Diocese of San Diego Bans Catholic Homeschool Groups on Parish Properties; Non-Catholic Schools Allowed to Remain

[Michie]

A newly issued policy in the Diocese of San Diego forbids homeschool groups from using space at area parishes, while allowing parishes to rent space to non-Catholic schools on a case-by-case basis.


Some homeschooling co-op groups in the diocese were reportedly notified of the policy only days before beginning weekly classes, with one group forced to find an immediate alternative location to accommodate weekly classes offered for at least 40 children.

While the Diocese of San Diego has not responded to The Pillar’s questions on the policy, sources in the diocese say it comes amid growth in homeschooling in the region, and tension in the San Diego diocese over the phenomenon.

A memo sent to parish and school administrators last week explained that “the use of parish facilities by charter schools, home school programs, or private school programs is prohibited, both because such usage can undermine the stability of nearby Catholic schools and lead people to think that the Church is approving and advancing particular alternative schools and programs.”

Continued below.

San Diego diocese bans homeschool groups on parish properties

The move comes as homeschooling is growing in California

www.pillarcatholic.com

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

The idea of "home school" classes being 40 children in a classroom is weird to me.

This is running a school without a license.

 

[chevyontheriver]

A newly issued policy in the Diocese of San Diego forbids homeschool groups from using space at area parishes, while allowing parishes to rent space to non-Catholic schools on a case-by-case basis.


Some homeschooling co-op groups in the diocese were reportedly notified of the policy only days before beginning weekly classes, with one group forced to find an immediate alternative location to accommodate weekly classes offered for at least 40 children.

While the Diocese of San Diego has not responded to The Pillar’s questions on the policy, sources in the diocese say it comes amid growth in homeschooling in the region, and tension in the San Diego diocese over the phenomenon.

A memo sent to parish and school administrators last week explained that “the use of parish facilities by charter schools, home school programs, or private school programs is prohibited, both because such usage can undermine the stability of nearby Catholic schools and lead people to think that the Church is approving and advancing particular alternative schools and programs.”

Continued below.

San Diego diocese bans homeschool groups on parish properties

The move comes as homeschooling is growing in California

www.pillarcatholic.com

Cardinal McElroy strikes again.

 

[chevyontheriver]

The idea of "home school" classes being 40 children in a classroom is weird to me.

Lots of home schools combine for things like sports and highly technical courses or things way beyond yours or my ability to teach. Such a cooperative could have basketball practice and a Greek class and a Chemistry class and do it far less expensively than each home school having to build a basketball court or hiring a Greek tutor or equipping a Chemistry lab.

This is running a school without a license.

Could be. That should be a thing for the California courts. But for the diocese to shut it down before the courts have ruled might just be a premature timidity in the face of State power.

 

[RileyG]

How odd indeed.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Lots of home schools combine for things like sports and highly technical courses or things way beyond yours or my ability to teach. Such a cooperative could have basketball practice and a Greek class and a Chemistry class and do it far less expensively than each home school having to build a basketball court or hiring a Greek tutor or equipping a Chemistry lab.

Then they have ceased to be home schools, they are now unlicensed charter schools. Or something.

But they are not home schools.

Could be. That should be a thing for the California courts. But for the diocese to shut it down before the courts have ruled might just be a premature timidity in the face of State power.

I don't know.

Well, actually I do.

I have been shot down from having all kinds of activities on Church property, and the reason has always been some variation of, "it would be scandalous of use to associate ourselves with this particular group/activity/event. The Church can't be seen as supporting this kind of thing."

It's an aggravating answer. Especially when you disagree with it.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Cardinal McElroy strikes again.

He's the worst.

Okay he's among the worst...like on Mount Rushmore of active horrible US prelates: McElroy, Cupich, Gregory.

 

[RileyG]

He's the worst.

Okay he's among the worst...like on Mount Rushmore of active horrible US prelates: McElroy, Cupich, Gregory.

We must pray for these men because the amount of responsibility that lay on their shoulders.

 

[fide]

.......
I have been shot down from having all kinds of activities on Church property, and the reason has always been some variation of, "it would be scandalous of use to associate ourselves with this particular group/activity/event. The Church can't be seen as supporting this kind of thing."

It's an aggravating answer. Especially when you disagree with it.

Yes, but merely "I disagree" is not as important or weighty as, "Does God disagree with it?" It is HIS Church, after all. There is a radical difference between a servant Shepherd guarding the sheep, and a thief or robber disguising himself with sheep's clothing, hoarding power and glory to himself. Either ruler is owed our prayers, but prayers ordered to God's holy will.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Yes, but merely "I disagree" is not as important or weighty as, "Does God disagree with it?" It is HIS Church, after all. There is a radical difference between a servant Shepherd guarding the sheep, and a thief or robber disguising himself with sheep's clothing, hoarding power and glory to himself. Either ruler is owed our prayers, but prayers ordered to God's holy will.

Well, Fide:

Every made member (under Holy Order's I guess is the actual way of saying it) of the Catholic Church I ever met claimed to be speaking for God, so the question, from a practical standpoint, is moot.

 

[chevyontheriver]

He's the worst.

Okay he's among the worst...like on Mount Rushmore of active horrible US prelates: McElroy, Cupich, Gregory.

There are others. Stowe should be on the list. Cardinal Tobin too.