The first class I ever taught, in rural Uganda, had about sixty students. My most recent class, some years ago in Chicago, had fourteen.
Even in the class of fourteen, it was a challenge to shepherd each of their individual journeys toward growth.
Now think about the challenge of teaching as a Catholic parish. Maybe there are 3 full-time equivalent positions dedicated to formation and education. And, say, that there are 1,000 parishioners. That is a tough ratio for the educators. How could the staff possibly know what you, individually, need?
To my mind, in this situation the best way for a parishioner to ensure their solid formation is to first develop the capacity to know what they need and then to seek it out.
What can we do to make this easier? That is how can we build structures that invite engagement as a kitchen and not a restaurant?
PS – This is a different point, but here are some brilliant folks working on a development that would be a sea change for how we teach with integrity. Check them out!
Paul's Blog 