“Collect” is even frustratingly challenging.

In a parish of over 2,700 families, we schedule and provide materials for:

• Sunday morning adult catechesis (between our 08:30 and 11:30 liturgy) for 75 minutes. We cover canonical books, Church history, etc. we are currently studying the documents of Vatican II. Our Deacon/JCL makes it very clear. We get 40 people if we are lucky. Any yes the Deacon/JCL makes clear that what we study is magisterial/Tradition with an upper case “T” - which probably limits attendance nowadays.

• Tuesday morning (2 hours) adult Bible Study/ Faith Sharing. This program “got legs” via Ascension Press’/Jeff Cavins’ “Great Adventure Journey through the Bible”. Attendance is 20 tops.

• Wednesday evening 75 minutes: Our Deacon/JCL teaches the canonical books based on the Historical-Critical Method. Less faith sharing and more intense scripture study. Attendance is typically 25-35.

So we offer a lot, and as you can see, the harvest is plentiful but the laborers (students) are few. And if (grand)parents don’t take advantage, I’m not sure parents or children will.

Of course self-learning through commentaries (remember the USCCB Catechism for ADULTS?), Googling, and self-enrichment would eliminate the ability to blame the parish for any and all shortcomings. 🤷‍♂️