The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1954-08-06
A Solution Demanded

The time is upon Us when old problem
will be presented anew to thousands of young
Catholic people across the nation 1t Is that of
choosing an institution Of higher learning to COM
plete their education Ideally, of course, there is
no problem Only Catholic institution meets the
demands adequately. And yet, through necessity,
We know that thousands of Catholic youngsters will
have to choose secular college or university
and in this forced choice lies very real problem.
The effect of sustained period Of ones form
ative years divorced from the guiding light OF
Christs teachings, the advancement in secular
knowledge without similar eoncomitant advance
IN ones religious knowledge only result IN an
incomplete educational product The attainment of
and respect for religious knowledge must keep pace
with secular learning or dangerous unbalance is
the result.
This would be true even where in nonCathoic
colleges secular subjects would be taught fairly
and unbiasedy. Too often, though the situation is
worsened by the fact that the offered and,
in some demanded, prerequisites by sec
ular institutions slanted and often. dangerously
so. This is particularly the in the fields Of phil
osophy, education, sociology and history
The retaining and applying Of high school
course IN religion 10 all phases Of advanced learn
ing by one attending non Catholic college would
still be an inadequate answer even when this sell
dom attained ideal would be realized.
A graduate OF a Catholic high school is taking
. step fraught with danger when he enters into 4
four-ormore year course in an institution where
the formal teaching and influence Of the Catholic
religion is missing from the curriculum. Something
must be done, then, where this step. after careful
consideration OF all circumstances, Is deemed per-
missibe.
The solution, at first glance would seem simple
provide those things lacking in secular education
from outside sources This Is the solution and one
that is demanded, but 1t is simple only in its state
ment The actual accomplishment OF such a program
requires much planning and even more dedication.
The burden Of providing against the ever-pres-
ent dangers inherent in this situation must be horn
rather unequay, hy three parties: the parents and
pastors and the student himself. Each has clearly
drawn duty
The offices Of teacher counsellor and guide
must be exercised with vigilance and prudence by
both parents and pastors Neither can take for
granted that the other is required 10 and IS per
forming the whole function Of these offices The
influence and duties OF pastors and parents though
often overlapping and always complimentary, are
never mutually exclusive
The greatest duty and burden lies upon the
young person in the front lines. II falls upon him
or her to realize and appreciate the peculiar dan
ger Of the situation they in and TO freely and
gladly accept the added labors of Watchfulness and
study necessary to minimize these dangers
Particularly at tins time Of life Young people
are prone to look upon interest and sollctude OF
parents and pastors as unWanted unnecessary med
ding An unwsuented selfsufflclency is too often
thought TO be guaranteed by high school diploma.
The advantages offered by Newman Clubs Ca
tholic Centers and Catholic study and discussion
groups both and off the campus should be
sougt and contact with these organizations CON
stanty maintained
Above all the daily rededication to the practices
Of their holy religion should be the first and con.
slant bulwark Of these young people.