Numbers Tell You Something, Stories Tell You Everything
Statistics are helpful—they show patterns, trends, and what’s working or not in RCIA programs. But numbers alone? They never tell the full story. That’s why pairing the demographic insights from Journey Through Time with real-life testimonies from local converts makes the data come alive in ways no chart ever could.
Behind every percentage is a person. When Dr. Aucella’s survey reveals how age, background, or family life impacts RCIA success, it’s not just trivia—it’s a lens into how real people experience conversion. And those stories? They’re where ministry becomes meaningful.
How to Bring Data and Stories Together
Start by looking at a key insight from the book. For example, maybe the data shows that younger catechumens often drop out before Mystagogy. Instead of just reporting that, share the story of someone who nearly left but stayed because a sponsor stepped in at the right moment. That’s where the real impact happens.
You could build a blog series, a parish newsletter, or even a social media campaign around this. Take one demographic trend at a time—like how marital status or prior religious background shapes the RCIA experience—and pair it with a firsthand story from someone in your community. It’s relatable, memorable, and it teaches without preaching.
This approach also makes the stats more actionable. When leaders hear, “Single participants often feel isolated during RCIA,” it hits differently when paired with a convert saying, “What helped me was when someone simply invited me to coffee.” Suddenly, the numbers become a call to real, concrete action.
The Author Who Balances Research with Real Life
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella doesn’t just crunch numbers—he listens to the voices behind them. His background in counseling and education shines in Journey Through Time, where he skillfully blends hard data with the human side of formation. He’s been in the parish halls, the RCIA sessions, and the post-baptism coffee chats. That experience makes his writing both practical and pastoral.
He doesn’t treat converts like data points. He treats them like stories in progress—each one sacred, each one worthy of attention. That’s why his demographic insights don’t stay in the academic world. They translate directly into how parishes can love, support, and guide real people on the journey of faith.
Journey Through Time
The Catholic Church and Christian Initiation
Dr. Laurence F. Aucella
Behind every stat is a soul—listen closely, love deeply, and serve with purpose.