Analysis: Churches are half-empty. So why does the Catholic Church still control so many of our primary schools
'A few months ago the Archdiocese of Dublin sent Catholic primary schools in the greater Dublin area a reminder of the need to uphold their ethos. It told school boards to ensure there was a “crucifix in every classroom, an image of Our Lady or the patron saint, and a sacred space in each classroom”. It also reminded them of the importance that all teaching staff hold religious certificates – a requirement for teaching religion according to the tenets of the Catholic faith – and ensure any candidate for a job is made aware of the school’s “schedule”. This is a reference to the mission statement of the school, which typically outlines its roles in inculcating in children a very specific set of religious doctrines. The missive also notes the importance of teaching religious education each day in the classroom for the “required amount of time”, which is 2½ hours per week.
This, incidentally, is more than is given to PE. In fact, in the developed world, only Israel devotes more time to religion in primary school than Ireland does'.
'A few months ago the Archdiocese of Dublin sent Catholic primary schools in the greater Dublin area a reminder of the need to uphold their ethos. It told school boards to ensure there was a “crucifix in every classroom, an image of Our Lady or the patron saint, and a sacred space in each classroom”. It also reminded them of the importance that all teaching staff hold religious certificates – a requirement for teaching religion according to the tenets of the Catholic faith – and ensure any candidate for a job is made aware of the school’s “schedule”. This is a reference to the mission statement of the school, which typically outlines its roles in inculcating in children a very specific set of religious doctrines. The missive also notes the importance of teaching religious education each day in the classroom for the “required amount of time”, which is 2½ hours per week.
This, incidentally, is more than is given to PE. In fact, in the developed world, only Israel devotes more time to religion in primary school than Ireland does'.
