Room for all religions at Catholic school

ANNA MAJESTRO/Charleston Catholic

Charleston Catholic sophomore Carly Treister is all smiles as she participates in a group gospel project in theology class.

By Natalie Tupta
Charleston Catholic High School

One of the most obvious differences between Charleston Catholic and public schools in the area is the religious aspect. Students at Charleston Catholic hear prayers at morning and afternoon announcements. They go to Mass once a month. They take theology classes that are required for graduation.

So why would non-Catholics choose a Catholic education?

Marilyn Urecki, a Jewish mother of three, might not sound like a likely Catholic school community member. However, she not only sends her daughters to Charleston Catholic, but she also teaches sophomore English there.

“We were looking for a small school, and we had heard good things about Catholic school. We checked it out and liked the fact that it’s a small school and there was an opportunity for a good education,” said Urecki.

She was somewhat concerned about the Catholic aspect at first, but after talking with the principal and others who were familiar with the school, she and her husband, Rabbi Victor Urecki, decided to send their kids there.

During the first year that Urecki’s oldest daughter, Avrah, attended the school, Urecki was an active member of the school community. When she was offered a teaching position by the principal, her first impulse was to turn it down, but her family encouraged her to pursue the career. She began teaching there last year.

Urecki said that everyone within the school community has been very respectful of her faith. She has not had a problem missing work for Jewish holidays.

Despite the religious difference, her middle daughter, Chava, a sophomore, likes the school. “I feel different just because I’m surrounded all the time by happenings of Catholicism. It’s a constant reminder of a different religion,” she said.

“It’s not a bad feeling, though,” she continued. “I don’t mind [being different] because most people are tolerant and respectful of other religions in the school. It’s a very interesting experience. I’m glad each day I’m there.”

Freshman Max Gotlieb is also Jewish, and he doesn’t mind being different, either. “It sets me apart, which I enjoy. In other ways, I’m like everybody else.”

Deena Hossino, a Muslim sophomore, agrees. She said that there are many non-Catholic students at the school, so she’s not really alone in her beliefs.

As far as monthly Mass goes, Hossino, who has been attending Catholic school since preschool, is not bothered. “I don’t mind Mass. If it bothered me, I wouldn’t go to a Catholic school.”

Being a non-Catholic at the school means sharing your beliefs in class, particularly theology class. “Being a Jew and a rabbi’s daughter, it’s a huge responsibility to know the answers to all the questions,” said Chava.

“It’s kind of like being the ‘Children’s Guide to Judaism,’” she added with a smile, noting that in addition to sharing with the whole class, she has answered individual questions about her religion from several teachers and students who have approached her.

Theology class is one of the unique things about Charleston Catholic. Students are required to take it all four years.

“Teenagers in the rapid growth stage find themselves with questions. Theology is about learning to be yourself. It’s about learning morals and learning how to work as a community,” said Diana Mehle about the goal of the class.

As one of the school’s two theology teachers, she appreciates the variety of religions in the classroom. “Each of us has a unique relationship with God. We all have insights to offer.”

One advantage of having different religious viewpoints in the classroom, she said, is that the students often interpret things differently, which provides a learning experience for all.

Gotlieb feels similarly. “I love theology class. I get to see different points of similar ideas. It deepens my appreciation and understanding of my own religion while opening my mind to other religions and views.”

And Hossino said that just because she’s not Catholic, she has more in common with her peers of different religions than people might realize. “Both [Islam and Christianity] are monotheistic. We just believe different things about the same God.”