Teachers of religious education in the archdiocese have agreed that each parish “is an individual and creative programs must be geared to its needs.”

The meeting last week was held at the office of Father Michael A. Morris, director of the Office of Religious Education, to work out programs and exchange suggestions. Fourteen nuns and priests attended.

“The program must be geared to the needs of the parish—taking into consideration its size, resources, talents and structure, said Sister Mary Joseph, S.S.N.D., supervisor at Holy Cross parish.

Father Morris stressed that the office was not simply “an administrative bureau”—it was to serve the needs of all parishes in the archdiocese, offering assistance with programs and facilities for teacher training and weekend seminars. “We must be fully honest not only with others but with ourselves; in accepting criticisms and constantly renewing and reevaluating our programs,” he said.

For five parishes, this is the first year there has been a full-time religious coordinator. “The variety of texts, the varied training of the catechists requires this constant reevaluation,” said Father James Maciejewski, assistant pastor, St. Joseph’s, Athens.

“The reevaluation will have greater potential if we pool the results of our program with that of other churches in the area,” said Sister Rosaire, M.S.C., St. Joseph’s. The nun hopes to form a council in Athens with other churches—to share educational facilities, materials, and speakers.

The discussion was devoted to religious education programs for adults as well as youth. Some questions raised during the meeting:

--How can the weekly classroom sessions be enlivened? Breaking the programs down into eight-week programs in which the students themselves can choose the course that they want to attend.

--Should the religious education program include only the students of one parish? Economic, social and racial distinctions could be overcome by a weekend experience in community, perhaps held a the downtown Religious Education Center.

--What role does liturgy play in the formation of the youth and adults in the parishes? The educators recognized that for a person to live as a Christian he has to live in community; this community is strengthened made and experienced in the liturgy.

The afternoon session pointed up the need for training teachers both in the parishes and in regional centers. This plan would give confidence to the catechist and assist them in making judgments about teaching methods and texts. Positive programs involving the leaders and students would generate enthusiasm.

“If the catechist is enthusiastic, the child will be enthusiastic; and we must improve attendance among the junior and senior high school students,” said Father Anthony Curran of St. Thomas More.

The Cathedral of Christ the King program will include a special Mass for the teenagers, with them providing for all arrangements: music, ushers, lectors, and service, said Sister Mary de Montefort, G.N.S.H.