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

Michie said:

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

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Cosmic Charlie said:

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

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Cosmic Charlie said:

This is running a school without a license.

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chevyontheriver said:

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.

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chevyontheriver said:

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.

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chevyontheriver said:

Cardinal McElroy strikes again.

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Cosmic Charlie said:

.......
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.

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fide said:

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.

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Gnarwhal said:

He's the worst.

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

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