A recent U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey of Americans 18 and older discovered that Catholics may not know their own faith as well as hoped. Approximately 40 percent of those polled were unaware of the Church’s position that the Eucharist becomes the body and blood of Jesus, rather than merely symbolizing it.
Amid growing concern over similar trends in the Church, dioceses across America are looking for innovative methods to properly train Catholic youth. One such method, implemented in Page, Arizona, created a space for religious training outside of traditional Sunday schools and private Catholic schools. Students at Page High School, a public institution, can now, during the school day, leave the campus and go across the street to the Catholic church to take a class in Catholic doctrine.
Avoiding conflict with the separation of church and state, no classes will be held on school grounds. Similar to an educational release program implemented for Mormon students seeking to include religious education in their traditional curriculum, the program establishes a winning compromise for both school administrators and religious families.
About the Author: Father Thomas Maikowski, retired Air Force Chaplain and Lieutenant Colonel, serves the Immaculate Heart of St. Mary Church in Page, Arizona, as a Pastoral Administrator.
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