The campaign, illustrated with the photograph of a smiling girl leaning on a large globe, includes the slogan: «The catechism: reference points for life.»
«It is addressed, in particular, to families of Catholic tradition that do not have a regular relation with a parish, to remind them about the pertinence of the catechism in a world in search of points of reference,» the dioceses explain in a statement released today.
Each diocese has a telephone line available to answer requests for information. Web sites also have details.
The Archdiocese of Paris had already launched a similar campaign last year with «encouraging results,» according to the statement. «The number of those registered for catechism, which was declining over 10 years, was stabilized for the first time.»
During the 2002-2003 school year, 17,000 children between ages 8 and 12 attended catechism classes in the Archdiocese of Paris. Parishes have directed 80 recreation centers, in which they offered numerous activities, including catechism.
In France, fewer than a third of children ages 8 to 12 attend catechism classes.
