First Catechist Meeting of 09-10!

Joe Paprocki Catechetical Leaders, Joys and Frustrations

Last night, we had our opening catechist meeting for the 09-10 catechetical year! It was great to see my fellow 8th grade catechists as well as all of the other catechists and aides who gathered for the evening. There was a palpable sense of excitement and enthusiasm in the air. Here are a few highlights:

  • Arlene, our DRE, demonstrated how we can all start our classes by enthroning the Bible. She invited 4 volunteers: one to carry a small Cross, two to carry small candles, and one to carry the Bible. She played a CD of a hymn that we call sang along with as the four processed around the room and then placed the Bible, candles, and Cross on the prayer table.
  • The focus of the evening was on how we need to incorporate prayer into our sessions. Needless to say, I was very happy with the direction of the evening! 🙂
  • Arlene asked a few catechists to share a few thoughts about their vocation – why they became a catechist. Very inspiring to listen to peoples’ stories.
  • I have an aide! Last year, we had trouble finding someone to serve as an aide and I often went at it alone. This year, I have Lucy, who is a Mom and a nurse and served as a 7th grade aide last year. I’m thrilled to have another adult in the room with me.
  • I have 10 students! 6 boys and 4 girls. I’m picturing my seating chart already: boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy!!!
  • We begin in less than 2 weeks, with classes starting on Monday, September 14.
  • I stopped at CVS on the way home and purchased a number of extra supplies (the parish provides a number of school supplies in a bin that we carry to class…I’m just supplementing as many of us catechists do!)
  • In the weeks ahead, I’ll be praying for my students and their families.

Anyone else have an opening catechist meeting to tell us about?

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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.

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3 Comments

  1. My CRE had our kick-off meeting this past Thursday. It was a very inspirational meeting. Our Permanent Deacon made a presentation on the importance of our role as Catechists that was very inspiring. He very effectively tied that we do with the mission of the Church to make disciples of all nations and how he considers us as true disciples.

    The meeting ended with some announcements about changes for the coming year and the sharing of ideas by the Catechists as well as a little Q&A to help newer Catechists that has questions, concerns or even jitters.

    It was a great meeting!! I’m ready to go!

    Reply

  2. We had our meeting a few weeks ago. It was so wonderful. I am excited to get started. I teach 7th & 8th grade and also do the Confirmation class when we have it (we rotate years, every other year). This year is Confirmation so I am really jazzed about that! Tonight is our opening night. I have 5 possibly 6 students with only 1 boy. He’s a great kid though so he’ll do fine with all the girls.

    Reply

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