The case for removing religious education from the primary school curriculum came from a most unexpected source last week, as the First Holy Communion season was in full swing.

Fr Paddy O’Kane, a Derry-based parish priest, didn’t put a tooth in it in questioning the motives of some parents who put forward their children for the sacrament of Holy Communion. In the case of families who partook in the sacrament with no intention of going back to mass the following Sunday, Fr O’Kane surmised that “it’s reduced to an orgy of sentimentality and materialism with miniature brides and bouncy castles and bursting bank accounts”.

You can’t argue with him. I am sure all parents will agree – even those who don’t go to mass but make the most of the First Holy Communion Day. In fairness, they will respond that they do not want to deprive their son or daughter of joining their friends and classmates in making their Communion. You couldn’t argue with them either.

We all strive to make sure our children never feel isolated or sidelined, particularly at such a vulnerable age. And by restricting them from being part of the whole process of preparing for and making their First Holy Communion, you run the risk of them feeling left out.

So, non-religious parents whose children attend Catholic-run schools are left between a rock and a hard place. This is where the argument is made – and agreed with by Fr O’Kane – that religious education should be taught on an opt-in basis. Or maybe it could be taken out of school hours altogether?

Because there is nothing more cringe-worthy than observing parents of children attending special preparation masses in the run-up to the Communion day fidgeting uncomfortably in the bowel of the church, obviously embarrassed being there, for whatever reason. They wouldn’t have to be put into that situation if there was an opt-in system.

Nobody wants to take away the fun of the Communion Day. New clothes, family, bouncy castles, gifts of money and a post-mass party I am all for. Fr Paddy agrees. You would want to be a right killjoy to think otherwise. But if it is the only reason for a child making their First Holy Communion, then it is a bit of a fraud. Parents who partake in the whole process with little or no intention of ever darkening the door of the church again – until the next wedding or funeral – are frankly making fools of themselves and their children.

The church should take a lead and push for an opt-in for religion in their own schools. It is the fairest solution for everyone and fair play to Fr Paddy for saying it as it is. In doing so, he has highlighted something unique. That is how such parents who use the day for a knees-up, actually manage to achieve the impossible: insulting devout Catholics and committed non-believers, at the same time. CL