Considering sending ds(3.5) to our local Catholic School. We do not currently go to chruch. Considering going along to mass... Questions

[leoleo]

I have spoken to the school and it is not an issue so I will not be going to get a place but I feel that it is a good idea for us to visit the church.
I am ignorant when it comes to Catholic Services and would be grateful if someone could advise me of how it works.
Thank you.

Church

If you have any specific questions I am happy to help. The main Sunday service is called Mass. The format will be similar to that of the Church of England, if that helps. It will usually in this sort of order:

"Liturgy of the Word":
Hymn
Greeting
Prayers of Penitence
Gloria
Readings, finishing with a Gospel (which everyone stands for).
Sermon
Creed
Prayers
Hymn

"Liturgy of the Eucharist":
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lords Prayer
Sign of peace (where everyone shakes hands)
Pre-communion prayers
Communion
Post communion prayers
Blessing
Hymn

I think that covers it. There may be more hymns, but that is pretty much the format. You can find more here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_(liturgy)

You can only receive communion if you are RC (or at a push, Orthodox), but you can go up for a blessing. It varies on the church, but what you would do is go up and cross your arms over your chest and bow your head to indicate you want a blessing and not communion. If the priest doesn't notice this whisper "a blessing father"

Hi leoleo. I am a church-going Catholic and my dd1 is in reception at a catholic school. I would say just go along one Sunday morning to Mass and try to enjoy it! (Do you know the Mass times?) It's fairly easy to just go along with what everyone else is doing (just stand when they stand and sit when they sit!) Many masses have a 'children's liturgy' so your ds may be able to go to that (if you want him to) and do colouring activities etc... Many churches also have a coffee morning after mass which might be a good opportunity to meet other mothers.
Just treat it as a new experience and don't worry about it! One of the most important things about being a catholic is to make others feel welcome, and if your church doesn't do that it's a problem with them not with you!
I think it's great that you're prepared to do this (many catholic parents don't even take their kids to mass!) I think the church is a very important part of the school community and your ds will hopefully meet and become friendly with other children who'll be in his class if you go regularly. I really hope you have a positive experience and want to go back! Let me know how you get on.

I forgot to mention Communion! However I think MaryBS covers it - although if you feel happier you can just stay in your seat and watch what everyone else does the first time!

Are you Catholic? If not you might find a Catholic school a bit (or a lot) much.
Happy to have bits of medieval cat bone venerated as holy relics? Happy to be told to lobby your MP about abortion? I wouldn't be.

You don't need to join in with any prayers or response the first time you go though - my advice would be to just listen and observe the first time - take things slowly and enjoy it!

Mabanana - I don't think any Catholic school asks their children ro lobby MPs about abortion! Also, I've been a Catholic all my life and never heard a mention of cat bones I taught in a Catholic school and I really don't think anyone will find it 'a bit much' unless you are anti-Christian.
Have you any experience of Catholic schools mabanana or are you speculating?

Just interested leoleo, why are you considering the catholic school? Does it have good results or is it because you like the idea of a christian ethos?

Hi, haven't been online since Friday morning.
Thank you for all of your advice.

Mersman - I phoned all the local schools enquiring if we could look round. I called the Catholic school just as they were on the list. I have always thought I would never send my ds to a religious school.
The receptionist was lovely on the telephone - I know you cannot choose a school based on this but first impressions from the rest were impressive. Then also the results were significantly better.
I am keeping our options open till we have both visited the church and then I hope I will be in a position to decide.
I feel that a religious school will focus more on behaviors; morals etc and I expect that they would be stricter.

The basis for a lot of Bible stories are about right and wrong etc so although at the moment I have no interest as such of my ds being brought up to believe in a certain religion I would be happy for him to be exposed to the teachings of the bible.

Does this make sense?

Makes perfect sense to me leoleo! Personally I think you are absolutely right too.
I think that you will find (contrary to what a lot of people believe, eg.Mabanana above!) that Catholic schools are very similar to other schools, but with a bit extra in terms of moral teaching and encouraging children to treat each other well. That's my view anyway!
Hope that your church visit goes well.