Education

[trevor]

Hello All,

One of the problems I see facing our Church today is that it’s parishioners are not as educated as maybe they should be about our Faith. This unintended ignorance holds people back from reaching their potential or recognizing the beauty of the Mass, for instance.

We are taking steps in our parish to do more teaching, but how do you get people to attend or want to learn.

Looking for suggestions, hints, tactics . Have you done similiar things in your parish?

Thanks,
Trevor

 

[netmilsmom]

trevor:

Hello All,

One of the problems I see facing our Church today is that it’s parishioners are not as educated as maybe they should be about our Faith. This unintended ignorance holds people back from reaching their potential or recognizing the beauty of the Mass, for instance.

We are taking steps in our parish to do more teaching, but how do you get people to attend or want to learn.

Looking for suggestions, hints, tactics . Have you done similiar things in your parish?

Thanks,
Trevor

I’m bookmarking this!
My old parish would love to have these answers.

I suggested putting the Knights of Columbus’ instructions on the Sacraments be put into the Bulletin each week, but I’d say 80% of the parishioners do not believe that the host is the Body of Christ. They really need some help.

 

[otm]

Wish I knew a simple answer. We offer classes, and have 15 to 20 people show up between the two Sunday morning Masses. Last year we hosted a day-long talk by Patrick Madrid, and had over 300 people show up from surrounding parishes.

Probably the best source is the homily, but I won’t eve go there. Too many priests seem incapable of giving a good one, even the orthodox priests (and most around here seem to fall in that category).

 

[trevor]

otm:

Wish I knew a simple answer. We offer classes, and have 15 to 20 people show up between the two Sunday morning Masses. Last year we hosted a day-long talk by Patrick Madrid, and had over 300 people show up from surrounding parishes.

Probably the best source is the homily, but I won’t eve go there. Too many priests seem incapable of giving a good one, even the orthodox priests (and most around here seem to fall in that category).

I know what you mean. And the 15-20 people are always the same ones.

Regarding homilies, people are almost begging the priests to tell them what to. Lead us, please. I don’t know what the problem is and I will not judge because I am not in their shoes. I only wish there were more like Fr. Corapi who tell you straight that they are going to preach the gospel and do their job as priests because he refuses to go to hell because he did not do his job.

Looking forward to more great ideas and insights.

Peace,
Trevor

 

[theMutant]

The primary place where we are supposed to learn our faith is in the Mass; where we are fed with the written Word as well as with His flesh and blood. Hopefully your priest(s) are offering a reverent Mass and giving good clear teaching of the Catholic faith directly related to the Scripture readings of the day.

 

[puzzleannie]

our parishioners are better educated than the majority of Catholics, in great part because of excellent homilies, and a related teaching in the bulletin each week (altho how many actually read it is open to question). We also send home a sheet in English & Spanish from CTL on the Sunday readings, having instructed families on how they are to be used in sparking discussion of the readings and activities the family can do throughout the week to relate them to daily life.

Have done polls on what types of courses, bible studies etc they want, when, where etc. have given them what they ask for, still have attendance in the single digits, in spite of excellent presenters, videos, materials. If any body has the key to getting people who ask for these courses (let alone anybody else) to attend what is planned to address their stated needs, I would love to hear it.