I might start with evangelizing the parents. They have the responsibility as primary catechism educators by virtue of their example. The faith is passed on by assimilation, as opposed to indoctrination. Schools and classes are necessary, but they are secondary educators. It’s too bad that many, and I dare say most, parents think they are “fulfilling their Catholic obligation” just by sending them to Catholic schools.
Now, thank God, many parishes require confirmation candidates to sign a publically posted sheet indication their desire to be confirmed.
Many years ago I heard a homily before the confirmation-assembly-line the next Sunday. It went something like this:
“…80% of the children of our parish being confirmed next week will stop participating in Mass when they enter high school. After college or univerity, it gets even worse…”
If you have a group of kids who are really interested, somebody is doing something right.
What I would like to see is more comic books on the lives of the saints. Instead of having a catechism class, maybe you could start a Catholic computer club, and make your own comic books, T shirts, bumper stickers etc. Imagine off-the-wall tracts that their peers will actually read. Print and sell stuff at church, with the pastors permission, to raise money for a zillion causes. Alter a superhero in an art program to look like St. Michael the Archangel, and give them away as prayer cards. (always with the pastors approval)You might scope the dope at
www.phatmass.com
for some cool Catholic music, and what-not.Totally orthodox.
They can learn a lot and have fun in the process.
Our faith is not boring. Those who say it is have a boring faith.
Peter
