Here’s a wonderful e-mail from a 7th grade catechist who offers some very inspiring words about his vocation.
"I...can see myself continuing on this path."
Hello Joe,
I stumbled across your website about a month ago when I was really searching for some inspiration for my next class. I am in my first year serving as a catechist for 7th graders. I’ve started out the way so many catechists probably do, teaching their own kids. My son is in 7th grade, thus, that is what I am teaching.
I’ve discovered that this is one of the most rewarding things I will ever do and can see myself continuing on this path!.
Anyway, I just wanted to send you a “thank you” note for the wonderful bits of information that you provide and I’m sure I will eventually have the nerve to put myself out there and make some contributions on the public comments section.
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.
Recently, a very brave catechist, Greg Olson, about to enter his second year as a catechist, spoke at all of his parish’s Sunday Masses to give witness to his vocation as a catechist and to help recruit new catechists. Greg is no stranger to this blog as he shares his thoughts and comments often, especially during this summer’s online retreat. With Greg’s permission, I am sharing his experience of speaking at the Masses. He and I […]
Welcome to Week 3 of our Online Catechist’s Retreat (The Spirituality of the Catechist) as we take a look at the second characteristic of our spirituality: An Openness to the Church. Thanks so much for insights posted last week on the theme of our openness to God! Your stories were very inspiring as we venture forth in this retreat. If you’re just joining us, you can go back and “catch up” and then come back to […]
At this time of the year, many people are being asked to consider the possibility of becoming a catechist for next year. This is a monumental responsibility of the catechetical leader: to discern which individuals God may be calling to this privileged vocation. By the same token, those who are invited to serve as catechists are faced with discerning whether or not this is their vocation. Part of that discernment is listening to the stories […]
I wanted my pre Lenten class to be really meaningful.
I wanted the children in my sixth grade class to be really prepared for this Holy Season. In listening to your FAQ’s on Lent coupled with the text book
history and story….highlighting pertinent words on the board, we had the best and most meaningful discussion ever.
When we go to Mass together on Ash Wednesday,
I feel the children will be more engaged, informed and prayerfully ready
for Lent in preparation for the most Glorious Celebration of our Christian
faith ….the Joy of Christ’s RESURRECTION on Easter Sunday.
Thank you for your help and guidance.
May God’s Light continue to inspire you .
Kathleen, what wonderful news! I’m so glad that I can be of help. I hope you have a wonderful Lenten season and may you and your 6th graders continue to grow closer to our Lord! Peace.
Dear Joe,
I wanted my pre Lenten class to be really meaningful.
I wanted the children in my sixth grade class to be really prepared for this Holy Season. In listening to your FAQ’s on Lent coupled with the text book
history and story….highlighting pertinent words on the board, we had the best and most meaningful discussion ever.
When we go to Mass together on Ash Wednesday,
I feel the children will be more engaged, informed and prayerfully ready
for Lent in preparation for the most Glorious Celebration of our Christian
faith ….the Joy of Christ’s RESURRECTION on Easter Sunday.
Thank you for your help and guidance.
May God’s Light continue to inspire you .
Kathleen
Kathleen, what wonderful news! I’m so glad that I can be of help. I hope you have a wonderful Lenten season and may you and your 6th graders continue to grow closer to our Lord! Peace.