Religious Education on Sunday Mornings or Wednesday Evenings?

[bknebel]

Hello,

I am a director of Religious Education for a medium-sized parish.

The last couple years, we have had our Religious Education classes on Sunday Mornings at 8:30-9:45. Mass is at 10:00 a.m.

There are several families that say they prefer Sunday mornings, several who wish it was still on Wednesdays. I know that we aren’t going to make everyone happy, but I would like to make it the most beneficial possible. Here are my questions:

Do you think Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings are better for Religious Education classes? What would the benefits of each be? What would the drawbacks to each be?

What are your opinions on offering a set of classes on Wednesdays as well as either a duplicate set or a scaled-back set on Sunday mornings as well?

Thanks! May God Bless you and Mary keep you!

 

[opus101]

I have no idea what is best for your parish, but I have an opinion about it in general.

I like the idea of Wednesday nights because sometimes there can be special programs for the students that would not necessarily fit on a Sunday when Mass immediately follows class. For instance, a program of non-liturgical popular religious music can be brought in once in a while, and part of the time could be used for catechesis. That way, the sacred music at Mass can be kept appropriate, and yet the students will be able to experience a more pop/child/teen centered experience at catechism class.

 

[Allegra]

Wouldn’t it be better to ask the members of your own community? We don’t know what is going on there. Perhaps Wednesday is BINGO night? Maybe you should send out a survey to see how the parishoners feel about it. The negative thing about doing it at night is that the children have been in school all day and are exhausted. The negative thing about Sunday is that they may have been up late the night before and some of them may have visitation with other parents on the weekends.

 

[Joannm]

We have over 1400 kids in our religious ed program so a Sunday would never work for us. As it is now we have several sessions during the week to accommodate then all.

 

[Allegra]

We have over 1400 kids in our religious ed program so a Sunday would never work for us. As it is now we have several sessions during the week to accommodate then all.

That’s great news!

 

[1ke]

I am a director of Religious Education for a medium-sized parish.

Define “medium sized”.

Do you think Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings are better for Religious Education classes?

I do not think it is a matter of “better” or “worse”. Whenever it is, it will be “better” for some and “worse” for others. I think you need to select a day that works for the majority of people, especially your catechists, and provide an at-home study alternative to those who cannot attend at the designated day/time.

I have seen Sunday morning, Sunday night high school, Wednesday night, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, Saturday mornings, and about every other combinations imaginable, and there is always someone who is not happy.

What are your opinions on offering a set of classes on Wednesdays as well as either a duplicate set or a scaled-back set on Sunday mornings as well?

More work for you.

If you are OK with that, and can get Catechists, and your program has enough kids-- then go for it.