Comments on: Education Hearing

By: FRANKLIN JASKO

FRANKLIN JASKO — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:12:04 +0000

Having recovered somewhat from having seen 60 Minutes on Sunday, I am saddened by the fact that the ONLY way to get to Archbishop Dolan is through his blog. Sad to say that Dolan’s \perception\ response was as if to say that the church needed a makeover as on one of the cable TV reality channels.

By: Robert Langham

Robert Langham — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:01:09 +0000

In regards to your interview with Morley shafer, I would suggest that your effort to lay claim that their is no deference between a priest or a teacher etc etc being a child molester ! What profession would you say is the one to which you would say if you have any problems beliefs or disbeliefs come to me and I will show you the way to live your life. A cop a teacher or a priest, Of all of the professions you mentioned whitch one would you say is the highest calling! That would bear the most respect,The one to run to when in doubt, weather it be a priest, rabbi or reverend . Would you not say that the clergy should be held in the highest acclaim! Remember the air we breath is all the same, the standard to whitch we live however is not. A cop ,teacher or a fireman does not lay claim to absolve you of all your sins when your time comes, can a cleargyman who has committed child molestation still get you into heaven if he is not caught! Does god forgive his own preachers as they go against his will. I for one do not think so. That is why it is called a HIGHER calling because not every man is cut from the same cloth , no pun intended. As for no sin is higher than the other I do not agree with your teachings I’m sorry . To steal a loaf of bread to feed your family or to rape and kill a child is not the same, and neither is to commit child abuse in the name of the lord! Thank you for your time.m

By: Shandon Belle

Shandon Belle — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:03:39 +0000

Dear Archbishop,

Please add our blog to your blogroll.

Following the great blessings that came from the Year for Priests we thought that a Holy Year for Nuns would be a great blessing to the Church. You are very welcome to adopt the idea and we would be very happy if you would promoted it:

http://catholicheritage.blogspot.com/2011/02/proclaim-holy-year-for-nuns.html

God bless you!

By: AnnMarie Flynn

AnnMarie Flynn — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:51:52 +0000

Archbishop Dolan, very well said and I thank you for that. However, with all do respect, I do question your Pathways of Excellence plan. This plan does not help my family or my town. My children attend Sacred Heart of Jesus in Highland Falls. Our community is hanging on by a thread. We closed 1 public school last June and now our ONLY other option will be closed as well. I realize a plan was presented back in December and rejected. However, I have worked on an alternate plan and feel it is sound. A key piece is having students from New Windsor and Cornwall join us. We would become the catholic regional school in the southern most part of Orange County. This will also allow the West Point families a place to receive a catholic education. Also part of this plan is opening up program after 3pm for the community and having colleges come in and teach classes after 6 o’clock. It is clearly a win win program for our families, town and the ADNY. Please consider this. My 6 year old came home today and talked of Jesus and his miracle with 3 fish and a few loaves of bread. We can re-create this miracle right here in the Town of Highlands. Just give us one year to prove it to you.

By: Irene

Irene — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:56:46 +0000

I would like to see a personal income tax deduction for educational expenses up to the amount the state is spending per child for public education. In NYC we are spending more than $17,000 per child in general education spending. By sending my two daughters two Catholic school, I am saving the state more than $35,000 in unclaimed entitlements. I think I should be able to deduct up to that amount from my income for my daughters’ education expenses. (I currently spend well below that amount, about $9,000 a year, so a tax deduction cost the state less than a $1,000).

I have no problem at all supporting the education of other people’s children through my taxes- even people much better off financially than I am- but I think fairness demands that my own children, too, receive some support for their education.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:04:57 +0000

While my remarks may be a bit off point I feel the need to make them none the less. I have been a member of the NYC Dept of Education for over twenty years. During that time I have worked in the same building and have been blessed to touch the lives of thousands of students; in a positive manner I hope. I watched my comprehensive high school slowly turn into a poor performing school that was eventually closed…replaced by small schools at the whim of the Mayor. As was proven by the very union the Archbishop chooses to malign, the DOE set up my school and many others by sending out of district students to us; students that were well below their grade level in the key areas of Math and English. The purpose was to get these schools placed on the SURR list (Schools Under Regents Review) and then set the wheels in motion to slate them for closing. I suggest the Archbishop look at the UFT findings with regard to Columbus High School as a case in point. Were it not for the union, which believe me I am not thrilled with, who knows how far the DOE would go left unchecked. Many of my colleagues who were not as fortunate to find a job will likely be forced out if the Mayor has his way. I love my job, I love my students but I detest the bureaucracy and the manner in which business is conducted. To blame the union for representing its members and fighting for their rights is ludicrous to say the least. I am deeply concerned with the Archbishop’s view of education and the vital role unions play in protecting members. It is the job of the DOE to protect the children and the UFT is committed to that in my opinion.
I should like to mention at this point that my three daughters have been enrolled in Catholic school even though their father works in public education. The sacrifice has been substantial (I work 3 jobs) but I feel it is the right thing to do despite comments from friends and family. The reward for my dedication and commitment is that the Archbishop, through his panel, has seen fit to close their school. Yes enrollment is down and the recession has not helped but closing the school has rocked my faith in the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of New York. While I pray to God for guidance and understanding I am left wondering if I made the right choice years ago. My middle daughter will have the joy of spending her last year in grade school apart from her classmates in a new school where she knows few if any children. I challenge the Archbishop to meet with my daughters and explain to them why this was necessary for the sake of Catholic education. In my opinion, The Archbishop has failed my children in a way that is worse than what the Mayor or Governor has tried. He has taken a school that was achieving and shuttered it for the sake of a few dollars. Archbishop Dolan you should be ashamed of yourself! I have seen a great many things happen that have shaken my faith and yet I remained faithful to my Catholic heritage. These are my children being maligned, my most cherished gifts and I must admit I am not certain my faith in the Church will survive. I am certain the Archbishop feels he is doing the right thing but I must vehemently disagree!