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
