Contrary to President Obama's June 17 remarks in Belfast, Catholic education has a wholesome, not "divisive" effect on society, according to the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a teaching order based in Cleveland, OH

Contact: Sr. Jeanette Marie Estrada, 216-281-9304, sisterjeanette@hotmail.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 15, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The alarming remarks of President Obama in Ireland recently about Catholic schools have prompted a religious congregation of teaching Sisters to speak out in defense of Catholic education.

Obama claimed in a June 17 speech in Belfast that having both Catholic schools and state-run schools "encourages division" in society, prompting many Catholics to wonder if the U.S. administration plans to cripple or end Catholic education in America.

"We really need to pray for President Obama so He can preserve our basic rights and our freedom of religion," stated Sr. Jeanette Marie Estrada, vocation director of the Cleveland, OH Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The comment was made on the Sisters' Facebook page.

The following interview of Sr. Jeanette Marie underscores the need for an authentic education based on true human values and Christian beliefs, as well as training in practical skills.

Q. What trends are you seeing in children today in the schools where you teach?

Sr. Jeanette: The education of children and youth is of transcendental importance.  It has always been a challenge, but it seems to be a real challenge nowadays. Three main factors come to my mind:

1. Higher rates of divorce and single parenthood, giving many times as a result parents working double shifts. Therefore, not spending time with their children.

2. The traditional family (formed by mom, dad and children) is not the common feature in our society any more.

3. A secularized society in which values are not a priority or perceived as "old fashioned."

Q. How has family life changed over the years?

Sr. Jeanette: Many children are pressured to leave their childhood behind at a very early age.  They do not play with cars, dolls, and dinosaurs.  They play games on tablets, cell phones, x-boxes, etc., where many times they are left unsupervised or under the supervision of older siblings who initiate them in violent or impure video games. 

Unfortunately, the Church does not play an important role in their lives; therefore, in many instances, the media teaches the moral standards and behavioral patterns.

Q. What, then, is the role of Catholic Education in society?

Sr. Jeanette: In the past, parents sent their children to Catholic Schools to support the Catholic education imparted at home.

For more information, go to the Sisters' Facebook page. Or visit them at MercedarianSisters.org.