Scientology and its role in the upbringing of Suri Cruise is said to be a contributing factor in her parents’ divorce, according to some observers—though Tom Cruise’s lawyers deny it—and it seems Katie Holmes is determined to make sure her daughter grows up Catholic. Holmes has enrolled Suri in Convent of the Sacred Heart, a prestigious Catholic school in Manhattan.
According to Irish Central, Suri will start attending the $38,000 a year school this fall and one of the school’s requirements is mandatory mass every Thursday. The school has plenty of famous alumni, including Lady Gaga and Nicky Hilton. The 6-year old was previously homeschooled.
Tom Cruise is a devout Scientologist and Holmes was raised Catholic; the difference in religion will be a big issue, according to legal experts. “The parties can decide what school she can go to and who her pediatrician is, but what about Scientology?” said attorney Robert Stephan Cohen, who has represented various divorcing stars, including Christie Brinkley. “Is he willing to forgo having his daughter raised as a Scientologist? Is she willing to allow the child to be one? If they can work those issues out they may be able to work out a deal.”
Holmes filed for divorce on June 28, after five years of marriage. Suri is the couple’s only child together. According to Holmes’ attorney, a settlement has been reached. “The case has been settled and the agreement has been signed. We are thrilled for Katie and her family and are excited to watch as she embarks on the next chapter of her life,” said Jonathan Wolfe, Holmes’ attorney.
In a joint statement, Holmes and Cruise maintain they plan to parent Suri together. “We are committed to working together as parents to accomplish what is in our daughter Suri’s best interests,” they said in their statement. “We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents.”
