Madam, - Permit me to set the record straight on the issue of religious teaching in Catholic schools ("Is the flame about to die?", Weekend Review, April 14th). The assertion that the Alive-O programme relies too much on human experience and not enough on doctrinal matters was suggested to your writer, Louise Holden, as representing the position of those opposed to this catechetical programme. It was not offered as my own personal opinion.
A close examination of the introductory section in each of the eight Alive-O teacher's books illustrates the adequacy of the doctrinal content covered, as one would expect in a programme sanctioned by the Irish episcopacy. - Yours, etc,
RAYMOND TOPLEY, Head, Department of Religious Education, St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Madam, - I was very disheartened to read Louise Holden's article on the religious education programme Alive-O. It reflected a very biased view of the programme and the teachers she interviewed have a totally different view to the one I share.
I find the programme develops children's spirituality, and personal development and relationship with Jesus and they love the hymns. In fact they love the programme and certainly know the Commandments by sixth class. It is a positive, enriching programme. I totally disagree with Gina Connolly. She should attend our end-of-term school Mass and seed the children "happy in the presence of the Lord". - Yours, etc,
ORLA HICKEY, Turvey Park, Donabate, Co Dublin.