• 'Not fault of the Church if there's no school place'

BY A STAFF REPORTER
CATHOLIC schools, like the Rocky Mountains in America, are here to stay, Cardinal Heenan will tell Catholics in the Westminster Diocese in his pastoral letter this Sunday.
There is no doubt that most Catholics want Catholic schools for their children, the Cardinal says. "If there is no room for your child in a Catholic school it is not the fault of the Church. We are building as fast as your money allows. Pity the priest and head teacher who have to turn away so many Catholic children.
"When parents write to me I do my best for their children, but it is impossible to find places for all."
The Catholic community makes a mistake in neglecting young people after they leave school, the Cardinal continues. "We are behind other religious bodies in the provisions we make.
"We realise the need for chaplains and chaplaincies for those fortunate enough to go to universities. But they are in less need of care than the boys and girls in their teens who go into offices and factories.
"It is harder than ever today not to be driven to accept worldly standards. A youth club is not just a place for dancing and sport. A well-run club prolongs the education of young people in a grown-up way. Here is a place for lay initiative. If there is not provision in your area for the social life of young Catholics, see that the parish councils cooperate to plan some sort of club."
The Cardinal especially commends the work of the Jinja group — joiners, bricklayers, plasterers, decorators, mechanics — all members of Catholic youth clubs, who have gone to Africa.
Their contribution is worth all the speeches about immigration and the colour bar, he adds.