The "Itch" to Return

Lots of stories in the sports pages today about Brett Favre getting the “itch” to return to football after announcing originally that he planned to retire.

Around this time of the summer, I get the “itch” for the religious education year to begin! Being off (from teaching) for May and June and having a wonderful vacation in Marco Island, Florida, works wonders for restoring one’s energy. Don’t get me wrong…I still look forward to having July and August off from teaching. However, the “itch” is a general urge to be “in the game” again. I look forward to growing as a catechist in the coming year and trying new things. Of course, I’ll talk about those experiences here and I hope to hear from you about your experiences as well.

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Anyone want to offer some advice for summer reading especially for catechists?

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.

2 Comments

  1. Joe, I could identify with your ‘itch’. Each year as the school and program year close I think can I ever rouse energy and enthusiasm for another year? And for the past 26 years as July closes I experience a inner stirring for the coming year. Initially, I chuckled at my feeling. Now I have learned to embrance it and I am confident it is God’s grace moving me toward the challenges and joys of the coming year. Oh how blessed I feel!

  2. Pat, your love for your vocation is very evident. Your comment exudes love for teaching. You (we) are indeed blest!

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