The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-12-08
CATHOLIC SCHOOL QUESTION.
Synopsis of the Address of Mgr. Satolli to
the Archbishops.

Synopsis OF the Address of Mgr. Satolli to
the Archbishops.
ST. Louis, Dec. THE following is a
Synopsis of the address of Monsignor Sa-
TOLL. delivered at the recent meeting o
of arohbishops in New York on the subject
of settling the school question and having
religious education: On the Catholic church
is vested the divine right of the instruction
of the young in SO far as theirs is the king
dom Of heaven. Hence, absolutely and
universally speaking, there is no repug-
nance in the young learning the fir st ele-
ments and higher branches in public schools
controlled by the state. For the rest. the
provisions of the council of Baltimore are
yet in force and in general way will remain
80. United with the duty of procuring
truly Christian and Catholic education for
offspring. are the rights of parents which
no civil law or authority can violate or
weaken. The Catholic church in general,
and especially the holy see, desires that by
joint act of civil and ecclesiastical authori-
ties there should be a public school
in every state, but the Catholic church
shrinks from those features of public
| Christianity. Long since the holy see de-
creed that parish schools and other institu-
tions under the direction of the bishops,
are opportune and necessary from the fact
that it held for certain that the public
schools bore within themselves proximate
danger to faith and morals. because purely
secular education is given, because the
teachers are chosen discriminately from
sscts. and no law prevents them from
working the ruin of youth. Likewise Ger
tain corruption seems to impend from the
fact that children of both sexes are brought
together in the same room for their lessons
Wherefore, if it be clear that in given
| QhGva
pear, then it will be lawful for Catholic
parents to send their children to these
schools, provided the parents themselves dc
not neglect the most serious duty. and pas
tors put forth every effort and instruct the
children and train them in all that per
tains to Catholic worship and life. 1t viii
be we'll. therefore, to establish weekly
classes in cateohism which all children o.
the parish should attend. 1t is greatly tc
be desired, and will be a most happy ar.
rangement. if the bishops agree with th,
civil authorities or with members of tn,
school board, to conduct the school will
mutual attention and due consideration
for their respective rights.
Satolii thon quotes the pope's letter on
tho subject to the archbishop of New York,
and to bishops of the province. The adop-
tion of one of three plans is recommended
the choice to be made according to local
circumstances in different states and va
rious personal relations. The first consists
in an agreement between the bishop and
members of the school board whereby they
allow Catholic children to assemble during
free time and be taught the catechism
Second to have catechism class outside
the public building. and also classes il
higher Christian doctrine.
The third plan ls bound up more init
mately with the duty of both parents an,
pastors. Pastors should increasingly urg
upon parents the most important duty o
bringing up their children in sound moral
ity and the Catholic faith. Let the pasto
have classes of children in the parish. no
let him show less love for chill
dren that attend public school
than those that attend parochial
On the contrary, stronger marks of loving
gratitude are shown them. For the stand
ing and growth of Catholic schools it seem
that care should be taken that teacher
have proved themselves qualified not onl
by previous examination before the dio
cesar board but also by having a teacher
diploma from the school board of the state
For the sake of the Catholic cause let ther
be among laymen growing rivalry to tax
diplomas, 80 that, possessed of knowledg,
and qualifications requisite for teaching
they may compete for and honorably oh
tain positions in public gymnasia, lyceum
and scientiho institutions
lhe above was thoroughly considered a
the meeting of archbishops.