Education Priest Urges Continued Faith Formation in Schools Despite Declining Popularity
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Loading... - Aziza Hamdy
- 12 Aug 2024
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In a rapidly changing world where religious affiliation is declining, the role of faith formation in schools has become a contentious issue. Fr. Patrick Moore, a priest with over 20 years of experience in education, has voiced strong opposition to the movement to remove faith-based education from post-primary schools in Ireland. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr. Moore emphasized the critical need for pastoral care and religious instruction, arguing that neglecting these aspects would be a "terrible negligence" towards young people.
The State of Faith Formation in Irish Schools
Fr. Moore, who serves as the Parish Priest (PP) of Castlepollard in County Westmeath and Vicar Forane, expressed deep concern over the lack of faith formation under the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), which were established in 2013. He described the current situation as an "appalling lack of faith formation" and criticized the replacement of religious education with what he referred to as "rubbish" concepts like mindfulness, which he believes do little to instill genuine faith in students.
According to Fr. Moore, the existing civics classes, which include discussions on world religions, are insufficient in fostering a meaningful connection to faith. He compared these classes to discussions about "various species of butterflies," suggesting that they have little impact on actual faith practice.
The Importance of Pastoral Care
A significant part of Fr. Moore's argument centers on the need for pastoral care within the education system. He believes that without faith formation, young people are being neglected spiritually, leaving a "pastoral vacuum" that he finds deeply troubling. Fr. Moore insists that this gap should not be allowed to widen, regardless of the shifting religious demographics in Ireland.
In the 2022 census, over 3.5 million people, or 69% of the population, identified as Roman Catholic—a significant decrease from 78% in 2016. Despite this decline, Fr. Moore argues that the message of the Gospel must continue to be heard. He acknowledges the challenges posed by a decreasing Catholic population but insists that this should not deter the Church from its mission. "We were told it would be difficult and we would be persecuted... So we just have to be prepared, to be strong in the Faith and keep going," he said.
Resisting the Push to Downsize Catholic Schools
Fr. Moore is also critical of suggestions that the number of Catholic schools should be reduced in response to declining religious affiliation. He argues that doing so would be a disservice to those who still seek pastoral care and faith formation. "I don’t like to see people going to the wall and not being cared for pastorally," he stated, emphasizing the Church's responsibility to provide spiritual guidance regardless of the popularity of its message.
He also drew a parallel between the Church's mission and the relentless efforts of the commercial world, which, he noted, constantly "penetrates society every day with their ‘Good News,’" albeit a message that is "totally different" from the Gospel. Fr. Moore believes that, like the commercial world, the Church must persist in spreading its message "whether they want it or not."
A Call to Action for Parents and Clergy
Fr. Moore's message extends beyond the classroom to the home and the wider community. He urges parents to take an active role in their children's religious education, encouraging them to "have a passionate interest in their children’s formation in the Faith" and to inquire about the religious instruction being provided in schools.
Furthermore, Fr. Moore calls on bishops and priests to remain steadfast in their commitment to faith formation, warning against the temptation to "throw in the towel." He insists that spiritual standards should not be dictated by the government or societal trends but should be maintained with conviction and compassion.
Fr. Patrick Moore's passionate defense of faith formation in Irish schools reflects a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of young people in an increasingly secular society. His call to resist the removal of religious education, despite its declining popularity, highlights the importance he places on pastoral care and the Church's mission to spread the Gospel. As Ireland's religious landscape continues to evolve, voices like Fr. Moore's remind us of the ongoing debate over the role of faith in education and the responsibilities of both the Church and society in nurturing the next generation's spiritual development.
