Wiki

Well, I was thinking of putting my class notes online... so this happened.

As per my wife's verbal bludgeonings (a word that made its appearance in Mr. Gugg's reading of the Synaxarion a few days ago), I am starting a blog. Topic #1: Church school (a.k.a. Sunday school). I have been helping teach eighth grade at a local church for about five months now. Every time I feel like I am making some headway in having the students listen and understand, I seem to be swiftly brought back to reality. Today, no one showed up.

Last time we had class, I was told that some parents just bring them to Sunday school (and not to the Liturgy) if they bring them at all. I also realized from comments made during a pretty interesting discussion, that they have little knowledge of what is going on in church. Thus, the dilemma: I can prepare, I can try to find out how to make them see the meaning that Christianity can have in their lives, I can ask for input, I can even make brownies (rather, my wife can make them, since she loves that). But if I can't get them there, how can I interact with them? I volunteered to coach a basketball team in order to have a chance to interact with them more often, but the team I ended up coaching has no one from the class. Thus, the questions...

How can I take this up with the parish priest? What are the questions to ask in order to try and find a solution to the problem without sounding accusatory?

Am I, a seminarian, in a position to try and talk to their parents?

Any suggestions?