Hi, Celtic: Catholic school catechism has not changed significantly from our time because the doctrines remain unchanged and I do not think positions will shift at all. Where catechism has evolved is in the stronger portrayal of a loving God. A God whose love is inclusive. A far cry from the much emphasized feared image of God we were once taught in childhood. I do remember the scruples brought about by the old school thought of fire and brimstones from baby catechism, and to some degree, have suffered from it as a child. It is a relief that children grow up and come to reason in the process. Thankfully, it is through reason with which we exercise our free will as adults and make our choices therefrom. It is so liberating to discover that each soul has its own journey to make and it is only in God, who knows the recesses of our hearts, we remain accountable to. In our respective journeys, despite the many hurdles put upon by differences of faith, the expressions of spirituality and lifestyles, we can find peace in the thought that no one but Him can judge us. To bear that thought also gives strength and courage to carry on living despite voices and conduct which discriminate and hurt.

As I have mentioned in my previous post: it is inevitable that your son will be taught within the structure of the Catholic faith. It is the basis on which any faith school is established. As your son, continues to attend it, his intuitions will develop accordingly. At the same time, however, that which is learned from school can be reinforced by what is taught from home without call to pit one against the other, whether the child comes from a conventional family or otherwise. We can only be reminded that at the rate Catholics have been divorcing these days (myself included), amongst other situations, there are many cases of “otherwise”. But, many children from these “otherwise” families come out well with a full heart and spirit. And by the same token, we must also be reminded that many children who are in conventional families do not.

It is upon that thought where the heart can find inspiration rather than be bereft with fear for something which might not even happen especially so if a child is raised with the love which a mother’s heart so strongly bears for him. I would like to think, that what we are intent on teaching our children do not come willy nilly, for lack of a better word. A fact which must be appreciated is that what we teach from home, in partnership with what is taught our children outside of it, acquired from a faith school or elsewhere, will be on the basis of our respective personal struggles, whatever they may be and however they may be unpopular. It may not be what those in the mainstream would want but if the teaching is sincere and honestly given, rooted in love of God and for others, which mortal soul would be in a position to dole judgement?

Well, Celtic. I do not know if I made any sense or helped at all. You posted with an open heart and I hope I have done likewise.