deserve.
I am so glad your making this problem a priority. Bullying at St. Pius hurt my daughters to the point that it destroyed their faith in The Church as well as St. Pius.
I dont understand how people can be so mean to children, especially in the name of faith. But I am glad for church leaders like you who recognize how damaging it can be, and how cruel actions and words can hurt a person and haunt them for a lifetime.