The Most Reverend Robert Guglielmone
Re: Confirmation Preparation for Students Attending Cardinal Newman School
Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned parents at Cardinal Newman School and members of multiple parishes within the Diocese of Charleston, submit this petition for comprehensive confirmation preparation to be included in theology classes at Cardinal Newman School. We recognize the special responsibility the parish plays for the preparation of confirmands, as addressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic Church 1309). We also have confidence that the parishes in the Columbia community and Cardinal Newman School can complement each other to provide a comprehensive confirmation program that both capitalizes on the opportunities afforded in theology class and additional activities offered within the parishes to ensure fellowship with confirmands not attending Cardinal Newman School.
The Diocese of Charleston has multiple examples of parochial schools providing core confirmation preparation during religion classes. In the Charleston area alone, Blessed Sacrament, Nativity and Christ Our King – Stella Maris prepare their students for confirmation during the normal course of religion classes. While an argument has been made that these are parish schools and Cardinal Newman is a Diocesan school, requiring different approaches, we contend that Cardinal Newman has historically provided this instruction. In addition, Christ Our King – Stella Maris serves four parishes and has successfully developed a program that meets the requirements of multiple parishes.
As parents, we sacrifice to send our children to Cardinal Newman School primarily to support their faith formation. The premise that Cardinal Newman School is not in a position to provide faith formation is contrary to the intent of a Catholic education. The Code of Canon Law states, “(t)he instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine” (c. 803 § 2). The sacraments are clearly central to Catholic doctrine and should be core topics in theology coursework. Our children attend theology class in seventh, eighth and ninth grade, in advance of their confirmation. Theology requires the same amount of class time as all other courses. Therefore, it is frustrating that our families are currently required to make substantial commitment of classroom preparation after school hours.
Your Excellency, you have the authority to ensure that adequate preparation for confirmation is incorporated into the theology courses at Cardinal Newman School. Pursuant to Canon Law, “(t)he Catholic religious instruction and education which are imparted in any schools whatsoever or are provided through the various instruments of social communication are subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the conference of bishops to issue general norms about this field of action and for the diocesan bishop to regulate and watch over it” (c. 804 § 1).
The Catholic faithful are hereby requesting your support in facilitating the coordination between the local parishes[1] and Cardinal Newman School to institute a confirmation preparation program in theology class and incorporate a reasonable amount of faith formation and fellowship opportunities through the parishes.
Respectfully and Humbly Submitted,
Parents of Cardinal Newman School (signatures attached)
[1] Saint Joseph, Saint Peter, Saint John Neumann, Saint Martin De Porres, Good Shepherd and Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Churches
Updates
May 14, 2019
I have been hearing from so many of you who feel the same frustration about the current gap in our children's faith formation. Discussions are happening behind the scenes to bridge the divide between our school and the surrounding parishes. Your stories about why this instruction matters for your own teens keep me focused on this goal.
May 14, 2019
Seeing this grow has been overwhelming because my own children deserve the same preparation their peers in other schools receive. This momentum proves that many of you share the conviction that our school must restore its historic commitment to our faith.
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2019
30 Comments
I think it is a good idea for students to get their religious instruction during regular class hours. This takes a lot of pressure off the kids, and parents to have go out in the evening. Leaves more time for homework and sports.
Parent of rising 7th grader. Excellent staff at CN to teach the skills required for Confirmation. We trust them with our children and financial resources to teach ALL academic standards...let's trust them with this as well.
One of the reason for sending our son to a Catholic school was so that that he could get his Catholic education there. I have heard from some people that the reason that it’s not being caught at Cardinal Newman it’s because the majority of students are not Catholic, well I am, sorry, but if you chose to send your child to a Catholic School you should understand that their religious education is part of the curriculum. All of the students that attend St. Joseph are prepared and go through the 1st Communion education and ceremony, what makes CN exempt from doing the same thing???
14th year with a child at Cardinal Newman, two graduates already, rising 12th grader, and rising 8th grader. CN has done a wonderful job preparing my children for the Catholic faith. Imposing hurdles at the parish level will have an adverse impact on CN students and parents alike. Please don't make it more difficult to participate in the church. This will only push us away.
We were shocked to get a letter in the mail informing us that religion class did not adequately prepare our daughter for confirmation. This absolutely should be covered as part of religion classes at a Catholic school.
Our kids received preparation for first communion and first confession in elementary school. Why wouldn't this continue in middle and elementary school?
One of the reasons that we send our kids to Catholic school is for them to get the preparation needed for the sacraments.
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The Most Reverend Robert Guglielmone
Re: Confirmation Preparation for Students Attending Cardinal Newman School
Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned parents at Cardinal Newman School and members of multiple parishes within the Diocese of Charleston, submit this petition for comprehensive confirmation preparation to be included in theology classes at Cardinal Newman School. We recognize the special responsibility the parish plays for the preparation of confirmands, as addressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic Church 1309). We also have confidence that the parishes in the Columbia community and Cardinal Newman School can complement each other to provide a comprehensive confirmation program that both capitalizes on the opportunities afforded in theology class and additional activities offered within the parishes to ensure fellowship with confirmands not attending Cardinal Newman School.
The Diocese of Charleston has multiple examples of parochial schools providing core confirmation preparation during religion classes. In the Charleston area alone, Blessed Sacrament, Nativity and Christ Our King – Stella Maris prepare their students for confirmation during the normal course of religion classes. While an argument has been made that these are parish schools and Cardinal Newman is a Diocesan school, requiring different approaches, we contend that Cardinal Newman has historically provided this instruction. In addition, Christ Our King – Stella Maris serves four parishes and has successfully developed a program that meets the requirements of multiple parishes.
As parents, we sacrifice to send our children to Cardinal Newman School primarily to support their faith formation. The premise that Cardinal Newman School is not in a position to provide faith formation is contrary to the intent of a Catholic education. The Code of Canon Law states, “(t)he instruction and education in a Catholic school must be grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine” (c. 803 § 2). The sacraments are clearly central to Catholic doctrine and should be core topics in theology coursework. Our children attend theology class in seventh, eighth and ninth grade, in advance of their confirmation. Theology requires the same amount of class time as all other courses. Therefore, it is frustrating that our families are currently required to make substantial commitment of classroom preparation after school hours.
Your Excellency, you have the authority to ensure that adequate preparation for confirmation is incorporated into the theology courses at Cardinal Newman School. Pursuant to Canon Law, “(t)he Catholic religious instruction and education which are imparted in any schools whatsoever or are provided through the various instruments of social communication are subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the conference of bishops to issue general norms about this field of action and for the diocesan bishop to regulate and watch over it” (c. 804 § 1).
The Catholic faithful are hereby requesting your support in facilitating the coordination between the local parishes[1] and Cardinal Newman School to institute a confirmation preparation program in theology class and incorporate a reasonable amount of faith formation and fellowship opportunities through the parishes.
Respectfully and Humbly Submitted,
Parents of Cardinal Newman School (signatures attached)
[1] Saint Joseph, Saint Peter, Saint John Neumann, Saint Martin De Porres, Good Shepherd and Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Churches
Updates
May 14, 2019
I have been hearing from so many of you who feel the same frustration about the current gap in our children's faith formation. Discussions are happening behind the scenes to bridge the divide between our school and the surrounding parishes. Your stories about why this instruction matters for your own teens keep me focused on this goal.
May 14, 2019
Seeing this grow has been overwhelming because my own children deserve the same preparation their peers in other schools receive. This momentum proves that many of you share the conviction that our school must restore its historic commitment to our faith.
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2019
30 Comments
I received preparation for confirmation (along with other sacraments) as part of my regular religion coursework at a parochial school within the Diocese of Charleston. This is part of the reason that I chose to send my child to Catholic school.--parent of rising 8th grader
I think it is a good idea for students to get their religious instruction during regular class hours. This takes a lot of pressure off the kids, and parents to have go out in the evening. Leaves more time for homework and sports.
Parent of rising 7th grader. Excellent staff at CN to teach the skills required for Confirmation. We trust them with our children and financial resources to teach ALL academic standards...let's trust them with this as well.
One of the reason for sending our son to a Catholic school was so that that he could get his Catholic education there. I have heard from some people that the reason that it’s not being caught at Cardinal Newman it’s because the majority of students are not Catholic, well I am, sorry, but if you chose to send your child to a Catholic School you should understand that their religious education is part of the curriculum. All of the students that attend St. Joseph are prepared and go through the 1st Communion education and ceremony, what makes CN exempt from doing the same thing???
14th year with a child at Cardinal Newman, two graduates already, rising 12th grader, and rising 8th grader. CN has done a wonderful job preparing my children for the Catholic faith. Imposing hurdles at the parish level will have an adverse impact on CN students and parents alike. Please don't make it more difficult to participate in the church. This will only push us away.
We were shocked to get a letter in the mail informing us that religion class did not adequately prepare our daughter for confirmation. This absolutely should be covered as part of religion classes at a Catholic school.
Our kids received preparation for first communion and first confession in elementary school. Why wouldn't this continue in middle and elementary school?
One of the reasons that we send our kids to Catholic school is for them to get the preparation needed for the sacraments.
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I received preparation for confirmation (along with other sacraments) as part of my regular religion coursework at a parochial school within the Diocese of Charleston. This is part of the reason that I chose to send my child to Catholic school.--parent of rising 8th grader