Greetings from Detroit where I’m spending the morning with the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders talking about A Well-Built Faith! Luckily I did not have to miss one of my Monday night sessions with my 8th graders since yesterday, March 1, was Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, a state holiday, so we had no class. This coming Sunday is Confirmation and for once, I have the opportunity to actually attend the Confirmation Mass to see my class receive the Sacrament. I’m looking forward to it!
Joe's Comings and Goings
North Woods Catechesis
I enjoyed the last couple of days in Northern Wisconsin with 100 catechetical leaders looking at how we proclaim the story of salvation through a Catholic lens. We had a wonderful time together and I hopefully set the stage for my long-time friend and colleague, Carole Eipers, to take over and carry the gathering through tomorrow. The event was organized by the Wisconsin Directors of Religious Education Federation (WDREF). I had the pleasure of seeing […]
Newsworthy
'Round, 'Round, Get Around, I Get Around!
Of course, that’s the classic Beachboys tune – I Get Around – that I’m invoking as I draw your attention to my updated calendar for 2010 (at the bottom of the About Me page). The traveling begins in earnest next week when I fly to Bridgeport, CT to spend a day with about 100 catechetical leaders! Perhaps some of us will have a chance to meet at these various events around the country! I’ve met a number […]
Intermediate Grades
Assessment Results…So Far, Not Too Bad
On Monday, I gave my 4th graders an end-of-the-year assessment. Unfortunately, I did not leave enough time for all of them to finish so I will allow some time this coming Monday for the rest of the group to complete the exam. I have no doubt that part of the reason that we had such a robust conversation about the 1o Commandments last Monday was because the kids knew that the more they talked, the […]
I just got home after spending the morning at this DSCL event. I really enjoyed this presentation and I walked away with more tools to help me in my ministry. Thank you so much. God Bless
Eileen, thanks! I had a wonderful time with you and the good folks of the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders!
Joe:
I attended your presentation with DSCL. You are a very good story teller! Your examples reminded me of my own experiences in sharing with other faith traditions, and reminded me of some wonderful experiences with the Muslim community in the metro Detroit area. We can all learn from one another.
I liked your handy four pillars explanation from the CCC and your H.E.L.P. from the Beatles. Way cool! It is a good discussion image to use with RCIA, children, or any folks who have questions about our Faith as Catholics.
I also appreciated your emphasis on using simplicity to teach Truth and your suggestions of creative ways to share our Catholic identity with parish culture and others outside of our own faith tradition.
Your reminder to all of us that, “prayer is our response to God’s attempt to get our attention” has given me some hope this Lent on my own journey as I encounter the Cross in a big way in my own life.
I picked up your Bible Blueprint book at the DSCL event, and I think it will be a real asset to me in parish ministry and in home schooling my four children.
Best wishes to you in your ministry in the windy city.
Michelle, thanks for your kind words. I remember chatting with you when the morning was over as well as the comments you shared about your experiences with the Muslim community. I really enjoyed my visit to Detroit and was especially aware of the fact that many folks there are struggling either because of the economy or the changes happening in the Diocese or both. It was a privilege to be a part of a strong, positive, and enriching event thanks to the DSCL. I wish you continued success in your ministry, especially in raising/home schooling your 4 children. May your Lenten journey continue to lead you to an ever deepening capacity to celebrate the Risen Christ as Easter!