We don’t have that problem with property taxes here in Louisiana. But adding that to the mix makes it impossible for parents today to give their kids a Catholic education, unless they are home-schooled like you do.
I understand, murron. My husband and I were able to do it because 1) We bought a house FAR less expensive than one we could have afforded had I continued to work after the kids were born (that wasn’t going to happen), and 2) we actually live pretty modestly, only going on vacations to the family cottage on the lake in Pennsylvania (no expensive trips for us).
That said, if I had to do it all over again, I think I’d homeschool both of them right from the start. I’m LOVING it! We’ve been blessed to have made some wonderful new friends through the Latin Mass/Home School crowd, and the experience of teaching my youngest has been one of the most rewarding of my life. (I had few complaints about their Catholic elementary school, though — my desire to home school is unrelated to our experience with St. Patrick’s.)
I’m sorry that Catholic schooling is so expensive in your area. That is a crying shame and the bishops should certainly do all they can to rectify the situation. (Like maybe quit sending $$$$ to organizations that are opposed to Catholic doctrine and send it to the ailing schools instead?)
Regards,