Why do Catholics do That?

By Marinell High
Marinell High is Director of Religious Education at Saint Joseph Parish, Dexter, and serves as a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Diocesan Co-ordinating Commission.

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Packaging plays a big role in marketing and, so it would seem, it’s also a valued ingredient when it comes to adult formation efforts. At least that’s the approach that Cathy Guinan takes as the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary in Chelsea. Earlier this year, she completed her 13th series of Lenten mini classes focusing on various fundamental elements of Catholic beliefs and practices.

"Why do Catholics do that?" was the last year’s theme for the 30 to 45-minute sessions which follow the Tuesday night Masses during Lent. Each session draws about 35 parishioners with many of them being repeat participants. Let Cathy describe it: "We corral them together in the gathering space after Mass and give them a mini class that includes lots of interaction." Never one to pass up an opportunity to make learning fun, Cathy this year incorporated a short ten-question quiz at the end of each session and, at the end of the five weeks, presented ribbons and awards to the best performers. She thinks she’ll make that a permanent part of the program.

Background: Each year, Cathy and her volunteer catechists have a brain storming session to select a central theme and the topics around that theme to be explored each week. The purpose of the sessions is to give the participants a background and some historical context on the theme. They explore how it fits into Catholic tradition and try to find ways they can actually do something about it in their lives.

This past year, the central theme was the Corporal Works of Mercy. When they dealt with the matter of "visiting the imprisoned," Cathy invited as presenter a St. Mary parishioner who was active in the prison ministry and who presented some insights into prisoners’ needs. Southeastern Michigan has more than its share of prisons, but Cathy acknowledges "It’s not very likely we can just walk up to one of them and announce that we are here to visit the imprisoned. The practical application this time came in the form of the participants distributing gift baskets for the prisoners.

Although the subject matter is serious, Cathy and her co-presenter, Donna Eder, never shy away from a touch of humor and their presentations reflect the imagination of the people giving them. In past years, the core themes have produced weekly sessions that ranged from our seeming fascination with certain numbers (40, seven, 12, etc.) to a study of the sacraments ("All you ever wanted to know about the Anointing of the Sick but were afraid to ask!")

Another series centered on the "Michigan Connection" with Catholicism. That included presentations on the works of Bishop Baraga, Capuchin Brother Solanus Casey as well as one on the mammoth crucifix at Indian River. Cathy developed a map of Michigan on which she highlighted sites that had a particular tie-in with our Faith. "We received lots of help in the form of information and handouts from the sites and groups involved," notes Cathy.

Resources Required: Resources required are very minimal. "We have a few resource documents that help stimulate our brain storming efforts. We make great use of the internet and we prepare a one-page handout for each session," Cathy advises. Typical of the sources Cathy and her colleagues use include:

A video: "Why Catholics Do What They Do" (Videos with Values)

Why Do Catholics Do That, a book by Kevin Orlin Johnson, PhD

"Nine Things That Make Us Catholic" (Catholic Update, September 2004)

Other various handouts taken from "Catholic Update."

Outcomes: Cathy thinks that Lent is an excellent time for these mini classes because, "Although it seems people are busy all the time, they are more receptive during that season. As a matter of fact, many people look forward to our sessions each year." When asked to identify the major benefit of this effort, Cathy said, "As adults become more knowledgeable and comfortable about our faith, and why we believe what we believe, and why we do what we do, it takes them to a deeper level of that faith."

Person To Contact: Cathy invites those interested in this project to get in touch with her. She will be happy to share information on past themes that have been featured in these mini classes.

Catherine E. Guinan, Director of Religious Education, St. Mary Parish, 14200 East Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118-1124
Phone: 734-475-8164 Fax: 734-475-3207