Schools pass on the faith, says bishop

Catholic schools were necessary "to pass on the faith", the Bishop of Galway, Dr Martin Drennan, has said. He was responding to comments by Seán Cottrell, national director of the Irish Primary Principals Network, that "the day is gone when organised religion in denominational form is required to govern and manage schools".

He also said that responsibility for religious education and preparation for the sacraments should be taken away from the school and given back to the family where it rightfully belonged.

Dr Drennan felt the comments reflected the isolation and alienation felt by teachers who needed support in the faith formation of children and in their preparation for the sacraments. He praised "the terrific job" teachers did and the extent of their commitment.

Mgr James Cassin, secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference Commission on Education, spoke of "the definite need for a partnership of parents, home and school" when it came to faith formation for children. He noted that the Education Act granted the right to every faith/denomination to run its own schools.

He said Catholic schools were seen sometimes "as almost sectarian" but he said their ethos meant they had to be welcoming to people of other traditions.

Fr Dan O'Connor, secretary general of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, said research published last year showed 60 per cent of teachers favoured a multi-denominational system which provided denominational religious instruction.