Catechist's Journey

 I received the following email from Tom, telling me about his idea of doing a “project-based” approach to Confirmation preparation. Here’s how he describes it:     Hi Joe, It was great to meet you in Winnipeg last month; your visit got me thinking about our parish’s catechetical confirmation prep. The candidates are in Gr. [...]

Recently, my colleague and friend, Annie Lauer, asked me about music resources for Confirmation that might be used with the Confirmed in the Spirit Confirmation program. I wasn’t much help to her, but as a result of her own perseverance, she found a CD by David Haas titled With You By My Side (Volume II) with [...]

Here’s info about a new Confirmation DVD that I wish I had when I was teaching Confirmation a few years back! The DVD is Called and Confirmed and is part of the revised Confirmed in the Spirit Confirmation program by Loyola Press. The DVD has 3 parts, the 2nd of which I am particularly fond [...]

I was quoted in an article in the current issue of the National Catholic Reporter, talking about the issue of what age to confirm. What are your thoughts about this issue? (pictured: Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, N.D., and Fr. Luke Meyer, chancellor, talk with children at St. John Catholic Church in Wahpeton prior to [...]

How’s the Confirmation prep program at your school or parish? What do you love about the program? What would you change? Now’s your chance to share your expert opinion with someone who will listen! You are invited to share your opinion about Confirmation formation in a survey from SpiritedTalk.org. Let your voice be heard today [...]

Congratulations to all of the 8th graders who were Confirmed yesterday, including my class of 10 students! I pray that they will feel the abundant graces of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit, flowing in and through them all the days of their lives! As promised, I put together a guided reflection [...]