Is there any religious education in schools today?

There have been many changes in Quebec schools over the past decades.

For many years, Quebec had a confessional school system. Catechism and   preparations for the celebration of the sacraments were regularly scheduled subjects in the school curriculum.

In the 1980s though the system was still confessional, schools no longer taught catechism or prepared children to receive the sacraments.  Instead Catholic moral and religious instruction and pastoral animation services were offered.

In 2000, the Quebec Government abolished the confessional status of public primary and secondary schools. Religious confessional education could continue until 2008. Pastoral animation services were replaced by those that focused on spiritual animation and community commitment.

Beginning in 2008, religious confessional instruction in schools will be abolished and replaced by programs in ethics and religious culture.

Historical Background Present Situation What is scheduled for 2008? What is the difference between Catechesis and Religious Instruction? The Bishops’ Perspective