BUILDING Schools for the Future in Burnley offers new and exciting possibilities to the Roman Catholic community which we should welcome.

We have a long and rich experience in the field of education which we can share with others. The reputation of St Hilda's and St Theodore's high schools and the Sixth Form Centre are second to none in our area.

The proposed new 11 to 16 mixed RC high school would build upon these solid foundations.

Relinquishing control over our own successful Catholic sixth form will be more difficult. Here, I believe, that we have a chance to share our expertise with the wider community in helping to establish and run a 16 to 19 sixth form for all.

This will enable us to work for the good of the whole community, including the Catholic community.

All people of faith now have an opportunity to collaborate and assist the spiritual and moral development of our young people.

Building Bridges in Burnley has begun to explore how we can contribute to all six proposed schools in formulating and delivering the vision of ethos, the RE curriculum, pastoral care, worship and chaplaincy.

It is our aim to ensure that the distinctive nature of each faith will be respected and nurtured with religious education and worship facilities appropriate to each for all those students and staff who desire it.

Should Roman Catholics not take these opportunities then we face the prospect of continuing as we are in ageing buildings without much hope of improvement whilst the rest of the town will be moving forward without us.

The Bishop of Salford, Terence Brain, sees this collaboration as fulfilling the Gospel imperative: "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News." If the faith is strong in our families, then children will not lose it by joining others in an integrated sixth form.

REV MICHAEL WATERS, Parish Priest, St John the Baptist, Ivy Street, Burnley.