AN ``UNCERTAIN future'' is ahead for Catholic classes in state schools if ethics lessons are allowed to run at the same time as scripture classes.

Our Lady of the Angels Rouse Hill is one of the Parramatta diocese churches at which parishioners will be asked to sign at Masses this coming weekend a petition opposing the teaching of ethics classes in time set aside for Special Religious Education, also known as scripture.

Rouse Hill parish priest Warren Edwards said parents should not be forced to decide whether to send children to scripture classes or to ethics classes.

``We'd rather both be available to kids, if they so wish,'' Father Edwards said.

``Ethics classes in themselves might be a good thing, and the Christian kids who go to scripture would not be able to go along if they're both on at the same time.''

Father Edwards expected his parish to support the petition, which was designed by the Catholic Bishop of Wollongong, Peter Ingham.

The petition follows the try-out of ethics classes in 10 schools, including Baulkham Hills North Public.

Parents had said children who didn't take part in scripture weren't allowed to use the time constructively because of a Department of Education and Training ruling that there should be no formal learning specifically not ethics or civics style courses during time set aside for religious education.

The parents said the ethics classes could complement scripture.

The state government agreed to a trial of ethics classes for students whose denominations might not be catered for by the school or who might not want religious-based directive. The ethics classes were originally to be offered only to students who had already chosen not to take part in scripture.

But they were instead offered to all students, which the Catholic Church said was a breach of the Education Department ruling and put the two classes in direct competition.

Father Edwards said the petition also supported the work of the 195 Catholic scripture teachers in The Hills at 26 primary schools and four high schools last year.

The petition will be combined with signatures from other Christian denominations on Friday week, June 4, and sent to NSW MPs.

Residents can also go to www.makeastand.org.au and download a form.