Fr. Pisut,
I am teaching at a small Catholic school. It's so small that we run out of classrooms and the religion teacher teaches in any room that is open. 7th grade is taught in my classroom and I sit at my desk and work. Due to this, I hear what is being taught. Quite often I hear things that are no in accord with the teachings of the Church. For example: your body is simply a case for yours soul, sisters who wear habits are too conservative, and it is ok to call the Holy Spirit an it.
Since this is a coworker, the situation is kind of sensitive, but at the same time I think that I have an obligation to the students to correct the information.
The teacher does not have a degree in Theology (granted neither do I) and was kind of just put into the position because she has extra time in her schedule.
What am I morally obligated to do and what would be the best way to proceed?
In Christ and His Blessed Mother,
Danielle
Danielle,
We always have an obligation to witness to the truth. When we represent the Church, or any organization for that matter, we also have the ethical responsibility to be faithful to that which we represent. It is well known that many persons in Catholic education do not share or faithfully represent the Faith that they are called to hand on. Hopefully, your co-worker is simply misinformed rather than purposefully teaching against the Faith. You will have to do your best to discern which it is. Also, it is important to discern how grave the misinformation is. While what is being taught may truly not be the most accurate of information is it truly serious enough to merit a confrontation? If it is the question remains whether or not your co-worker will be receptive to guidance and/or correction. If this does not work you may have to take it to your superiors and the question remains whether they will be supportive. In any event, if you choose to pursue this you are bound to encounter some conflict which is never a pleasant experience. They reality of your situation, which unfortunately is far too common, is that you are limited in what if anything you may accomplish. Even those in charge in Catholic education often run up against a wall in their attempts to make Catholic education faithful to the Church. Whatever action you choose to pursue keep in mind that the best thing that you can do and that you have the most control over is the teaching that you do and your faithfulness to the teaching of the Church. In the end God will judge us for what we are truly responsible for and capable of influencing.
Fr. Pisut
