The Catholic and the Public School by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1908

The Catholic and the Public School

By Editor

SINCE the American Federation of Catholic Societies has set itself the task of securing the public support of the Catholic parochial schools, officials of that church have become more outspoken in their demands, and more free to assert their purpose. In these columns in our issue of January 16 reference was made to the efforts of that body to bring about such a condition in Middletown, Conn. It was the first time that such a proposition (so far as we are able to learn) had ever been squarely placed before the people to be settled by a plebiscite. The proposition was defeated, but the majority against it was not large. It was what is termed in political parlance “a feeler.” It is not regarded as a defeat. It was in the nature of a victory to be able even to bring such a question to a popular vote, and we may expect to see further developments along that line. It is interesting, with these facts in mind, to read what Bishop Canevin, of the Pittsburg (Pa.) diocese, has to say regarding the matter. A Pittsburg dispatch to the press dated January 4, says:—

Bishop Canevin, of the Pittsburg diocese, has issued an explicit letter to the effect that in places where there is a Catholic school within two miles, “parents and guardians are forbidden, under pain of mortal sin, to send their children to any non-Catholic school, and confessors are forbidden to absolve those who do not obey.”

Where Catholic schools exist, it will be a rash member of that church who will dare to continue his patronage of the public school.