I spend many hours thinking about parish programs, how to invite people to them and how to make the programs interesting. I want to give people what they want and need. But more and more, people confuse me and leave me questioning why I even try.
For example, after working for two years at my present job, we are able to have on-site classes for all grade levels. At first we had only online classes with some events for sacrament preparation; then we moved to classes for first to third grade and Confirmation; with grades four to seven online. Parents did not like the online program but they were not interested in helping in the program and we could not justify hiring catechists.
Here is where I begin to scratch my head and wonder. Parents are thrilled that they can come to the parish for class, our registrations increase, and we have poor attendance.
Why? Parents tell me it is mainly because of sports, and sometimes party conflicts. We meet on Sunday mornings, for 75 minutes and—I loathe telling you—only eleven times a year. So I suggest using the online program instead since it can be done anywhere, anytime. Parents don’t like that; they like their children to come to class.
So where are they? Oh yeah, at the game or sleepover.
Evangelization is not possible without people being present.
How does faith become a priority in people’s lives? I ask myself this question daily. And while I can come up with some answers, they all involve having time with people to have conversations about life, faith, God, family, and whatever else comes up.
At the end of the day I believe the answer is prayer. Not only do I pray, but I ask our parish prayer warriors to pray. I pray that God open their hearts and minds and draw them into relationship with him and his Church.
Copyright © 2013, Deanna Bartalini
Deanna Bartalini
Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.
3 responses to “Evangelization Frustration”
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All the parish programs in the world will not convert. .only the coming of the Holy Spirit brings conversion. .the apostles did not use parish programs. .they prayed and fasted. .does your parish administration attend Mass daily? fast and abstain for the needs of the parish? tithe 10% or at least their widow’s mite? if not, then you can better understand why parents don’t bring their children to religion class. .everyone has an excuse they think is legitimate. .
Deanna, I *sooooo* feel you on this.
However, I think you bring it home and remind me of what’s REALLY important in that line near the end: we have to be present to evangelize. As in face-to-face, full attention.
Thanks for this!
Here’s how I look at it as a catechist: Every time a kid comes to class, that’s an opportunity to evangelize the child- and his family. If he comes to 4 classes instead of 11, well, that’s 4 times more than none.
The personal witness of a motivated catechist may accomplish more formation in a single 75-minute class than an entire online course can.