Like a Dream

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I am blessed with a wonderful group of 8th graders!

Tonight’s first class (I couldn’t wait till the morning to write this post!) went like a dream. I have 15 eighth graders – 8 boys and 7 girls – and from the moment they walked in, I could tell they were going to be a good group. They were polite and friendly, very outgoing, and very respectful. I was absolutely thrilled with their level of maturity. We accomplished every part of the lesson that I planned and I was able to recall all of their names without looking at the list by the end of class!

I’m also thrilled to have such a wonderful aide, Kris, who is a professional 3rd grade teacher. Her presence in the class is simply outstanding and I think the kids will perceive her as a co-catechist rather than an aide.

I know this is only one class but I can tell you that the difference between this year’s class and last year’s is like night and day. The chemistry just wasn’t there last year and that made it very hard to achieve any level of depth.

I look forward to the opportunity to walk with these kids this year on their spiritual journey and I thank the Lord for this privilege and responsibility.

Now…on to week 2!

About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

6 Comments

  1. Great! What a blessing it sounds like this year is going to be 🙂 Our first class isn’t until 9/23. I’m starting to get first day jitters, lol.

  2. Ali, I had the first-day jitters too…I think that’s good to get the adrenaline going! I pray that your year will be a blessing. I know that you will be a blessing to the kids!

  3. I was in Peosta Wed. night at your session. I was one of the new people. Nice job and thanks for the ideas you shared. Linda

  4. Linda, thanks for the kind words. I had a wonderful time in Iowa and I’m glad I got a chance to meet so many wonderful catechists. I pray that all goes well for you as you begin as a catechist…you have so much to share. Just know how much these kids need to have authentic examples of holiness (not perfect, but striving to do God’s will in all things) in their lives!

  5. My first night also went much better than last year.
    I have 12 first graders, and I recruited 2 outstanding youth assistants who are making all the difference this year. Delegating is key..

  6. Laurie, I’m so glad to hear that you have started off well! Sounds like you have some great help too. Delegating is indeed crucial. Keep in touch.

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