By Marie Mulvenna

In a comprehensive in-depth evaluation of the religious education program at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Smyrna, a vast majority of parishioners indicated they felt better able to accept responsibility for making moral decisions in their day-to-day living than they could have five years ago. The data was compiled between January and June by the parish’s committee of action for evaluation (CARE). Tabulations on the question of moral decisions found 538 agreeing and 69 disagreeing.

A second large response was found on the question of whether attendance at worship services definitely affected the conduct of daily life; 507 said yes and 84 said no.

More than four to one were in favor of the statement: “Parental example and influence are more important than any formal religious instruction in the spiritual development of the young.”

Almost 10 to one voiced agreement with the statement that their personal involvement with the parish had strengthened their relationship with Jesus Christ. A four to one ratio was found in support of the “sign of peace” during Mass.

In the social sphere, 479 parishioners affirmed the statement: “I am willing to live next door to people of another color.” Only 76 indicated an unwillingness.

More than two to one expressed their support of the statement: “Children should be prepared for reception of the sacraments by a priest or sister.”

The purpose of the study at St. Thomas the Apostle was to determine if past objectives of the religious education program were being met. The report of the committee covered 49 pages.