San Diego diocese bans homeschool groups on parish properties
Some homeschooling co-op groups in the diocese were reportedly notified of the policy only days before beginning weekly classes, with one group forced to find an immediate alternative location to accommodate weekly classes offered for at least 40 children.
While the Diocese of San Diego has not responded to The Pillar s questions on the policy, sources in the diocese say it comes amid growth in homeschooling in the region, and tension in the San Diego diocese over the phenomenon.
A memo sent to parish and school administrators last week explained that the use of parish facilities by charter schools, home school programs, or private school programs is prohibited, both because such usage can undermine the stability of nearby Catholic schools and lead people to think that the Church is approving and advancing particular alternative schools and programs.
The policy dated Sept. 1 but reportedly distributed Sept. 18 explained that the purpose of parish facilities is to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ and to serve the needs of the Catholic community. This includes the teaching mission of the Church.
Parish run schools and religious education programs are the primary means by which the Church accomplishes its teaching mission for children and young people, the text added.
A lot of home schoolers are not happy about this.