Curia's catechism directive

I am in complete agreement with Chris Delicata (Catechism Classes, October 13). The latest directive from the Curia has created unnecessary difficulties and upset for some parents as regards catechism classes for their children.

My eldest son started his First Holy Communion lessons this month. We had hoped that he would have been able to follow these lessons at St Patrick's in Sliema, as he doesn't yet understand enough Maltese to be able to follow Catechism lessons in Maltese. He therefore needed the lessons to be in English, which they were at St Patrick's, where the whole extended family also attends Sunday Mass.

Due to the directive by the Curia, they were no longer allowed to hold just one lesson per week of an hour and a quarter but were told they had to hold two lessons per week of three quarters of an hour. Unfortunately, St Patrick's were unable to fulfil this obligation and consequently, had to cancel any future Catechism lessons.

My son is now following lessons within the English Speaking Parish, (as I am English and he therefore qualifies to do so). This is not a problem, but once again, the Curia has dictated to them that they too have to hold two lessons a week rather than their original once a week or even once a fortnight.

My point is, what difference does it make whether there are two lessons a week of half to three-quarters of an hour or one lesson a week or fortnightly of one hour? Surely the point is that the children attend these lessons in preparation for their First Holy Communion and that the full course is completed, which it always was at both St Patrick's and within the English Speaking Parish, even with only fortnightly lessons.

Also, does it really matter where the children do their First Holy Communion? Why can they not take it within the church/chapel that they are used to attending regularly for Sunday mass with their families?

Taking up another point made by Mr Delicata, time after school is precious for completing homework and following any number of sports activities. At the risk of provoking comments from some people, is it not time that these lessons, both for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, be incorporated into religion lessons at school? The very comprehensive religion curriculum/programme that exists within schools surely covers the topics and themes that are necessary for these celebrations and beyond, as religion is compulsory up to Form 5. If necessary the Curia could guide the Department of Education on the programme to follow and even recommend books. This would then alleviate the pressure on parents to have two to three afternoons kept free to attend lessons and fit in other activities as well as homework while still fulfilling the requirements for the First Holy Communion and Confirmation celebrations.

I also understand that for Confirmation, lessons are now to be held twice a week for five years! Is this really necessary? What of parents that have more than one child? My eldest son will do his First Holy Communion next year and will then have to embark on his five years of lessons for his Confirmation in 2011! I have three sons and I have worked out that it will be 2015 by the time all three will have completed their First Holy Communions and Confirmations! Under the current system, that means that I will have to take one or two, (and at one point all three of my sons), to different Catechism classes, twice a week, for the next 10 years!

On another note, where there is the demand, why do parishes not run Catechism classes in English as well as Maltese? This would take the pressure off the English Speaking Parish as well as allow children to follow the catechism lessons within the parish where they live, if the Curia insists that this is how it should be, and in the language with which they feel more comfortable.

I sincerely hope that the Curia will revisit their decision and take parents and their children into consideration when making such decisions.