May 2014 - Catechist's Journey

I’m Going on Tour! A BLOG Tour, That Is!

In anticipation of Pentecost and to spread the word about my latest book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, I am embarking on a Blog Tour! Join me as I travel through cyberspace this week, making stops at the following blogs: Monday, June 2: Karen Beattie Tuesday, June 3: Ignitum Today (Julie Baldwin) Wednesday, June 4: Marc Cardaronella Thursday, June 5: Jonathan F. Sullivan Friday, June 6: Liturgy & Catechesis […]

Lawn Chair Catechism at CatholicMom.com Featuring A Well Built Faith!

Joe Paprocki

I’m excited and flattered that my book, A Well-Built Faith, has been chosen for CatholicMom.com’s Lawn Chair Catechism this summer! I’ve had fun working on the promotional materials with them for this endeavor (see left and below!). Here is how they describe the experience: Welcome to the second “Lawn Chair Catechism” at CatholicMom.com! This is an opportunity for you to kick back while you study along with us. We’ll be using A Well-Built Faith: A […]

Leland Nagel – Born Into Eternal Life

Joe Paprocki

It is with deep sadness that the catechetical community mourns the passing of Leland Nagel, the Executive Director of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Just one week ago, hundreds of members of the catechetical community gathered with Lee in St. Louis for the NCCL Conference. This weekend, Lee was visiting his brother’s family and was with them when he entered into eternal life, passing away in his sleep Sunday night/Monday morning. Here is a […]

Energize, Evangelize, Catechize: NCCL 2014 in St. Louis

Joe Paprocki

I had a very enriching experience at the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in St. Louis this past week, mainly because of the fantastic opportunities for networking with so many talented catechetical professionals! I had the privilege of delivering 2 workshops: one on my latest book, Under the Influence of Jesus, and one on my earlier book, 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. Thanks to all who attended my workshops and for the great interaction and […]

Online Master of Arts in Religious Education

Joe Paprocki

From time to time, I am asked about opportunities for pursuing a degree in religious education via online study. Recently, I became aware of just such an opportunity through Felician College. Felician Colleage Master of Arts in Religious Education – ONLINE

National Conference for Catechetical Leadership

Joe Paprocki

This week, I am thrilled to once again have the opportunity to not only attend but also to present at the annual National Conference for Catechetical Leadership which is taking place in St. Louis, MO! I will be doing 2 presentations: Tuesday, May 20 (11:45 am – 1:00 pm) Thriving Under the Influence: The Intoxicating Experience of Encountering Christ Tuesday, May 20 (4:30 pm – 5:45 pm) Unleashing Your Imagination: Getting and Sustaining the Good […]

Preparing for Pentecost

Joe Paprocki

Pentecost Sunday is less than a month away! As we look forward to this wonderful feast, I thought I would share with you an excerpt from my book, Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ, that explores what happened on that first Christian Pentecost! As recorded in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the apostles proclaimed the Gospel for the first time on that day. When all was said and done, […]

A Catechist’s Self-Assessment

Joe Paprocki

With the end of most religious education program years occurring, this is a good time for catechists to do a little bit of self assessment. Feel free to use the following by yourself, with a peer or group of peers, or with your DRE. 1 = poor/I disagree 2 = fair/I somewhat disagree 3 = good/I somewhat agree 4 = excellent/I agree I became more aware of my vocation as a catechist 1 2 3 […]

End of the Year Guided Reflection for Catechists

Joe Paprocki

Several years ago, I put together a guided reflection for catechists to reflect on the catechetical year in a prayerful manner. This can be done alone or in a group setting. For your convenience, I’m re-posting it here. We often tell our learners to use their imaginations. Now it’s your turn. Use your imagination to reflect on this past year as a catechist. (Pause.) First, find a position that feels most comfortable to you. (Pause.) […]

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Joe Paprocki

This Sunday, May 11, is World Day of Prayer for Vocations which coincides with the 4th Sunday of Easter or Good Shepherd Sunday. Here is a link to the Web site for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations: http://www.worlddayofprayerforvocations.com/ Likewise, here is a link to the USCCB Web site with further links to resources such as prayers for vocations and the message of the Holy Father. http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations.cfm Let us pray that God will call […]