How are local schools responding to war?

By Michelle Gahee and Brenda Rees

With the United States at war in Iraq, questions arise in many homes and schools about what to tell children, how much information to share, and who or what to pray for.

While most experts agree that home is where children should learn about the war, it is also a reality that most children spend the majority of their weekdays in school. And how this issue is addressed in the classroom is equally important.

Accordingly, The Tidings surveyed Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese to see how they are handling this crisis. Here is what Carolyn Sermeno, principal, St. Matthias High School, Downey, said:

"We have set up an area right outside our chapel and close to the entrance of the school where students can post pictures of friends and family members who are serving in the war. We say a prayer for them every day.

We are preparing a prayer service for later in the week as a support the girls and the families who are dealing with family members overseas.

We have two girls whose fathers are over there. We have students who have cousins, brothers, and even boyfriends stationed overseas. It's very difficult for them. So many are so young.

Many discussions in every classroom about the war. Teachers are grabbing that teachable moment. Students want to talk about it. Some are against it, some for it; I think the vast majority are not happy that it is happening, but they want it to quickly end with a just result.

In the classroom, teachers are letting them "get out their feelings." That's the benefit of a Catholic school right now. We can talk about this, pray about it and have it a part of our day.

It's a scary time."