Monday, February 12, 2018

Not the Right Kind of Catholic Parent

Here we go again: Mean, bad, unchristian Catholic school officials fire much-loved teacher.  Jocelyn Morffi, the Miami first grade teacher of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School was terminated upon returning from her February 3, wedding to another woman. She wrote on her Instagram account: “In their eyes I’m not the right kind of Catholic for my choice in partner.”

Parents learned of the firing in a letter from the school’s principal, according to Miami-area news reports. No reason was given but they were assured that the students’ education wouldn’t be disrupted.  Parents were asked “for your continued prayers” for the school.
The Archdiocese of Miami spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta confirmed the firing, saying that Morffi had broken her contract. “As a teacher in a Catholic school their responsibility is partly for the spiritual growth of the children. One has to understand that in any corporation, institution or organization there are policies and procedures and teachings and traditions that are adhered to. If something along the way does not continue to stay within that contract, then we have no other choice.”
The liberal media has had harsh criticism for the Church’s behavior and complains that the county doesn’t forbid religious institutions from terminating employees who come out as gay or lesbian.
We know. It’s coming.
After same-sex marriage became legal in 2014 in Miami, the Archbishop Thomas Wenski sent a statement that informed all employees of the Church regardless of their religion, that everyone must abide by Catholic teaching, or they could face consequences including termination.  Why is this shocking to anyone? 
Yet, many of the parents are furious, claiming they don’t care about a teacher’s sexual preferences, only how she treats the students. Of course, the liberal media disagrees with the Church. They don’t like the teachings. That should surprise no one. It is the angry Catholic parents that do not make sense. Parents paying to send their children to a Catholic school should expect a Catholic education consistent with Catholic teaching.  Anything else is not logical.
The angry parents want to know: At what point is the Catholic Church going to get in line with the culture and fold on 2,000 + year-old teachings?  Never. Ever.  Take your kids out now if Catholic teaching offends you. But better yet, seek to understand it and in this case, learn about the love and support the Church offers to those with same sex attraction.
It is not an easy issue.  I know people personally with kids who have same-sex attraction. But not all desires are created equal. Jesus was loving but firm, telling those he healed to sin no more.  He was not soft on sin, but his mercy and love ran deep.  Catholic teaching is not going to go away. However, I do wish that parents angry at Catholic schools for being Catholic, would.
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For more inspiration check out Patti's latest bookHoly Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith & Get to HeavenOther books include:  Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories from Everyday Families and the best-selling Amazing Grace Series.
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