The decline in Mass attendance from 70 to 80% several decades ago to the present levels of 30 to 40%, and the number of people who have left the faith of their birth can be attributed to several factors, but it is almost axiomatic that if a person knows and understands his or her Catholic Faith and unbroken chain of truth and teaching directly from the time of Jesus to the present, they could not justify putting their Catholic faith aside for any reason. The Church has an ongoing program, RCIA, to bring non-Catholics home to the Catholic Church. It would seem just as practical to build upon the faith that is already present through the Sacraments and Church life of the present Catholic Christians. Although there are a number of ‘programs’ available, the value of adult education is in continuous ‘feeding’ as compared to once or twice a year because the bombardment from the secular world and even aggressive non-Catholic denominations goes on all year.

A suggestion for one phase of an adult education-program
The presenters should be well versed in the subject both from the standpoint Of Catholic factual information and enhancing spiritual growth. The individual subjects would determine how long a particular subject would require in terms of sessions.

The format
A questionnaire would be provided to anyone who might attend a session. The questionnaire will be designed to give participants the opportunity to give their understanding and knowledge of various phases of the subject. By using a carbon copy the participants could follow along and check their understanding and answers with the material being presented by the priest. The presenter’s copy would serve as an indication as to the general level of understanding of the participants. The name of the participant would not be necessary for these exercises.

If the session were videotaped, it would be available for rerunning to other groups throughout the year as needed or desired. The session could be transferred from the tape to a CD very inexpensively for use by individuals at later dates.

Keeping in mind that the Catholic Catechism is a complete record of the truths of the Catholic Church, the focus of these sessions would be more pointed toward being uplifting spiritually and faith building.

A free will offering basket would defray the cost of the visiting priests.

Thoughts on the format of a questionnaire.

Since the theme of the sessions would be directed toward enhancing spirituality, some of the subjects would be: Relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, prayer as a strengthening of the relationship, indwelling of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacrifice of Praise especially the Mass.

Relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Questions to be pondered by the participants prior to the sharing session.

• Is Jesus God?
  
• Is the historical Jesus who is presented in the Bible totally accurate, or is it more like each of the writers giving us their impressions?
  
• Does our whole life depend upon His good will toward us, or do we have control and it is up to us if we choose to relate to Him or not?
  
• Can we know what Jesus asks of us as individuals?
  
• Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?
  
• Is Jesus more like a force for good whose directions for life are good and practical guidelines?
  
• Are these guidelines always applicable in today’s life situations?
  
• Is Jesus involved with each of us personally, or more like the guide for all humanity as a whole?
  
• Is prayer on a ‘one on one’ basis with Jesus? Or is prayer more like a soothing, calming influence when we have anxieties and needs?
  
• Is the Holy Eucharist actually the body of Jesus or more like a symbol that we receive as a remembrance of Him?

Back To Home Page
© Peacevalleyhouse.com