TORCH of Georgia at 110 Dragons Lair, Fayetteville, GA 30215 US - Philosophy Statement
| Philosophy Statement |
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TORCH is an association of lay faithful established to promote homeschooling among Catholic families, has as our philosophy the following statements:
1) Our single and most important purpose is that of aiding individuals and families into a closer and more intimate union with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior of all and to thus spread the Kingdom of God on earth.
2) The Blessed Virgin Mary is, for each Catholic, the most complete model of the new creature formed by the redemptive power of Christ. Therefore, let every Catholic cultivate a true devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most loving mother of the Church. This consists most especially in the imitation of her virtues; above all, her faith, hope, and love, her humility, her obedience, her simplicity, and her collaboration in the redemptive plan of Jesus Christ.
3) TORCH takes as its definitive and authoritative teaching the universal Catechism (published by the Magisterium, the supreme teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church) which is specifically signed by Pope John Paul II himself.
4) TORCH membership is open to all persons, single or married, regardless of religious affiliation.
5) Non-homeschooling families are encouraged to join TORCH so that they can participate in any of our activities on non-school days, evenings, or weekends. Of course, they are most welcome to attend any functions during school hours should they decide to excuse their child from attending school.
6) Homeschooling is a vibrant, positive and challenging educational option. Homeschooling is not to be only a negative reaction against the public or parochial schools even though homeschooling may be used as a transitional situation while some families are seeking another educational alternative. Parents must impart the truth to their children for THE TRUTH of our Catholic Faith is the foundation of knowledge from which all other learning flows: from parent to child, the love for human virtues and academic excellence is passed on through example and invitation.
7) TORCH strongly endorses the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on sexuality and bioethics (e.g., fornication, adultery, in-vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, contraception, abortion, et. al.). These actions are in direct violation of the family as created by God. As TORCH and homeschooling deal specifically with families and home life, it is necessary to make this philosophical connection between human sexuality and TORCH.
8) TORCH is always open to new ideas and activities on how to better promote and aid the building of authentic and strong Christian homes, thereby instilling a zealous and apostolic Christian lifestyle in our families, our neighborhood, our country, and our world.