Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics

On Sunday after Mass, I stood talking with our DRE who was pulling registration duty for our upcoming religious education classes following all of the weekend masses. When I asked her how things were going, she told me that being there reminded her how few of our parish's religious education students actually attend Sunday Mass.  Indeed, fewer than 20% of the students regularly attend Mass on Sunday, despite the fact that their parents faithfully bring them to religious education each week.

That conversation saddened me - what can we, as the Body of Christ -- do to encourage our fellow family members about the vital importance of the Eucharist in our lives?  I'm still asking myself that question, but wanted to share with you this great opportunity to learn more about the "Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics".  Online friend John Boucher and his wife Therese are constantly looking at ways to reach out and evangelize.  Here's some information they've shared with me about their latest project:

The Paulist Evangelization Training Institute (PETI) at www.pncea.org will offer its online course Keys to Reaching Inactive Catholics from October 4 - November 14, 2010. Over the six-week course, John and Therese Boucher will discuss ways to reach today's inactive, marginal and unchurched Catholics. They will explore six keys for developing a new model of everyday missionary outreach that goes beyond programs and relies on God's presence in each person's journey of faith. Early Bird registration of $112.50 through September 24.  $150.00 after September 24 through registration deadline of October 4, 2010. Groups of three or more save 50%, $75.00 for each person. Group members must register together.

Instructors: John and Therese Boucher, Diocese of Trenton, Winners of the National Council for Catechetical Leadership 2010 "New Wineskins Award."
John and Therese hold Master's Degrees in Religious Education and have been involved in catechist training, adult faith formation, and evangelization for more than thirty-five years. They are co-authors of, When You Notice the Empty Pews: Simple Ways to Share Our Faith, Engage Inactive Catholics: An E-Workbook, and Christmas Carol Festival Guidebook: A New Way to Reach Inactive Catholics. They have five children and live in Princeton, NJ.

• Required Texts (Click on item number to order):
  Item 0342 When You Notice the Empty Pews: Simple Ways to Share Our Faith by John & Therese Boucher
  Item 0343 Remaining Catholic: Six Good Reasons for Remaining in an Imperfect Church by Rev. Martin Pable, OFM Cap
• Dates: October 4 - November 14, 2010. Weekly lessons will open on the Monday of each week and remain open 24/7 until the end of the course. Course opens for introductions and orientation on Sept 27.  View course schedule at https://www.pncea.org/UserFiles/file/PETI/8145Keys/KRIAScheduleOct2010.pdf
• To Register go to: http://www.pncea.org/events/keystoreachinginactivecatholics.aspx