American Catholic Education (and Motherhood)

One of the most unique and impressive aspects of the American Catholic experience has been the creation of a superior education system for children that is rooted in faith (and also success). Dating to the earliest days of this country, Catholic parochial schools pioneered by titans like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. John Neumann took the great story of Catholic education and placed an American stamp on it. Taking advantage of religious freedom and in response to the Protestant vision that was standard issue at many state-run schools, Catholic educators built a school system that reached an untold number of immigrant and poor children, setting them off on a life of faith and opportunity.

The age of Catholic schools is coming to a precarious decision point now as the low-cost offerings of priests and nuns especially have yielded to high-tuition private education. This is to say nothing of the massive drop in the size of Catholic families and the overall decline of the practice of the faith in traditionally Catholic communities.

The recent pandemic has highlighted the Catholic school system’s tenacity, as Catholic schools have tended to be open far more than their government school peers; nevertheless, the overall economic stress has forced hundreds of Catholic schools to close. This sad turn of events has accelerated the decline of a unique slice of American Christendom and highlights the need to educate Catholic children (and many other children of diverse backgrounds) in the truths of the faith, personal integrity, and the common good.

The researcher who coined the phrase "moralistic therapeutic deism" to describe modern religion shares his thoughts and research on how to pass on the faith to one's children.

A Catholic school survives a lawsuit concerning its right to have teachers uphold Catholic teaching in their life choices.

On a related note: a reflection on how to present better the riches of Catholic Social Teaching.

A bipartisan group of state attorneys general seeks to block Instagram from starting an app designed for kids.

A columnist revealed in the New York Times why she chose to have children at 25... and promptly heard from many angry readers.

On a related note: fascinating research into how becoming a mother changes the whole person.

What does it mean when a Congresswoman refers to herself as a "Planned Parenthood Baby?" (Another take can be found here.)