Communication with parents, teachers and children by parish community?

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Church “exists” to evangelize - as Pope Paul VI wrote years ago – but this truth has yet to resonate in the hearts of many. In fact it seems to me as if hearts are growing colder all over the world. Even in places where there used to be more warmth: in families and parishes, especially.

In our parish, we have both a Catholic grade school (K-3 to 6th) and a PSR (Parish school of Religion meeting once a week for children in public schools). This September our Catholic school grades 7 and 8 transfer to the John Paul II upper levels of 7th -12th grades. Our parish bulletin carries news of these schools and there is some interaction between the parish community especially in the area of financial support, and some volunteering, but when it comes to spiritual growth I have not read much in the bulletin. We have Youth groups (for middle school and high school) with a hired Youth Director who also posts activities, but I do not read in his announcements a “depth” for lack of a better word on spiritual life.

Personally, as I wrote in this Forum I recently had an opportunity to be involved as current President of the Legion of Mary in at least one small effort to encourage evangelization among the youth in our Catholic School who had received the sacrament of Confirmation. See HERE

Other than that, my efforts in trying to communicate with principals, teachers and parents have not been very fruitful. I am beginning this thread to see if any parishes have any good ways for the parish community to communicate with parents, teachers and children – when members themselves are not teachers or parents to the children and yet remain concerned as Catholics called to evangelize, and who are very concerned about our children baptized into the Church. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Casilda]

The Catholic parish prek-8th grade school in my small community of 15k residents lacks religious/spiritual formation, also. Hence, I chose to send my own daughter to the Lutheran school. Our godson’s family will be sending their children to public school next year. One big contention with them is teachers that are not Catholic. Lutheran schools in the area hire Lutherans to teach, why can’t the Catholic schools hire Catholics. In the small outlying farm community public schools, your chances of finding at least Christian teachers are better than the Catholic school. Godson’s family has spent many years battling the school trustees, etc. Now they have no choice but removing their children from the parish school.

 

[MariaChristi]

The Catholic parish prek-8th grade school in my small community of 15k residents lacks religious/spiritual formation, also. Hence, I chose to send my own daughter to the Lutheran school. Our godson’s family will be sending their children to public school next year. One big contention with them is teachers that are not Catholic. Lutheran schools in the area hire Lutherans to teach, why can’t the Catholic schools hire Catholics. In the small outlying farm community public schools, your chances of finding at least Christian teachers are better than the Catholic school. Godson’s family has spent many years battling the school trustees, etc. Now they have no choice but removing their children from the parish school.

Dear Casilda,

Catholic Education in many, many parts of the USA is in disarray. In our parish, as far as I know some of our teachers in the Catholic School presently are not Catholic It seems to me in the past, we had one Religious sister on staff and she taught religion to the class which had a non Catholic teacher. That sister has retired and so I assumed there is still a Catholic who teaches religion in any class where a non Catholic is on staff.

It is not as it should be, of course. Only Catholics should be teaching in a Catholic School because every subject (not just the religion classes) need to be permeated with Catholic teaching. If I were raising my children today, I would prefer home school to public school or any Catholic School where I felt they were not getting a true Catholic education.

Since you’ve chosen to enroll your child in a Lutheran school, I’m hoping you’re discussing all she is learning with her, and you are very aware of the textbooks the school uses; you know her teacher and principal and all about what goes on at her school.
Some parents simple have little or no knowledge of what their children are learning, as Pope Francis recently spoke on the Educational mission of the family. See HERE

Gone are the days when we had really dedicated religious teachers and really dedicated Catholic lay teachers in our schools. Catholic Schools which still have that kind of trained and dedicated faculty are very few and far between it seems to me. The greatest gain may be in higher education. Newer schools like Christendom College, Ave Maria University and the older but greatly renewed years ago, Franciscan University, to name a few.

As a former teacher who has taught from K through College levels in the Catholic School system, I am very grateful to the schools and teachers which gave me a good foundation. It saddens me greatly to see the children of this country and all over the world suffering the want of food for their souls. My desire to do something “Beautiful for God” as Mother Teresa of Calcutta often suggested, and as I’m inspired by servant of God Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary and others, keeps me looking for ways. Thanks for your reply and your desire to seek the good of your daughter. May the Lord enable you and your Godson’s family to help children grow in holiness.

 

[pianistclare]

I wouldn’t assume too much. We offer ALOT to our students, but I seldom write up anything in the bulletin.
We save it for class.
Plus, the bulletin articles need to be submitted by 8 AM on Tuesday for the following week. After a grueling 12 hour or more day of teaching on Sunday, I don’t really have time on Monday to write a big missive for the bulletin, which believe me, few people read anyway. We used to spend a lot of $$$ on fliers for the children. I finally realized that hardly anyone read them, and they ended up blowing across the parking lot, or in the floorboard of people’s cars.
If you’d like to have a running article in the bulletin to inspire children and parents alike, speak to the Bulletin editor for your parish. They may welcome the submission.
But please don’t assume that people are not doing their job with the children.
It’s because I AM busy with that job, that I don’t have time to write up everything that happens to the people in the pew can think we do a good job.

 

[MariaChristi]

I wouldn’t assume too much. We offer ALOT to our students, but I seldom write up anything in the bulletin.
We save it for class.
Plus, the bulletin articles need to be submitted by 8 AM on Tuesday for the following week. After a grueling 12 hour or more day of teaching on Sunday, I don’t really have time on Monday to write a big missive for the bulletin, which believe me, few people read anyway. We used to spend a lot of $$$ on fliers for the children. I finally realized that hardly anyone read them, and they ended up blowing across the parking lot, or in the floorboard of people’s cars.
If you’d like to have a running article in the bulletin to inspire children and parents alike, speak to the Bulletin editor for your parish. They may welcome the submission.
But please don’t assume that people are not doing their job with the children.
It’s because I AM busy with that job, that I don’t have time to write up everything that happens to the people in the pew can think we do a good job.

Dear pianistclare,

Thanks for you reply. Please forgive me if my post gave you (or anyone else) the impression I thought no teachers were doing a good job. I’m sure there are holy teachers and holy men and women in every walk of life, who are doing beautiful things for God. I certainly want to be one of them, too!

My heart simply longs to do more to help children as well as adults know and love Jesus and Mary more. We have a “Returning Catholics” program for adults and I’m sure there are many among the parents of our school children who may need to come back tot the Church. We also have Bible Studies for adults, and I know some children are taught t religion at home or in classes, but I’ve been trying to get a Junior Legion of Mary started in our parish for about 4 years and each time I try to work with principal, teachers and/or parents there seems to be little to no interest at all.

Parish bulletins are only one way of communication and my experience with ours is similar to yours. Some parishioners read the bulletin but many do not! Long articles are not what I’m looking for, neither from those in the school nor do I think writing one myself would do as much good as personal contacts. I posted this thread in the hope that someone might have a successful way to communicate and might share it.

I’m sure you are doing a good job and I thank you and all the good teachers who work very hard. Again, I apologize for any hurt I may have caused – it was never my intention. Please let us pray for one another.

 

[Casilda]

I don’t really have time on Monday to write a big missive for the bulletin, which believe me, few people read anyway. We used to spend a lot of $$$ on fliers for the children. I finally realized that hardly anyone read them, and they ended up blowing across the parking lot, or in the floorboard of people’s car.

Sounds like you need help. Our parish’s religious ed director gives us a write up in the monthly newsletter that gets mailed, its pretty thorough. Just now in the June issue, she lists topics that will be covered next year, asking for (name removed by moderator)ut, for volunteers to teach or sub, and what to do during the summer with the children to deepen their faith and the summer Holy Days.

 

[pianistclare]

Dear pianistclare,

Thanks for you reply. Please forgive me if my post gave you (or anyone else) the impression I thought no teachers were doing a good job. I’m sure there are holy teachers and holy men and women in every walk of life, who are doing beautiful things for God. I certainly want to be one of them, too!

My heart simply longs to do more to help children as well as adults know and love Jesus and Mary more. We have a “Returning Catholics” program for adults and I’m sure there are many among the parents of our school children who may need to come back tot the Church. We also have Bible Studies for adults, and I know some children are taught t religion at home or in classes, but I’ve been trying to get a Junior Legion of Mary started in our parish for about 4 years and each time I try to work with principal, teachers and/or parents there seems to be little to no interest at all.

Parish bulletins are only one way of communication and my experience with ours is similar to yours. Some parishioners read the bulletin but many do not! Long articles are not what I’m looking for, neither from those in the school nor do I think writing one myself would do as much good as personal contacts. I posted this thread in the hope that someone might have a successful way to communicate and might share it.

I’m sure you are doing a good job and I thank you and all the good teachers who work very hard. Again, I apologize for any hurt I may have caused – it was never my intention. Please let us pray for one another.

No worries. But do you realize how difficult it is to get people like yourself to volunteer to teach? It seems you would be a perfect candidate! Get certified and get teaching! The kids need you!

 

[kkollwitz]

“My heart simply longs to do more to help children as well as adults know and love Jesus.”

Ditto prior post: be a catechist.

 

[MariaChristi]

“My heart simply longs to do more to help children as well as adults know and love Jesus.”

Ditto prior post: be a catechist.

Dear kkollwitz,

Thanks for your post. I have been both a religion teacher in Catholic schools and a catechist for Parish schools of Religion. I’ve also served as catechist for adults in RCIA and other Faith Formation programs such as “Returning Catholics”.

The longing of my heart at this point in my 78th year of life is to have a “Junior Legion of Mary” in our parish, which entails having at least one adult member of the Legion as an officer of the group and of course the cooperation of parents especially of younger children.
Getting to enlist the cooperation of teachers is also important. I’ve tried speaking to groups of teachers and parents but I think it is the personal 1 on 1 contacts that are most effective.

Why do I consider this so important and thus needing better communication with parents and teachers? I do not know personally all the those parents and teachers. I know that I have tried with some and always hear similar excuses about time, schedules, etc. etc. but I know that classroom religion programs are not enough to carry children through adolescence and young adulthood.

It was the Junior Legion of Mary in my own teen years that planted a seed of devotion to Mary and through Mary a deeper commitment to Jesus, that has grown through the years. The Legion is a volunteer group which young persons join on their own volition, and so it gives them an early opportunity to choose soomething “Beautiful for God”. Thank you for the work you are doing. Please let us pray for one another.

 

[pianistclare]

Dear kkollwitz,

Thanks for your post. I have been both a religion teacher in Catholic schools and a catechist for Parish schools of Religion. I’ve also served as catechist for adults in RCIA and other Faith Formation programs such as “Returning Catholics”.

The longing of my heart at this point in my 78th year of life is to have a “Junior Legion of Mary” in our parish, which entails having at least one adult member of the Legion as an officer of the group and of course the cooperation of parents especially of younger children.
Getting to enlist the cooperation of teachers is also important. I’ve tried speaking to groups of teachers and parents but I think it is the personal 1 on 1 contacts that are most effective.

Why do I consider this so important and thus needing better communication with parents and teachers? I do not know personally all the those parents and teachers. I know that I have tried with some and always hear similar excuses about time, schedules, etc. etc. but I know that classroom religion programs are not enough to carry children through adolescence and young adulthood.

It was the Junior Legion of Mary in my own teen years that planted a seed of devotion to Mary and through Mary a deeper commitment to Jesus, that has grown through the years. The Legion is a volunteer group which young persons join on their own volition, and so it gives them an early opportunity to choose soomething “Beautiful for God”. Thank you for the work you are doing. Please let us pray for one another.

If that’s the case, you have 2 options:

Get the DRE on board with a brochure and note home to the every family in religious ed,
OR
Get the pastor to allow you to make a before the final blessing type announcement about starting it up, and tell people they can talk to you in the Narthex after Mass for more info. Set up a table with handouts, and information and sign-up sheets. If the Pastor pushes it in his remarks, they will sign up.

Another good source of warm bodies are the Homeschooling families. They are always looking for various sodalities that are geared toward children.

Good luck!

 

[MariaChristi]

No worries. But do you realize how difficult it is to get people like yourself to volunteer to teach? It seems you would be a perfect candidate! Get certified and get teaching! The kids need you!

Dearest pianistclare,

As I just explained to another poster, I’ve taught religion in Catholic Schools and also been a catechist in parish schools of Religion for many, many years. I’ve also served as catechist with my husband for adult groups in RCIA and other Faith Formation programs such as Parish Retreats and “Returning Catholics” series in two parishes and helped in organizing one for another parish.

At this point in my 78th year, we have just completed an adult series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church for adults and a Lectionary based Bible Study in our parish. I’ve been the current President of our adult Legion of Mary for four years and during that time, I’ve been trying to begin a “Junior Legion” for those between the ages of 8 - 18. We have tried various approaches, speaking to principals, teachers and parents with no success to date.

Why do I think a “Junior Legion of Mary” is so important and why is communication with parents and teachers so important? We need at least one adult Legion member at every Junior meeting but naturally we need the cooperation and support of their parents. I do no know every parent in our parish but teachers know many and so they could help in this endeavor. Increasing devotion to Jesus through Mary is important for children and adults.

So far, most parents and teachers, are understandably unavailable to help. I can well understand how demanding parenting and the teaching profession is having taught almost my entire adult life, especially when one is married with family responsibilities. I also know I organized a Junior Legion of Mary when working in a Catholic School in NYC suburbs and how beautifully those young 6th graders prayed and worked in a Junior Legion. So I know what I’m seeking to facilitate in our parish is not impossible. In that Junior Legion I had cooperation of parents who helped drive the children to work in a Nursing Home and a principal and pastor who helped identify older adults who could be helped by children’s spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

I guess the bottom line for me is offering to children a ministry they can begin now and which they can take into their adult lives, growing all the while in the Catholic faith, and especially in deepening personal relationships with Jesus and Mary. I always loved teach ing religion to kids, but the way. I realized I also taught parents through their kids.

 

[MariaChristi]

Sounds like you need help. Our parish’s religious ed director gives us a write up in the monthly newsletter that gets mailed, its pretty thorough. Just now in the June issue, she lists topics that will be covered next year, asking for (name removed by moderator)ut, for volunteers to teach or sub, and what to do during the summer with the children to deepen their faith and the summer Holy Days.

Thanks, Casilda,

The parish just hired a new Faith Formation and Evangelization Director. I’ll see what he might be able to do to help. Please let us continue to pray for one another, for the Church and all those in most need of His Mercy.

 

[pianistclare]

Dearest pianistclare,

As I just explained to another poster, I’ve taught religion in Catholic Schools and also been a catechist in parish schools of Religion for many, many years. I’ve also served as catechist with my husband for adult groups in RCIA and other Faith Formation programs such as Parish Retreats and “Returning Catholics” series in two parishes and helped in organizing one for another parish.

At this point in my 78th year, we have just completed an adult series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church for adults and a Lectionary based Bible Study in our parish. I’ve been the current President of our adult Legion of Mary for four years and during that time, I’ve been trying to begin a “Junior Legion” for those between the ages of 8 - 18. We have tried various approaches, speaking to principals, teachers and parents with no success to date.

Why do I think a “Junior Legion of Mary” is so important and why is communication with parents and teachers so important? We need at least one adult Legion member at every Junior meeting but naturally we need the cooperation and support of their parents. I do no know every parent in our parish but teachers know many and so they could help in this endeavor. Increasing devotion to Jesus through Mary is important for children and adults.

So far, most parents and teachers, are understandably unavailable to help. I can well understand how demanding parenting and the teaching profession is having taught almost my entire adult life, especially when one is married with family responsibilities. I also know I organized a Junior Legion of Mary when working in a Catholic School in NYC suburbs and how beautifully those young 6th graders prayed and worked in a Junior Legion. So I know what I’m seeking to facilitate in our parish is not impossible. In that Junior Legion I had cooperation of parents who helped drive the children to work in a Nursing Home and a principal and pastor who helped identify older adults who could be helped by children’s spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

I guess the bottom line for me is offering to children a ministry they can begin now and which they can take into their adult lives, growing all the while in the Catholic faith, and especially in deepening personal relationships with Jesus and Mary. I always loved teach ing religion to kids, but the way. I realized I also taught parents through their kids.

So, you don’t really want suggestions?
I read that post, almost identical to the other person.
If you want to pursue it, your avenues are the priest and the DRE.
If you are as qualified as you say, there should be no barrier to starting a group.
Best wishes.

 

[MariaChristi]

So, you don’t really want suggestions?
I read that post, almost identical to the other person.
If you want to pursue it, your avenues are the priest and the DRE.
If you are as qualified as you say, there should be no barrier to starting a group.
Best wishes.

Dear pianistclare,

I’m really sorry we seem to have another misunderstanding. If I gave the impression that I don’t want suggestions, again I apologize. In both the replies I tried to explain that your suggestion and the previous poster’s suggestion, to be a catechist at this point in my life was not feasible. I’ve been a catechist for many years and your suggestions I understood, but my post was asking for ways to communicate with parents and teachers. Bulletin suggestions I also tried to discuss with you, agreeing with you that some read but many do not read the bulletin.

I have spoken to our pastor and the DRE, but starting this particular group for our youth is not a matter of my qualifications. It is a matter of finding persons willing to help in organizing and who will continue to meet weekly, willing also sometimes to transport some to places of ministry. I am grateful for your suggestions and the suggestions of anyone else who has contributed or will contribute later to this thread, and I’m sorry again that perhaps I have expressed myself poorly.

Please, let us continue to pray for one another, and for the upbuilding of the Body in love. ( Ephesians 4:16)