May 2012 - Catechist's Journey

Catechists in Action – Marge Invites RCIA Team Member to Discuss the Gospel

In this segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz invites Bernie, one of her RCIA team members to read aloud the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday and then to share some thoughts on it. Watch for the following: Marge clearly announces what is to take place next, the proclamation and discussion of the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, and then turns it over to Bernie…a nice sharing of responsibility and utilization of the gifts of […]

Catechists in Action – Marge Invites the RCIA Participants to Introduce Themselves

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists In Action, we see Marge Garbacz, DRE at St. Symphorosa parish in Chicago, IL, inviting the RCIA participants (catechists, sponsors, catechumens, candidates) to introduce themselves to us as we prepare to watch segments showing their learning experience. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jg9XhmE4gs

Savoring the Liturgy

Joe Paprocki

Savoring seems to be a lost art in our fast-food culture. We usually associate the word savor with food or drink. We savor a delicious bite of food or a sip of good wine. To savor literally means to “give oneself to the enjoyment of.” It means to be mindful of that which you are eating and drinking – to unite body and mind in the present moment of tasting. I believe that we are […]

Catechists in Action – Marge Leads Opening Prayer

Joe Paprocki

In this segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz welcomes her RCIA participants and invites them to prayer. Watch for the following: Marge greets the participants with great enthusiasm, letting them know how welcome they are and how enthusiastic she is to be spending time with them Marge gives instructions for the prayer and invites the group to pray a prayer written for the parish RCIA process and used over many years at the parish. […]

6th Grade, Here I Come!

Joe Paprocki

I’m excited about the prospect of teaching 6th grade religious education next year! I’ve spoken to my DRE, Arlene, and she said that she would be happy to have me take a 6th grade slot come September. This will be the first time that I teach this age level as I continue to experience the catechists’ journey! I’m especially excited about the notion of teaching Scripture (Old Testament) which is the umbrella theme for 6th […]

Rest in Peace, Tom McLaughlin

Joe Paprocki

Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Tom McLaughlin, one of the most brilliant catechetical minds I’ve ever known. I benefitted immensely from “sitting at his feet” over the years. Tom passed away this morning at the age of 64. I met Tom when I was a baby DRE in 1991. I attended sessions at the Office for Catechesis to learn about my new ministry as a catechetical leader. Tom was […]

What is the Year of Faith?

Joe Paprocki

As many of you know, Pope Benedict XVI announced that the Church will celebrate a Year of Faith beginning this October, 2012, through November, 2013. Recently, I had a little time to wrap my head around the guidelines for this upcoming event and I’ve written a very brief summary of what the Year of Faith is all about. I thought this might be helpful to you in the months to come. Enjoy. What is the […]

Catechists In Action – Meet Marge Garbacz, Catechist of Adults

Joe Paprocki

Welcome to the final installment of Catechists in Action, a feature that has enabled us to be a “fly on the wall” of a number of catechists in this past year. In this final installment, we meet Marge Garbacz, Director of Religious Education at St. Symphorosa Parish in Chicago, IL. Among the many hats that Marge wears (including “parish carnival coordinator”!) is the coordinator of the parish RCIA process. Marge has assembled an impressive team […]

Self Evaluation PDF – Growing as a Catechist

Joe Paprocki

As we reflect on and evaluate this past catechetical year, I thought it would be helpful to once again make available a Self-Evaluation tool that I put together a couple of years ago, based on seven “tools” drawn from my book, The Catechist’s Toolbox. I encourage you to share this evaluation with another catechist, a group of catechists, or with your catechetical leader. It’s always good for us to reflect on our experience to see […]

What’s Something New That You Tried This Year as a Catechist?

Joe Paprocki

As we continue to review this past catechetical year, here’s my next question for you: What’s something new that you tried this year as a catechist? Every year, it helps to add some new things to your repertoire (or arsenal!) as a catechist. What new technique, strategy, approach, activity, mindset, etc. did you add this year? Share your comments below under the “Leave a Reply” feature.